Chapter 14 is up, and this is the last chapter, for 2017 of course. So let's get started.
"Me and Annie, we took part in the destruction of Shiganshina."
The room went eerily quiet until Mikasa suddenly appeared behind Eren with her knife trying to cut him down, which was stopped by Annie who used her arm to stop Mikasa's slash.
Eren saw Armin reaching out to his knife while looking at their clash. As he gets on his knife, Armin went to help Mikasa, by trying to stab Annie. He gives a short look at Eren, giving him the idea of what he's about to do.
'You murderer, I trusted you all this time. I lost my family because of you. All those lives taken, I will avenge them. Death will not be enough for you. I should make you suffer, and to do that I will take away the very person you care about.'
Armin immediately went to stab Annie but instead, Eren got in the way and his knife on Eren's chest.
The others, still in shock from Eren's confession, didn't even move an inch from their place. How could they not, they trusted him, they gave their life for both Eren and Annie. Annie, who was focusing on Mikasa, trying to hold her off, looked at Eren with a knife on his chest. She pushed away Mikasa with all her strength and went to Eren.
"Eren!"
Before she could help him, she was knocked out by Levi, and Mikasa who was still had rage in her eyes lounges towards Annie before she was held back by Levi.
"Let me go! I will kill them both!"
Erwin felt that it is time for him to act. He looked at how this peaceful meeting became chaos after Mikasa and Armin didn't manage to hold back their feelings.
"ENOUGH! This meeting is now over! Levi, bring Ackerman and Arlert out of here. Mike, bring both Eren and Annie to the cellar and lock them, Hange you go with Mike and treat Eren's injuries. The rest of you are dismissed."
…
2 HOURS LATER
Erwin, Levi, Mike and Hange are all gathered in the room, trying to figure out how to make use of the information given by the two titan shifters. They were all calm when they were told about their involvement in the Shiganshina attack. They already anticipate the worst from them. Still, it is quite shocking to know that they did take part in the attack. They might be doing humanity a favour for executing them but still they need them alive. This is what they planned for in the beginning, to make use of their powers regardless of their crimes, for humanity's sake or so they called it.
But that doesn't mean they could easily forgive them. What they did was wrong by any means, killing thousands of innocents, and another thousand homeless. They need to figure out what comes next in the future should they didn't need them anymore. Erwin needs to visit them again later to get more information. Right now, they need to discuss about what has happened last week which cost most of their soldiers dead.
"Have you identified the gear they were using?" Erwin asked.
"From my observation, the gear they were using are indeed has the same structure as the 3DMG that all soldiers used. But instead of blades, they used firearms as their weapon. My guess is the gear is used to counter any soldier that is good at using the standard 3DMG which is most likely us, the Survey Corps." Hange explained.
Hange further explained that the gear also needs a good 3DMG user which is most likely from the Military Police other than the Survey Corps. This makes the Military Police a prime suspect in the attack which Erwin needs to face Nile to ask about it soon. He knew Nile won't order an attack on the Survey Corps unless he was ordered by king himself which is another issue they need to discuss about.
Most have doubts about their so called 'king' who resides in Mitras, the capital city inside the walls. The king did nothing to his people other than sending them to their deaths and let them starve. In other cases, like Erwin's case, he thinks that the king is hiding something. The king used the Military Police to do his bidding, like killing his father to cover up the truth about the outside walls. Since then, he has been planning to topple the current government. However they need a suitable ruler. With the information Eren gave about the real royal family hiding somewhere among the populace, the Survey Corps could find them and place them as the rightful leader of Paradis.
"The information Eren gave us proved to be valuable indeed. But we still need solid evidence to convince the populace if we are going to do this revolution. I would have to consult with Eren after this. Hange, I want you to go to Stohess and meet with Pastor Nick and see if we can get his cooperation. Mike and Levi, prepare the rest of the soldiers to return. I expect that I will be summoned to the capital after our long absence." Erwin ordered.
"Understood" The three of them replied as they all went to do their respective duties.
…
Eren woke up after being unconscious for a while. He remembered being stabbed by Armin on the chest as the quickly look at his chest to see the wound got patched up. He felt no pain as he unconsciously healed up his stab wound. But that is the least of his worries. He remembered the look on Armin's face as he stabbed him, the look of sadness and anger. While Mikasa's eyes show nothing but anger, his comrades' faces all wore shocked expressions. He knew what had to be done, but he will just have to bear with the consequences.
Eren stood up from his bed only for him to be shackled on the bed. He then remembered Annie as he franticly looked his surroundings for her presence. He finally found her lying on a bed next to him, still sleeping, probably knocked out he assumed. She was shackled on the bed just like him.
"Annie?" Eren tried to call her out which she responds after a few calls.
She woke up feeling dizzy after she heard a few calls for her name. The last thing she remembered was Eren stabbed on the chest. She quickly stood up trying to look for him and she found him on her right. She calmed herself after that.
"Eren, are you alright?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Eren replied.
"Where are we?"
"I don't know. It looks like a basement to me."
Eren looked at every detail of the place they were at. Just as he was about do something, a door was opened which revealed just Erwin. He went inside and locked the door. He soon finds a chair to sit on and he look intently at the two. After a minute of silence, Erwin begins to speak.
"So you have awakened."
Eren and Annie felt slightly awkward and speechless. Hours ago they labelled themselves as traitors and took part in Wall Maria's fall. They didn't know how to respond to the commander of the Survey Corps. The commander should feel rage or any killing intent from him or maybe he just try to look professional and would not let his feelings get over him. Instead he just talked to them casually.
"If you think I'm angry at your actions, then yes I am. But, I offer you two a chance to redeem yourself. It might not be enough for what you have caused and we still won't forgive you for what you have done in the past. It is not up to me to decide your fate. However, if your actions prove to be worthy to our cause, then we will reconsider to look aside your crimes."
Eren looked sceptical about this whole thing. Erwin looked dead serious about it and wasn't taking no for an answer. It's not like they have a choice anyway. What Eren learnt for 5 years living in the island is to not underestimate their military capability. Not to mention, they had Levi, who could annihilate them in different ways, Armin, who had the smartest mind from what he observed and could use anything to mess anyone of them up, and the Founding Titan, which they still didn't know its exact location. They could try and make a break for it, but somehow Eren feel guilty for what they had done and it wasn't right for them to get away from their problems. It's what stops Eren from leaving the island.
Annie on the other hand felt like they were trying to use both her and Eren as tools of war. Just like Marley did. It is all the same for her, both Marley and Paradis Eldians. But as if they have a choice, she just wants to go home and live a quiet life. Even though the risks are high, she will do whatever it takes to get off this damned island.
"I'll give you both three hours to think. By then, I hope you made up your mind."
Erwin went up and left the room but before he close the door shut, he looked back at the two titan shifters.
"Thanks for your honesty by the way. I know it wasn't easy to do so. But you did the right choice."
…
At the ruins of Shiganshina, Pieck, Bertholt and Reiner are trying to scavenge what's left of the attack. So far, they found two functional 3DMGs, gas canisters and blades. They also found the Survey Corps' food supplies that were left behind by them. Rather than letting the soldiers' bodies to rot, they round up most of the bodies while scavenging, giving them a proper burial. While finding the bodies, they stumble upon a dead person with a different kind of 3DMG that was used to kill the Survey Corps soldiers. They decided to take that gear for further inspection.
While almost finishing up burying the bodies, they saw Zeke carrying their supplies which earns a look from the warriors.
"Where are you going Zeke?" asked Pieck.
"After you guys are done, we need to move away from here. It won't be long till someone comes here and figure out that there is someone still living here. As much as I want to stay here and wait until the Founding Titan come, we need to move to somewhere safe"
"We have a place inside the walls. It's secure and the soldiers rarely round the place" Reiner said.
He knew it was safe because the Military Police never bothered to patrol the area since they were too lazy to do so. It is also Annie's refuge from her spying if she is too tired to get back to the training camp.
"Then it's settled. However we have to leave the rest of your titan's gear Pieck. I already hide it in a safe spot where they won't find out. I would also like to study this contraption these Paradis soldiers are using."
Suddenly, Bertholt have a suggestion to make.
"Um, why don't you and Pieck try to get use to the gear? It would be convenient to move around the city."
The 3DMG requires a year of practice and training to get used to it. However, Bertholt believes that Pieck and Zeke can learn the basics in no time since they are both fast learners. Zeke just smiles at his suggestion and figures it might be worth to try.
"A good idea Bertholt, I believe both you and Reiner can teach us the basics. I never would have thought my junior warriors would teach me something I don't know." Zeke just laughs slightly.
After they finished burying the dead, they gather their supplies and went away from Shiganshina to Reiner and Bertholt's safe house. What they don't know is that, they will soon be caught up into something big that is going to happen inside the walls.
…
Eren and Annie are still thinking about Erwin's offer. Since they didn't have a choice other than death, they could just take up the offer. But it's not that what Eren's worried about. It's about confronting their former comrades again. He and Annie felt first-hand Mikasa's wrath and Armin's unpredictability, which he thought Armin would just lie down and cry, but instead he attempted to hurt Annie. He wouldn't dare to think what the others might feel about their sins, although they didn't experience what both Mikasa and Armin been through.
Another thing that worries him is the future. What happens to both him and Annie when they don't need their services anymore? Would they be locked up in Paradis until their 13 years is over? And Annie, he would rather sacrifice himself if it means to send Annie home to her father safely. Knowing that Reiner and Bertholt are safe with Pieck and his half-brother, Zeke, they could help bring her home if things get awry.
Annie could see through Eren. This decision he's making weighs heavily on him. If only he could remember that he's not alone and he got her to share the weight of his problems.
"Eren, I know I probably said it a million times but whatever you're doing I-"
"'- will fight with you and watch your back' and thanks for that Annie. I couldn't ask any more from you. I'm grateful to have a friend like you in times like this."
His words somehow broke her heart a little. She felt like he was trying to push her away. Eren then felt that his words are to push her away. He didn't mean that, and by the looks on her face tells him that she's feeling down by his words.
"Look I'm sorry Annie. I didn't mean it that way. It's just that, I was thinking about what will happen in the future, what will happen if they didn't need us. And I can't forgive myself if you die because of my decisions. I know we didn't have a choice. If it means we will be able to go home, then I'll take the opportunity, but I don't know. I'm kind of scare of the future."
Annie then looks at him straight in the eye.
"Eren, I told you before. You said it yourself that I will fight with you and watch your back. Do you really think that I'm weak all these years?"
"I-" but before Eren could say anything, Annie continued.
"I trained every day and night, just to watch your back. What happened to the Eren that wanted to fight back? The one who desires freedom for all Eldians? I didn't just follow you blindly, since you gave me purpose that day if you remember, I put my full faith on you."
Before she knew, she begins to shed tears which is the first time she done that for many years.
"You know why I still follow you? Because I believed in you and I have feelings for you! I will do whatever it takes to protect you and you still think I'm weak, well guess what? I am weak! I can't even help you anymore! I can't even see you not worry about every single decision you made! I always rely on you when I'm at my lowest point! I'm useless. I just…- I just want to go home, with you, and the others…"
Annie begins crying after that, while Eren just looked shocked at her outburst. He knew she was right. Why should he worry about Annie's safety when she's strong. He was the one who made the vow, to protect each other's backs. It seems that he's too protective of her that he forgets that she can protect herself as well. But when she does so, he always put her safety before him. Is he scared of losing her? So much that he could sacrifice himself just to not lose her. And who would have thought she had feelings for him, or maybe he's just too oblivious in his opinion. After so much has happened, he changed. He thought Annie did too, but she's still remembers the purpose he gave her while he almost forgets it.
Figuring it's time to give her purpose once more, he begins to reach out to Annie. If only his cuffs didn't shackle him in his place.
'Tch, stupid cuffs, guess I have to break them.'
Eren concentrates his hardening on his fists begins punching the chains that connects with his cuffs on the wall. He finally breaks free and he went to Annie. He embraced her and ran his hand on her blonde hair.
"I'm sorry Annie. I guess I'm afraid of losing everything I cared for. We already lost Marcel, Reiner and Bertholt out there trying to stay safe, our comrades lose trust on us, and I guess your father's promise to me gets me."
Annie looks up to see Eren's face.
"You're not weak. I am. I try to look strong by protecting what's left, and I ended up forgetting that they could protect themselves as well, especially you. I guess I think too much that I would rather give my life to see you all safe. This time I promise that we will fight together and watch each other's backs while we fight for freedom."
Annie wipes her tears away and looked back at Eren with a new hope.
"Promise me that you will never give your life to see us safe and don't decide what the future holds. We'll get there eventually and we'll always find a solution."
"I promise. We're all in this together aren't we?"
Eren did something that he had never done in his entire life. He kissed her forehead which caused a small blush to appear on Annie's cheeks. But somehow, she felt warmth and comfort from him, knowing that he would still be protecting her, but now she knows it will be different this time.
Their moment was interrupted by Erwin and Levi's arrival. Erwin looked surprised that Eren had already freed himself, forcefully. And he didn't even escape from his capitivty together with Annie. Things are looking good for Erwin as he know that both Eren and Annie will be a valuable asset in their upcoming plan. Although it didn't help their crimes against his people, he will try his best to give the freedom they deserve if the managed to get through this.
"So Eren and Annie, have you finally made up your mind?"
Annie looks at him and gives him a nod of approval. Eren looks back at Erwin with eyes full of determination and gives his answer.
"Yes, whatever you're offering we will try our best to do it."
Chapter 14 completed. I guess I have a lot of explaining to do in this chapter. Let's start with Armin. At this point Armin begins to abandon his humanity to avenge the people that died during the attack on Shiganshina and after. It would also build him into becoming a cold yet cunning person, which he started to attack Annie instead of Eren because he know it will hurt him that much. Next is Annie. To start with, her character will be different from the original story, as I said before (or not). As I wrote in this chapter, the reason Annie cried was because she thinks Eren saw her as a weak person, not being able to protect Eren like he protected her. Imagine all the hard work you do to please others but didn't get appreciated or people still having doubts in your abilities. Yeah it's like that. And the times where Eren always protect her was when she got shot in CH11 and tries to defend her, and when Armin tries to stab her, Eren became a meat shield for her. Come on, she's Annie Leonhart, she never lets her guard down and go down easily like that, which is the only trait I keep from the original story.
At first this story was meant to be an ErenxAnnie story. But when I write about it, I see more of its potential than just an ErenxAnnie story, which I tried my best to flesh out. If you look at this story as an ErenxAnnie story, I don't mind at all.
Anyway, I will try my best to improve my writing which is how I interpret the characters, their expressions, inner monologues. If there is anything you would like to ask, feel free to PM me. See you all in 2018, and don't forget to review and thanks for the reviews for every chapter which I appreciate it. Happy New Year in advance!