BluePhoenix34 does not own Shingeki no Kyojin, the property and creation goes to Hajime Isayama. However, BluePhoenix34 does own Gianne Starken and all the characters unfamiliar to the SNK series. Now please, sit back and enjoy the long awaited chapter!
Chapter Nine: Communication
"Hey, over here!" Antonio waved his arms around to get the Titan's attention.
The blonde headed creature turned towards the human on the rooftop. It attempted to pluck him from where he was, until blood squirted behind its neck. Before the body could fall, Alexander Cobalt landed by Antonio's side, the Titan's blood evaporating from his blades, face, and uniform.
"Good work Rodrigues. You make an excellent decoy." his squad leader commented.
"Thank you sir." he replied.
The two went off to aid the rest of their squad members. Sylvia was doing her best to get the Titan's to notice her while a couple soldiers slashed the nape of their necks. However, another Titan suddenly appeared from behind Sylvia. Before the two soldiers could call out to her, Antonio accelerated towards the monster in order to end his life. When he felt his blades cut through soft flesh, he had both his feet on the brick wall of a building, jumped towards Sylvia, and pushed her out of the way before the Titan body could squish her.
They both smashed into another building together, feeling the ground vibrate beneath them as the Titan fell. Their commander went towards them.
"Are you two alright?" Alexander asked.
"Peachy…" Sylvia answered, forcing herself off Antonio's body.
The boy, however, felt extreme pain in his right shoulder. Looking towards his arm, he held in the food that threatened to come right back up. It was deformed and a little crooked. He couldn't even feel the strength in it. Was it broken?
"Rodrigues, I think your arm is dislocated." Alexander said.
"What? No…" Antonio trailed. Now he couldn't activate his maneuver gear without his right arm. Both hands needed to operate. Would they have to carry him? He didn't expect anyone to do him that favor. However, before he could think this through, Alexander walked towards him, bent down, and grabbed him arm.
"Shelton, hold him down." he ordered Sylvia.
"What?" Antonio said.
Sylvia obeyed without question and held both Antonio's shoulders in place. He looked at her, scared about what was to come. She tried to comfort him.
"Cobalt is going to pop your arm back in place. Just look at me. I'm going to count to three."
"Okay."
"One… two…"
She was cut off by the sound of his scream of shock and the noise of bones.
-:-:-:-:-
The force of Eren's punch created a huge hole on the roof.
Both Mikasa and Gage barely managed to dodge the sudden attack. The two flew in different directions as wood, rubble, and other rooftop pieces constantly hit them. Gage kept his arm wrapped around Gianne's waist as he took her along with him. She was too distracted before to notice the attack, making Gage feel glad that he came along after all.
After their bodies smashed into a stone chimney, Gage rapidly hovered over Gianne's body solidly, preventing any objects from harming her. The sharp pieces stung his back. Bruises were going to be marked all over later. When it felt safe to move, Gage stood up and looked down at the horror-stricken girl, who was unable to remember what was going on.
Enraged, Gage clenched his teeth and turned to the Titan. He spotted Mikasa slowly recovering while looking up with a frail expression. She had a cut on her cheek, deep enough to form a scar. The Titan growled like an animal and lifted his left arm. Eren was aiming for a second punch on her.
"Eren, what the fuck!" Gage cried, drawing out his blades.
"No wait!" Mikasa said.
"Mikasa!"
"Don't touch him–" she sprinted away from the second punch, causing the rooftop to shake violently. Gage had to grab hold of Gianne before she fell off. If there was more damage done to the building, it was likely to collapse. Eren still had his eyes on Mikasa as she squirmed.
"Ackerman!" Ian shouted after her. "Get away from him!"
Ignoring her superior's orders, she used her cables to pull herself up, made her way right to Eren's face, and grabbed a thick strand of his bang. Holding onto his hair with one hand, her foot on his nose, Mikasa stared deeply into one of those burning green eyes. Gage was astonished by her brave actions.
"Idiot, do you want to die!" Rikken cried out.
"Eren, don't you recognize me? I'm Mikasa! I'm your family!" Mikasa starts.
"Gianne, use your powers now. Gianne?" Ian called.
Gage watched Gianne fall on her knees, still struck with complete horror. Gage tried to comfort her, but she was too traumatized to speak. They almost died again, and it was by Eren's doing. He was turning on them. What was going on though? Gage still stepped forward, his blades ready for any combat needed.
"Mikasa, get down!" he said.
"Listen to me!" she continued. "You must block the hole with that boulder!"
Rico shoots a red smoke, signaling the others that the mission has failed. Gage felt his eyes widen. It was over now, the plan was incomplete. Eren wasn't the solution to the problem. What will happen now? Eren was going to die. Gianne was going to be executed along with him. Wall Rose will get invaded like Wall Maria. No, he thought.
"Eren! Snapped out of it right now!" Gage cried to the Titan. "Eren! Eren!"
Ian shouts. "Ackerman, Butler, get away! Talicorn, attack it!"
Rikken slides down his wedging goggles, gracefully swipes out his blades, and activates his maneuver gear. He was prepared to do what he could to stop the human weapon. However, Mikasa's abrupt shout made him freeze in place before attempting to do any harm on Eren.
"No! I said don't touch him! Eren listen to me, you're human!"
The sharp creases on the Titan's horrifying face only grew deeper. He moved around his head, trying to remove Mikasa from his nose. Snapping back to reality, Gianne looked back at the scene. The Titan that almost crushed her and her friends now stood still once again. The eyes were still bright, like two green stars. Eren was acting like a normal class Titan. Was he controlling it or was his Titan controlling him? Smoke appeared from both the ends of its arm, regenerating hands. Gianne looked more closely at the body and noticed how its arms began twitching. Suddenly realizing what was to come, she pushed her self forward and tried to prevent it. Rikken noticed too.
"Eren, no–!"
"Dodge Ackerman!" Rikken shouted.
Mikasa instantly jumps off the nose as Eren throws his third punch at his own face. She flew back to the now mutilated rooftop and stood beside Gage, panicking for her brother. The Titan stumbled backwards from his hit, the force causing half his face to come off. Without warning, the giant fell to the ground and leaned on the side of the boulder, causing a small shock wave. After a few moments, the Titan did not move. Smoke was being produce in order to regenerate the lost parts of its body.
"Eren!" Gianne cried, worried for his state.
The rest of the elite squad members regrouped on the same rooftop and discussed the current situation.
"What's up with him? He's just a stupid Titan like all the rest! And you, Starken! Why didn't you do anything to prevent his attacks! I thought you could handle him!" Mitabi shouts at her. Gianne felt a weight fall from her stomach. He was putting all the blame on her. Too stunned to reply, Gage pulled her behind him to glare back at the man.
"She didn't know he was going to attack us!"
"G-Gage, I–"
"Squad leader Ian!" a few meters away, a soldier called out to the elite group. Everyone turned to listen more closely. "Two approaching from behind; one ten meter and one six meter class! Another one's coming from behind; a twelve meter class!"
Everyone felt uneasy about what was approaching. Not only did they have to solve Eren's problem, but there were Titans that were still coming in. There were possibly some close by too. Was it really worth their lives to do this? Gianne looked back at Eren and tried her best to say something in her mind. Eren, can you hear me? She did not get a response. She tried again, and focused harder, but there was no reply. She was getting angrier with this. How did she do it before?
"So Squad Leader Ian, what are your orders for Jaeger?" Rikken asked. Both his arms crossed over his chest in a comfortable position. He was trying to stay calm in this nightmare.
Rico answered the question immediately.
"We've got no choice but to leave him here." she said. Mikasa gave her a strong glare, refusing to accept that decision. Gianne also gave her a look of disapproval. Gage was torn between choosing to go along with it, or continuing to aid Eren. Ian was deep in thought about the idea. Mitabi pressed forward with his loud voice, his face showing fear and trepidation.
"Hey, what're you waiting for? You're in command!"
Ian didn't answer.
"Ian, it's not your fault. Everyone knew that! It was worth giving it a try and we've already tried it with no success."
The Squad Leader still gave no response. Gianne was beginning to worry. Would he really desert a mission like that? Eren answer me now! No answer still. Mitabi continued.
"Listen, we're going up the wall."
The tall man starts to walk off while Rico follows closely behind. As Gianne and Gage watch him, Mikasa tenses with complete fury and attempts to attack them both. Her blades were raised high as she took a step forward. However, Ian draws out a hand, making her come into a sudden halt. Gianne was thankful for her Squad Leader's actions, or else Mikasa would have become reckless. Ian finally gives out his orders.
"Wait, calm down Ackerman… Rico, take down the twelve meter class that's coming from behind. Mitabi's squad and I will handle the two in front of us."
Both Rico and Mitabi stop and turn back to their Squad Leader. His orders made them gap and widen their eyes with rage. They couldn't believe Ian would still go along with the mission.
"What?" Rico said, unable to accept what she was just told.
"Starken," he turns to her. Startled for a second, Gianne gives him her full attention. "I want you to go down there and try to contact Eren as best as you can. You said you could manipulate him before, so try again. I want him up on his feet as soon as possible. Do you understand? The fate of humanity now rest on your shoulders."
Gianne felt like sandpaper was in her mouth. Ian just gave her an important task to do. As a sixteen year old girl, could she handle such pressure? This was supposed to be about Eren, she was just an assistant like everyone else. Now, she held the fate of humanity in her hands. She was unsure if she could lead them forward to victory.
"Starken, do you understand?" Ian repeated.
Though, she had to at least try. Eren did, and he's only fifteen. She can handle the stress. Giving a salute and trying her best to look determined, Gianne answered him.
"Y-Yes, sir!"
"Good, now get to work."
"Right!"
Gianne ran away from the group and activated her maneuver gear to get to the Titan body. Gage watched her land in front of it, beginning to use her telepathic powers. He watched for any Titans coming nearby, as well as Mikasa. Being on the ground was dangerous in this kind of event.
"Ian, what do you think you're doing?"
Ian gave Rico a hard look.
"I'm in command here, and I want you to be quiet and listen to my orders. We can't leave Jaeger defenseless, so we'll change our objectives. Until Jaeger can be retrieved, we'll protect him from the Titans. He represents a precious possibility for mankind. We can't just abandon him, unlike us, he can't be replaced."
"Hundreds have already died for that hulking failure of a human weapon! Now you want to recover him, just for us to go through all that again?" Rico shouted her outburst. Anyone would be able to see how furious and frightened she really was.
"That's right!" Ian said. "No matter how many of us die, we'll try again and again!"
Rico and Mitabi were both dumbfounded. Even Gage was surprised by his words. Ian was ready to sacrifice so many for one person. Was it even worth it? He respected Eren, but if he couldn't do his task than the blood will be on both his and Squad Leader Ian's.
"Ian, are you out of your mind?"
"How else can mankind win against Titans? Tell me Rico, what other way is there to get through this? How can we win against Titans without more people dying, while staying humans ourselves?"
Gage was getting frustrated with this conversation. There were people dying and no one wanted to cooperate. This was supposed to be a battle against Titans, not one another. In fact, he was more concerned about both Gianne and Eren's safety more than what his superiors were saying. He was about to say something, until a hand swiftly came over his mouth.
Rikken gave him a look when he withdrew his hand back. His eyes read; Don't they'll figure this out. He was right. Gage just realized he was going to interrupt his superiors. A trainee has no place to talk back to the elites. He has no say in the orders they give. His only job was to follow through. He just listened to Ian.
"That's why this is all we have left. For that messed-up human weapon's sake, we must risk our lives and give it our all. Isn't it pitiful? That's all we can do as humans. So what will you do? This is the only way we can fight. This is as much struggle as we can manage."
Rico and Mitabi were silent, and averted their eyes to any direction. Rikken watched them both closely, wondering how these Garrison soldiers will react. They were still reluctant about his words, but they both knew he was right. Sighing heavily, Rico spoke first.
"I can't accept that." she turns to walk away. Ian was crossed with her attitude.
"Rico!"
Rico stops, "I will follow the plan. I think what you're saying is right. But while I struggle, I'll show them just how frightful humans can be. I refuse to die a dog's death. Leave the twelve meter class for me and my men."
With that, she takes her leave. Mitabi starts to walk off as well.
"Let's go. The two ahead of us are ours." he says to Ian.
"I'll be there in a second. Talicorn," Ian turns to him. "I want you to head in Rico's direction as back up. Butler, your job is to aid him."
"S-Sir," Gage stuttered. "With all due respect, I think my place should be here with Eren and Gianne."
"No, that will be Ackerman's job. She will protect them both. You are not going to disobey an order, is that clear cadet?"
Gage apprehensively nodded, upset that he won't be there for Gianne. He trusted Mikasa, but he wanted to contribute with protecting them. Ian seemed to notice this.
"Boy, there's no time for that. Your only focus right now is to kill as many Titans as you can. Think about humanity first, put your faith into us, and trust that we'll take care of your lover."
Gage felt his face flush deeply; Mikasa and Rikken both witnessed this. Gage kept silent, feeling his tongue get tied in knots.
"Okay boy, let's move out." Rikken said, preparing to transport. His goggles were still covering his eyes. He looked so much different now. More battle ready than before.
"R-Right…" Gage said.
The two finally left, leaving both Mikasa and Ian alone.
"Thank you Squad Leader Ian." she said.
"Ackerman, you shouldn't thank me. I almost shit myself because I had no clue what you were about to do. Move ahead on your own to perform the original plan. Your abilities are best utilized that way."
"Yes, sir."
"Protect your lover too."
Just like Gage, Mikasa looks down in embarrassment with her cheeks blushed. Before she could correct him, Ian ran off after Mitabi. Recovering, she turns towards Eren and Gianne. The Titan body was still smoking. His wounds were not regenerating, making her worry. Gianne was also trying her best to work her powers, but it looked like she kept failing.
Please Gianne, please help him…
-:-:-:-:-
"Sereak, don't engage, just lead them in this direction!" Jean said.
Sereak ran beside him, so he must've seen the look she had on. She saw a couple Garrison soldiers get devoured by two twelve-meter class, and the memory of her parents suddenly came into her mind. A wrathful look was plastered on her face and she attempted to turn around to fight. Jean, however, somehow managed to stop her. She gave him a hard look.
"I know." she said. The two of them plus Annie, Daedre, and Connie continued to sprint northwest of Trost. The higher soldiers wanted the decoy squad to lure the Titans–the ones further into the city–to the edge of the Wall in order to keep them away from Eren. A couple where a few meters away from them, walking with interested expressions. The rest of their squad members were eaten along the way.
"Looks like it's just us now." Annie said.
"Yeah, we should make our way back!" Connie said.
"No! We have to make sure they all notice us. We can't let them focus on Eren!" Daedre said, falling off slightly.
Connie moved to his side. "But if we stay here any longer, we'll surely die any second!"
"Then run faster! Just don't abort yet!"
"He's right. Our enemy has to follow us. That's our mission after all." Sereak said.
After a while, the roaming Titans began to take interest in the group. When more began to follow, it suddenly became life or death for everyone. A smaller Titan appeared from an alley to grab Connie. The shocked boy, using his agility, swiftly jumped between the fingers and activated his maneuver gear. However, the hooks bounced off the stone building he aimed at. Petrified, the Titan came behind Connie once again.
Unknown with the situation, Annie and Daedre flew through the buildings to reach the Wall.
Sereak, who noticed Connie, ran back to aid him. Before the Titan could reach him, a cord flew to its head. Both Sereak and Connie looked in the back to see Jean shoot his hooks to get the monsters attention. The Titan turned towards him while the cables withdrew into their machinery.
"Jean!" Connie cried, fearing for his friend. Sereak even looked worried.
"Go! I'll take care of it." he said.
"Jean–"
"I said go!" Jean cut Sereak off.
Obeying his commands, the two activated their transports and glided through the city. Sereak kept a close eye on Connie in hopes he would not fall behind. When they lifted their bodies up to the top of the Wall, they both looked back to see if Jean was coming. However, his presence was not amongst them. Sereak looked below and frantically searched for his body. Soon, she found him running down an alley with a Titan hot on his heels. Everyone else noticed his too.
"Jean!" she cried. She attempted to fly back down but Daedre and Connie held her back. She thrashed in their hold. "Let go!"
"No! He's too far away to be saved!" Daedre said.
"We have to have faith that he'll be okay!" Connie said.
"His maneuver gear is broken! There is no possible way he'll be okay. I need to help him!" she said, her fangs bearing towards her comrades.
"Just give him a few minutes." Annie said. Sereak turned to her. "If he's still in need of aid, then we can all go down together."
Sereak never really enjoyed Annie's company, not after what happened with Gianne five years ago. During their training years, she met the blonde girl again, and the two kept their distances. They had their own friends and their own business, never speaking to one another or giving a single glance. This was the first time Annie has spoken to her and Sereak felt strange about her words. Though, the blonde girl was right.
It took a minute for Sereak to calm down and agree to her plan.
-:-:-:-:-
Gianne stared blankly at the smoking Titan before her. She couldn't figure out what she was doing or why she was here. She kept repeating the same word over and over again.
Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren…
How was it possible for her to manipulate him before? It felt like she was trying to communicate with a dog. The world around her was turning red. Every building she saw was on fire. Even the crows cackled at her attempt, mocking her as she continuously failed every minute. Though, she wasn't sure if this was real or her mind playing with her. Ian wanted her to do one thing, and she was stuck trying to make it happen. The soldiers that defended Eren and her from the Titans were rapidly getting eaten. One by one, blood would rain out between a Titan's teeth, adding a great weight on top of her shoulders. The guilt made her scream with rage.
"Fuck!"
She swung her right leg, assaulting the fallen Titan with all her strength. Since a Titan's skin is light and soft, the kick gave her no pain in return. Gianne's first attack made her pound on the Titan's leg with her two fists repeatedly.
"Eren, get up right now! I know you can hear me! Stop playing dead!"
Her voice was heard throughout the whole area. Her face was red with utter fury and sweat from anxiety. Her golden eyes burned brightly like the flame above waxed candles. She kept up her tantrum, hoping that it would finally get Eren's attention.
"I said wake up now! Are you seriously going to abandon this mission when you said you could do it? When you said you'd try no matter what it took? You pathetic boy! How dare you call yourself a soldier of humanity?"
Even her outburst could not stir the Titan body. Its glowing green eyes were still gazing at the floor, never giving any effort to avert his monstrous face to her. Gianne finally stopped, tears spilling from the edge of her eyes. She felt them river down both sides of her face, hot with boiling emotions. She laid her body on top of the callous leg, her gaze facing the floor, watching as her tears it the ground. Her eyes closed tightly as she sobbed. What am I even doing, I'm completely useless, she thought. She cried harder.
-:-:-:-:-
Gage followed Rikken's lead and helped him slay a good amount of Titans. Rico's squad was decreasing. A new soldier was getting eaten each minute. There were just too many coming into Trost.
The four remaining soldiers watched as their next man was getting ripped apart by another Titan. In Gage's eyes, it looked like meat he once at during his years as a trainee. He wondered if he would ever eat meat the same way again.
"Squad Leader Rico, it's just us now." a woman in Rico's squad cried.
Rico cringed at the sight, fury burning in her eyes as she just watched her comrade's death. It was so horrifying, but it did not make Rikken look disgusted. He's seen worse. Rico turned to him, ready to slash her blades through his body at any minute.
"You! Why aren't you doing anything!" she screamed at him. The man just glared back at her.
"I'm not God, I can't save everyone!"
"I thought you were a genius at killing Titans!"
"I thought you could manage saving your own comrades!"
"Enough! We have to move forward. We have to focus on Ian's orders." Gage cried. Before they both can lash at him, he went off to kill more Titans with the few remaining blades he had left.
This better be worth it.
-:-:-:-:-
The world was mute.
Every sound of screams, footfalls, and cries slowly decreased into nothing. The hell Gianne was in seemed more comforting as she lay on the Titan leg. She wondered how long she was in this position. Was it seconds, or minutes, or hours? It did not seem to bother her at all. She was in her state of peace. Nothing was going to disturb her tranquility.
Eren… Eren… Eren…
She kept repeating that word in her head again. If she was going to die soon, she'd rather die trying. It would be a shame to give up quickly.
Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren…
The more she said his name, the higher chance she might turn obsessive like Mikasa. His older sister would murderer her for seeing how she was. She would not suspect any effort from Gianne, and hate her for the rest of her life, unless Gage saved her, like what he would normally do, or Sereak, because she always finds a way to get her out of trouble. Her two best friends would always be by her side. She wished she could spend more time with them.
Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren…
There was still no response.
Eren… Eren…
No words were heard from his head.
Eren… Eren… Eren… Eren…
What… what… w–… what am I…
Her eyes widened slightly when she finally heard something. Was that her voice? No, it sounded different from hers. The voice was very manlike and discombobulated, like it didn't know who it was. This was Eren's voice. Gianne would finally hear his voice. She froze in place when she heard him continue in her head.
What am I doing? Am I… sitting…?
"Gianne! Gianne!"
The sudden calls of her name caused her to spring upward and shiver from anxiety. Gianne rested her hands on the Titan leg to keep steady as she averted her head left to right. Someone was calling out to her, but who? Did Mikasa come back or Gage, or maybe Ian or Rico or Mitabi? No, it was neither of them. The one who flew in her direction and land on the roof beside the boulder was none other than her intelligent comrade.
"Armin!"
"Gianne!" he said, looking down on the two. Unexpected, he uses his maneuver gear to travel down on the back on the Titan. Gianne was frightened for his life. "What happened to Eren? What happened to the plan?"
Gianne had to wake herself up a little more; unable to comprehend if this was real or not. She slapped her self, shook her body, and made herself watch a Garrison soldier get torn in half by the hands of a normal class. When she felt her blood boiling once again, she turned back to Armin, giving him his answers.
"Eren couldn't control his Titan, it started to attack Mikasa, Gage, and I. He attacked himself and went immobile for the rest of the time. Mikasa tried talking to it, but failed. I wasn't able to communicate with him until now, but for some reason, I lost the connection. Get away from him, or you'll get killed!"
"What about the plan?" Armin asked.
"It failed Armin, but I'm trying all I can to wake him up. We can't leave Eren behind, so everyone's fighting, except, too many Titans are coming in!"
Armin had a hard look upon his face. Gianne knew he had that look on when he was deep in thought. Was he thinking of another plan to save them? He did it before, but what other ideas did he have up his sleeves? Before Gianne could ask, Armin shot his hoots on both shoulder blades and drew out a blade. She felt her blood go cold as ice.
"Armin, don't kill him!" Gianne stepped forward, drawing out her own. Armin tried to reason with her.
"No. I-I'm… I'm going to help you communicate with him better, and then, maybe, we could get him out of here."
"What! Armin, there's no possible way you could do that! Eren is just stuck inside that body, he can't hear anyone. Only I can talk to him through telekinesis." Gianne said.
"Gianne, I need you to go above ground-level!"
"What, why?"
"Gianne, I've known you for three years now and I've used all my ability to get both you and Eren out of trouble. Do you trust me?"
Gianne thought about this. She remembered their Trainee Corps years and the times she would have a quarrel with some of the cadets. With Eren by her side, they would both get into trouble with Jean and a couple other people, so Mikasa, Gage, or Sereak had to jump in and save them. However, when their protective friends weren't there, it was always Armin who would manage to compromise in those situations. Whenever things got violent, he would always think of a solution to make it civil. Gianne remembered how Armin stood up for her the first time. She never met or had a care for him, but his kindness showed his selflessness towards others. He could've ignored her like Mikasa, but he didn't. So did she trust him?
"Of course I do!" Gianne said.
"Then go!"
Reluctantly, Gianne turned the other way and lifted herself up on top of the roof she was on before. She watched Armin cautiously, ready to spring in at any moment if his plans went negative. He knelt down on the nape of the neck, the tip of the blade brushing the skin. Gianne restrained herself from jumping in.
"Eren came out from the Titan's weak point. This has to be related from the mystery of the Titan's true nature. I'll be fine. As long as I avoid the middle, it won't be harmful. It's going to hurt a little bit…"
Armin lifted the blade up, preparing for the next step. Gianne wouldn't help herself when she called his name in a panic.
"Armin wait–"
The blade dropped and pierced through the nape of the neck, making blood well out.
Within a second, the Titan throws a huge uproar.
The body flails around violently while its screams fill the entire area in an ear-piercing volume. Armin, holding on to his hilt desperately, falls to his belly, moving side by side as the Titan continued. Gianne covered her own ears and closed her eyes tightly. For some reason, the pain in her head came back, this time, more painful than before. Her shrieks of agony mixed with the Titan's holler. The whole world shook vigorously from their pain. Gianne had to think of something to calm her down. Friends, family, missions, and honor, she tried to distract her mind. She needed a time of peace like from before. She had to stay calm in order to connect with Eren. Her brain pounded against her skull, begging for something. What though?
She thought of anything that would be able to make her happy. When she thought of Gage and Sereak, her pain slowly swelled down. She thought of her other friends. Her mind was coming back to normal. She thought of this mission becoming successful. Those calm thoughts made her bring her hands down. The pain had finally vanished, and so did the Titan's bellowing.
Gianne finally opened her eyes.
She was looking at a younger version of Eren.
-:-:-:-:-
Sereak spotted Jean once again.
He was coming out of a deserted home when the Titan before strolled away. She watched him carefully as he ran towards some huge building piece. From a far, she caught the sight of legs sticking out, bearing an unharmed maneuver gear. Jean began tugging at the machinery.
"Oh god, his maneuver gear is broken!" Connie cried.
"Oi, what's going on?" Marco said, walking up to the group. Sereak, Connie, Annie, and Daedre turned to him with tense looks. When the perplexed Marco looked in their direction, his eyes widened as well.
"Is that Jean?"
"Yes. His gear is broken." Daedre said.
Sereak and the others kept staring down on Jean, like hawks watching their victims every move. Sereak had the urge to fly down there and pick him up, but she knew that would hurt his pride. Though, a squeak escaped her throat when a smaller Titan started to walk up behind him. After Connie screamed his name, she sprung forward and raced in that direction. Not too long, the others were closely behind.
"Jean!" she screamed.
Jean, unaware of the rescue, turned around and finally saw the Titan. He still did not succeed in taking off the maneuver gear, but he couldn't just leave it. However, Jean was too petrified to even decide what to do next. The Titan lifted up its hand, attempting to snatch the young man off the ground, when an unforeseen figure distracted it. Jean watched as Marco glided from right to left, gaining the attention of the giant. Dumbfounded by the rescue, Jean called out to his friend.
"Marco!"
"Jean, get away!" he cried back, running in the other direction.
Absentmindedly following his orders, Jean ran the opposite way, only to be greeted by Daedre who stood on top of a roof.
"This way Jean!" he said.
Daedre activated his maneuver gear and flew off; hoping Jean would follow right behind. Jean jumped and shot his grapple hooks towards two buildings. When he flew, something was wrong. The gear's cables loosened, causing Jean to fall back down. Landing on the road, he moaned and checked his trigger.
"What the hell, why is the trigger so hard to pull?"
Hearing the sound of footfalls, Jean pushed himself up to be greeted by another Titan. The creature had a rather stupid expression on as it reached out to him. Bracing himself, Jean heard his name again and battle cries. The hissing sounds of cables were filled and Connie came after the Titan strongly. However, his attempt to slay the giant ended in an unexpected way when his body slammed on to the large head. Quickly pulling away, Connie flew to a roof while the Titan checked its head, looking utterly dumbfounded. Jean also felt the same feeling.
"What the hell was that?" he screamed at his dimwitted comrade.
"Shut up, I'm trying to save you! Jean, look out!" Connie cried.
The Titan, recovering from his distraction, looked back at Jean. It once again attempted to reach for him, until a sudden blur slashed at the neck. Stunned, Jean moved away rapidly as the Titan fell forward, barely reaching his feet when it landed on the ground. Sereak landed on the back of the smoking body, making Jean admire her a little.
"What are you waiting for? Go, now!" she yelled at him.
Both Sereak and Jean activated their maneuver gears and followed Connie back to the Wall. Jean was still having difficulties operating his transport properly, hitting a couple chimneys and sliding across some rooftops along the way. Both Sereak and Connie kept a close eye on their friend, making sure he wasn't falling behind. A couple Titans attempted to reach out for them, but they were swifter and could easily dodge. The three finally managed to make it to the Wall, but Jean had to put more effort into climbing the massive height. Landing smoothly, the three met up with Daedre, Annie, and Marco. Jean screamed at everyone for their aid.
"What's wrong with you guys? You all could've been killed!"
"You're welcome!" Connie fought back.
"Yeah, we just saved your ass, so show a little more gratitude." Daedre said.
Sereak couldn't stand up right anymore. She lay down on her back and began breathing heavily. So much as happened and she managed to survive through all of it. She needed a break to regain her energy. Marco noticed this.
"Are you okay Sereak?" he asked.
"Yeah, I just… need a few… minutes…" she said, panting through her words.
"Don't we all?" Daedre said.
Jean went by her side, looking down on her face. She stared back at him, like a confused animal. What did he want now? She wasn't in the mood to deal with his crap. She already hated the guy she didn't have to hate him anymore. They would constantly bicker to one another, hate each other's guts, and wish the other person was dead. That was how their relationship was. However, his words seemed to touch her and rethink her hatred towards him.
"Thank you for saving me, Sereak."
*Author's Note: Shut up, I know it's smaller than the other chapters. Though, I think I may continue doing this with future chapters. I feel like if I make them around 3,000 to 5,000 words, I'll be able to update more quickly. And I know how much you guys want me to update, so I'm sorry if I talk too long.:P
Also, next chapter, five new OCs are entering the story, so be on the look out! I'll introduce them in the beginning of the chapter. I'm so excited to write them out! I think their characters are going to contribute a lot to the story.
So I like to thank…
-GroundZeroFirework
-HurricaneStorblade
-Hilinarema
-djpiggy
…for submitting their characters, since they will be in the story for a while. I look forward to writing about you!
On another side note, I may start a new fanfiction similar to this since EVERYONE has been PMing to do one! From I Am Number Four to Hunger Games to some animes like One Piece and Tokyo Ghoul. I never expected to be this popular. I guess some people have faith in me. Though, I will say that when I start this fanfiction, it will be more of a side focus. I will put all my heart and soul into Black Skies no matter what!
The new fanfic will be a Pokémon story, since it's a little easier to write. I also feel like it will help me better with writing and adding some spotlight to other characters besides some of the main ones. Well, let's see how it works out.
QUESTION #3: If the Black Skies characters each had one starter Pokémon, what would they be?
Gianne: Torchic
Gage: Mudkip
Sereak: Oshawott
Daedre: Chimchar
Antonio: Cyndaquil
Sylvia: Fennekin
Conrad: Charmander
Rikken: Treeko
Until next time, I hope you guys have a great week!
-Gianne Starken: BluePhoenix34
-Gage Butler: FlyBoy56
-Sereak Poljor: Jauntues Tigerwolf
-Daedre Moche: Pixpi
-Sylvia Shelton: RoseTyler10
-Antonio Rodrigues: crankiestnebula
-Conrad Gorman: Shrapnel893
-Rikken Talicron: RagingKoopatroopa
-Phoenix
