Chapter 21: Crushing Blow
Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin
Previously: The group learns about the Female Titan's abilities. They worry, seeing the plan fail spectacularly but try to remain hopeful. They take a break, anxious about the next episode.
The Scouts raced through the Forest of Giant Trees.
C'mon! Show us the other scene! Eren stared hard at the TV.
"When the Colossal Titan vanished," Erwin began, "whoever was inside had been wearing maneuver gear, so that they could escape in the steam. Don't you think the same possibility applies here?"
It has to be him. It fits. Armin frowned. Bert's gotta be the Colossal Titan. Some of the things he had seen in the previous episodes had hinted strongly at the identity of the Armored Titan. He thought about their physical traits. Three of them, and three Titans like Eren, the Female, the Armored, and the Colossal.
"But at the time…" Hange said. "Based on what we saw when Eren emerged from the Titan, we concluded it would be impossible."
An image of Eren coming out of his Titan form appeared.
"His equipment was destroyed, and his uniform was gone."
Mikasa hugged Eren close to her on the roof, surrounded by Armin, Reiner, Bert, Annie, and Jean as Hange narrated. "Above all, Eren was so weak, he couldn't even stand unassisted."
"The Female Titan was able to attract other Titans with her cry. We failed to predict this, and the operation failed. If Titan abilities vary depending on skill, it was a mistake to use Eren, a total novice, as the basis for our assumptions."
It's so painfully obvious now, after watching this. Hange thought, frustrated. Then again, she glanced at the rookies. They had figured it out with the same amount of knowledge. They saw the huge flaws in our logic almost immediately. Maybe we should have them go over the plans for any holes or mistakes. She snorted quietly herself. We're getting old.
Erwin shifted his eyes straight ahead. "If we are to outwit our enemy, we'll need to think outside the box."
Horse hooves were heard on the outer edges of the forest.
"If we're withdrawing, does that mean the mission succeeded?" Jean said to Armin.
If only. Armin thought.
"If so, then we may already know who was inside the Female Titan."
"That we do," Jean said.
Eren shot him a dirty look.
The group continued.
"I'd like to see who it is… But why was the commander so sure that the enemy would come after Eren if he left the walls?" Jean wondered.
"I think it's because, for some reason, they suddenly stopped their advance in the midst of the last assault. Even though they managed to break through Trost's gate," Armin's thoughts turned to the Armored Titan breaching Wall Maria, "they didn't even try for the inner gate. And when Eren sealed the gate," the Rogue slammed the rock into place, "they let him. It could mean that they now have bigger concerns…"
"Bigger concerns?"
"Something more important to them than breaching the walls. Something unexpected that happened," Armin tilted his head at his fellow Scout.
I hope Candy will reveal where their powers came from. Erwin thought. Was it the same way Eren received his? Through some sort of serum?
Jean's eyes widened, "Eren's transformation into a Titan?!"
"I think it's the only answer."
"Then… That means…" Jean came to the same realization. But he was unable to wrap his head around it. "Wait… So…"
Someone who was there, who saw Eren transform, is the Titan. Armin concluded, grim.
It's one of our comrades. Sasha felt uncomfortable. Is it really Annie? She could not believe it, not without concrete evidence. But everything Armin says has been right on the dot. And he hasn't been wrong ever before. How could they spend years training together, becoming friends with a person, never realizing their true nature?
Everyone collectively tensed.
The cloaked figure moved away as Eren hung in mid-air, staring at the dead body in disbelief, "Gunther!"
"Move, idiot," Ymir said. "You're a sitting duck."
"Eren," Oluo grabbed him and pulled him along, "don't stop! Onward!" He gave the teen a shove.
Eren watched their deceased comrade be left behind, "But Gunther!" He gasped when the intruder suddenly appeared in his line of sight. "Who's there?"
"Protect Eren! Damn it," Oluo looked over his shoulder, "what do we do? Erd, where should we go?"
I'm so stressed! Connie fanned himself. So much for refusing to get caught up in this!
"There isn't time to reach the horses! Head for HQ as fast as you can!"
Sunlight broke through the foliage, making the forest look deceptively peaceful.
"Is it from the Female Titan?" Oluo looked back as they flew away. "Or is there more than one?"
"Damn you…" Petra glared. "How dare you?!" She turned her body toward the intruder, enraged. "Come at me! I'll defeat you, even if it kills me!"
"Don't be so reckless," Levi chided, overcome with dread. I've already lost one member.
"I know, Sir." Petra could imagine how difficult it would be controlling her temper after seeing her close friend and comrade be killed. She was angry just watching it happen on screen.
The Female Titan? Impossible… Eren thought, panicked. Why? Didn't we catch it?!
The cloaked figure fell back.
Squad Levi was silent, looking back, waiting for what they knew was coming.
The atmosphere in the room thickened in anxious anticipation.
Erwin's voice echoed, "If the enemy has some way to retain its strength, it may be able to transform once more."
Mikasa's jaw clenched, her expression cold. Annie...if you lay a finger on Eren I will crush your skull with my bare hands.
A massive explosion boomed across the forest, sending shockwaves through the air.
"I knew it… It's coming!" Erd yelled. "The Female Titan!"
The Female Titan emerged from the steam, running at them.
Their heartbeats started picking up with the music.
"Damn you…" Eren turned around to face her. "How dare you! This time, I will defeat it!" He brought his hand up.
"Yes!" Several voices screamed.
"No!" Erd stopped him.
"No you!" Christa pointed at the TV.
"The three of us will kill the Female Titan. You will continue to head straight for HQ at top speed!"
The Female Titan continued to charge at them silently, a deadly expression on her face.
"Here's what I have gleaned from this battle," Erwin told Hange. "If we only focus on making the best moves, we will never get the better of our opponent. When necessary, we must be willing to take big risks, and be prepared to lose everything.
"I'll fight, too!" Eren yelled.
"Fucking do it!" Jean said.
"No! This is the best move. Your power is too risky!"
He could lose control and make things worse. Levi nodded. Then again, considering the situation, if he does go berserk, she's the biggest opponent and he'll go for her first. It was logical but also very convenient to a mindless Eren rampaging as a Titan. But while that scenario may save his squad it would not save Eren so they would never go for it.
"What? Do you doubt us?" Oluo demanded
"Do you, Eren? Do you find it that hard to trust us?" Petra asked, eyes pleading.
Eren stared, undecided.
"No, no, no, no, no," Connie shook his head. "It's not that he doesn't trust you," he began explaining, gesturing with his hands, "he doesn't want to lose you."
"You do realize they can't hear you, right?" Armin said.
"It helps me, okay?" Connie crossed his arms.
"It's cathartic," Christa nodded.
"Unless we change how we fight, humanity cannot win," Erwin said grimly.
Eren needs to learn how to fight with the Scouts. Hange's eyes twinkled at the thought of fighting alongside the Rogue Titan. She wondered if he'd let her hitch a ride on his shoulder sometime.
Eren finally lowered his hand and moved past them. I believe my squad will be victorious. Good luck!
"You guys had better not die now," Sasha said to the TV.
Petra smiled, and Oluo and Erd smirked, nodding beside her. The three turned back to face the Female Titan.
"Here we go," Petra said.
Eren watched the trio fly at the Titan. Erd raised his arms up with a battle cry, ready to slice her. The Female Titan made a grab at him.
The viewers gasped, then let out sighs of relief when he released steam to stop his momentum and block her view.
Petra and Oluo shot forward as soon their teammate moved back. Their hooks lodged next to the Female Titan's eyes, who was shocked at their appearance.
"The distraction worked!" Eren's were lit up in delight, hands clenched into fists in excitement.
Petra and Oluo attacked successfully. And blood exploded as they spun away.
"Fuck yeah!" Connie cheered.
"Finally!" Christa grinned.
"Turn her into mincemeat!" Jean yelled.
Eren gasped, mouth slightly open.
"Maybe you should have had them take her on from the get-go," Ymir said.
About time she was forced to go on the defensive. Hange thought.
Eyes covered in blood, the Female Titan fell back, covering her nape with one hand.
"Kill her!" Sasha pumped her fist in the air.
"Smart move taking out the eyes," Armin nodded, smiling. Maybe they can do it after all!
"It's not over yet. There's still her hardening ability she's hiding," Petra said.
Levi agreed, "Can't celebrate yet." But even he couldn't stop the sliver of hope from spreading as the scene continued.
We took its sight. Erd thought, an intense look on his face. For at least a minute, it'll be in total darkness!
A whole minute. Plenty of time. Erwin knew if they attacked her continuously, and rapidly to counter her hardening of her body parts, they wouldn't even need the whole sixty seconds to defeat her.
Kill it during this time! Petra thought.
Screw capturing it… Oluo gritted his teeth.
Kill it now! Erd thought.
Die here without honor! Petra glared.
Make that bitch of a Titan pay! Oluo thought.
"Holy shit," Eren gaped. They're awesome!
"It's fascinating to see them think as they attack," Hange said. It was interesting compared to how she was used to watching them surround a Titan, kill it, and move on to the next target with little to no communication.
"They're thinking in sync while attacking with speed and precision without getting in each other's way," Mikasa stared incredulously. Almost like a hive mindset. How can they do that?
"It's why they're the best of the best," Erwin smiled. It was good to have solid proof their most elite team was trustworthy. If they all know the truth they have a good chance of winning against her.
The Female Titan stood with her back against the tree.
We won't let your eyes regenerate! Erd pointed his left elbow up, tapping his sword against the under part of the arm.
Petra and Oluo understood, flying toward the motionless Titan. Hooks embedded into the tree. They launched an attack from above, flying down on either side of her, taking out some of the muscles.
Pink flesh and blood flew as Erd sliced off more.
They can do it! Eren thought. They can kill the Female Titan! He only wished he could help them tear her up.
We'll shear off so much muscle around your shoulders you won't be able to keep your arms up! Erd focused on her face. He sliced up several muscles and fell back, letting his squadmates get at her.
Hange felt something needle her in the back of the head.
They began slashing relentlessly as a team.
The room exploded into cheers and shouts of joy and encouragement.
"Skin her!"
"Make her pay!"
"Serves the bitch right!"
Petra carved off more skin. Shear it off!
"I've been waiting for this moment!"
"No mercy! The cunt didn't show any when slaughtering our comrades and deserves to be butchered like the animal she is!"
Make its arms… Oluo attacked next.
…fall! Erd thought.
"YEAH!"
"Don't stop! Keeping going!"
"You messed with the wrong people!"
"I am LOVING this!"
The Female Titan's arms collapsed uselessly from the assault.
The rookies started to whistle and clap, some standing up, unable to stay in their spots.
"Whoo-hoo!"
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!"
"You did it!"
"I knew you guys could do it! I never had any doubts!"
"Yeah right, Connie."
Petra bit her lip. Does she want us to go for the nape? Her arms were useless. Was she going to harden her weak spot and wait for her eyes to heal? We'll be within in reach then and she'll attack once she's recovered. They had to end it soon, before the minute was up.
But what if we miss our time window and the Female Titan starts using her hardening abilities? Where could they attack to do the most damage? Petra didn't think the previous distraction was going to work twice. The Achilles tendons, maybe. And the muscles behind her knees, her hamstrings. With her mobility impaired, it would buy Eren precious time to put more distance between them.
"They're down!" Erd ordered, "Now the neck!"
"Shear off the muscles that support its neck!" Oluo yelled.
"And we can strike its weak point!" Petra readied her blades.
"Yeah! Fucking finish her!"
Wait a second. Hange's eyes narrowed.
Erwin had also caught on. So she can do that as well. They needed to try quite a few things with Eren it seemed.
The trio moved on the Female Titan together.
Levi frowned, feeling like he had missed something. And it was making him jittery.
They're so strong. Eren thought, watching his squad. The Female Titan is totally on the defensive. How can they launch co-op attacks like that without even speaking to each other?
An image of Squad Levi standing talking with each other appeared.
I bet it's only possible because they believe in one another. They've overcome many hardships that way. That's why they're so strong, even right after losing Gunther. Eren turned, staring ahead in determination. I'll go forward… If I go forward and believe in them, without turning back, then…I'm sure that's the right answer. I finally understand!
Levi's cloak flew, leading his squad through the forest. "I don't know…"
Eren's eyes widened, recalling his words.
"I never have. I can believe in my own abilities or the choices of companions I trust."
"I disagree. Trust yourself and your comrades. What's stronger, five fingers or a fist?" Candy asked.
"That's what we said before," Ymir nodded. "For Eren to learn more about his abilities, training and fighting alongside his squad. There is no way she could have stopped them all working together like a real team."
"But who knows, they could still win," Christa said optimistically. "They've backed her into a corner."
"But no one ever knows how it will turn out."
Levi felt inexplicably uneasy, hearing his own words.
Why does this feel so foreboding? Armin subtly checked his fellow recruits' reactions for a second, noticing the happy, exhilarated smiles on Jean, Ymir, and Mikasa disappearing, turning into frowns instead.
A terrible thought was growing in Hange's mind. The steam...it was rising only from one eye. Could that mean...
Eren looked back with a strangled gasp.
"Why is he making that face? Why are you making that face?" Connie asked worriedly.
Eren didn't answer, looking apprehensive.
The bright smile disappeared from Christa's face. "Oh no..."
The charged atmosphere muted and became dull with nervousness.
It's like Corporal Levi said earlier, they can inflict damage long as they move faster than Annie can harden a body part, and they're fast. Jean thought they could, theoretically, defeat her, before she had a chance to use her ability. He wanted to believe that would come true. But he wasn't optimistic by nature.
"Strike the neck, now!" Erd went for it.
The Female Titan's head shot forward and she took a bite.
"Holy shit!"
"What the fuck!"
They flinched, jerking back away from the screen, some hands flying to mouths and heads in shock and horror.
"Erd!" Petra screamed.
"No," Connie's eyes widened.
The Female Titan spat out part of his body. Eren wailed, swinging around and heading back toward his squad.
The viewers watched in dead silence, disbelieving and despondent.
"H-how?" Petra moved away, almost parallel to the ground. "It can't possibly see! It hasn't even been thirty seconds."
Levi and Armin suddenly had the same thought: The steam had been rising from one eye.
The Female Titan's right eye came into focus.
The feeling of impending doom began to grow.
"Only one eye? It prioritized one eye to accelerate the healing… Is that even possible?"
"Oh fuck," Ymir said quietly.
The Female Titan moved, running at her.
"No, no, no, no, no," Christa began, eyes watering.
"Petra!" Oluo said.
"RUN!" Sasha yelled.
"We need to regroup!"
Get out of there! Jean thought frantically.
The Female Titan charged full-speed.
Snap out of it, you idiot! Petra thought furiously. You need to protect Eren!
"Petra, now!"
Levi felt hopelessly powerless, unable to do anything but sit and watch his squad be annihilated.
The Female Titan slammed Petra at the base of the tree with her foot.
The Scouts flinched, letting out strangled gasps and screams in dismay at the scene.
Petra felt a strange sensation go down her spine, causing her to sit ramrod straight. It was such a morbid and surreal feeling, watching oneself die. Huh, thought I'd last a bit longer, how disappointing.
"Fuck! Are you kidding me?!"
"No way!"
"What the hell!"
"That's not supposed to happen!"
They continued to yell in anger, frustration, and despair.
"She's destroying another squad, killing more of our comrades..."
"They should have killed her! She should have died! This is fucked up!"
"Why? Why won't that piece of shit fucking die?!"
"I officially hate her more than anything. She's trumped the bed bugs."
Erwin didn't say a word, waiting for the angry grumblings to quiet down.
Suddenly, a macabre thought popped up in Petra's head: At least my dad will have a body to bury. At least they can bring back more than an arm or leg. The scene began to replay in her head and she felt anger welling up from deep inside. I failed! I let them all down! Eren and Captain Levi and the Survey Corps and humanity! She felt like a failure. Her throat closed. The shame and disappointment made her want to cry. What a disgrace.
Eren cried out in distress.
He felt a burning ball of rage and pain. It took every ounce of self-control Eren had not to throw the table at the TV, shouting in anger.
A familiar feeling of bloodlust overrode his senses, causing the world around him to disappear. He could almost imagine the sickening sound Petra's spine must have made when it broke, recalling with perfect clarity how it sounded when the Smiling Titan broken his mother in half. The Female Titan Shifter... He glared, feeling the hate take hold of him.
The heated emotions made him almost dizzy. No mercy. His fingers began twitching almost uncontrollably. He took a long, shaky breath and focused himself. ...I'm going to turn her into a pulpy mess of broken bones, blood, and torn flesh, nothing but an ugly stain on the ground.
Oluo quickly overcame his grief and stared in resolve.
The group quieted, watching in silence, with enraged or grim expressions on all of their faces.
A hook shot into the base of Female Titan's exposed nape. "Hey… Die!" Oluo went for the kill. The blades broke, the shiny crystal cracking. "How?" He said in disbelief. "My blade can't pierce it…"
The Female Titan kicked him, destroying his gear and killing him instantaneously.
The Scouts flinched at the sudden attack.
Levi felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to his chest.
I should have been with them! He was beyond angry with himself. Second time my squad needed me and died because I was absent. It was incredibly frustrating and the urge to rip his hair out and scream was immense. He wasn't needed once the Female Titan was captured. She was immobile. Mike, their best soldier second only to him, was there with his squad and Hange and her squad were there as well. My presence was completely unnecessary. I should have been with them instead. Levi's head pounded. I failed my squad again.
The Female Titan landed in a crouch and the ground shook.
Eren stared at the scene, mouth open, an expression of horror and denial on his face. I…
A shot of a vacant-eyed Erd appeared, his body just below his shoulders not there.
Petra appeared next, her front side pressed against the tree, her back bent at an impossible angle.
Tears filled Eren's eyes. "I will…"
Sniffs were heard around the room and eyes were wiped to get rid of the moisture.
Oluo lay in a puddle of blood in the grass, unmoving.
The members of Squad Levi wanted to hurl.
Annie, they'll never forgive you for this. Ymir thought.
"I'll kill it!" Eren shot toward the crouching Female Titan, biting his hand. There was a loud explosion and brilliant golden-orange light.
The viewers cried out, screaming in joy.
Steam blew across a big, intense green eye.
The cheers became louder.
The Rogue Titan roared, feet digging into the ground, heading for the enemy.
The group's shouts and cheers were the loudest they'd ever been.
Their blood was pumping, hearts racing, feeling the adrenaline kicking in. The powerful roar and music left them feeling exhilarated. This time the tears shining in their eyes were from exuberance.
"Rip her head off!"
"Crush her!"
Erwin looked up, startled.
Rogue roared again, sounding almost anguished.
"You're gonna get it now, you giant fucking hag!" Christa yelled, much to their surprise and delight, causing her friends to chuckle.
"Eren?" Mikasa's head snapped in the direction of the roar and she flew away without hesitation.
They couldn't help but laugh, not at all surprised she ran off to chase after Eren.
"Wait, what?" Sasha reached out. "Mikasa?"
"Fuck yeah," Jean said gleefully. "Mikasa will kick her ass!"
"I certainly hope I get the chance," Mikasa answered, eager at the prospect.
Eren daydreamed deliriously about the violence he was about to unleash on the Female Titan.
That voice… Levi's eyes shifted to the side. Don't tell me… He swung around and turned back.
"Yeah! Go corporal!"
"I hope all three of them tear her to pieces!"
"This is going to be so fucking awesome!"
Levi hoped savagely his TV counterpart flayed the murdering bitch.
"Tear her a new one!"
"Make her regret ever existing!"
Sasha threw up her hands, "This is gonna be so gooooood!"
Please don't die, Eren, Mikasa. Armin thought.
"Clash of two Titan-Shifters! I'm so excited!" Hange shrieked happily, wiggling in her seat.
Can Eren overcome her hardening ability? Will the fight result in the emergence of the same power in him? Or a new one unique to him? Erwin leaned forward in anticipation.
The Female Titan's body steamed as she watched the Rogue Titan run wildly at her.
Eren...you haven't completely lost control, have you? Mikasa felt nervous. There was a certain feral quality to his movements.
Meanwhile Armin and Erwin weighed the pros of Eren losing the fight. If the Female Titan took him back to her civilization, they could gather unbiased intel without jeopardizing anyone. Their biggest failures would give them valuable information. But they could prevent those disasters when the time came and have a great advantage over the enemy.
The Female Titan weakly stood up. The Rogue Titan threw a wide swing and she dodged easily, putting some distance between them.
"Too wide," Ymir chided.
"Don't give her an opening to counter!" Sasha added.
Rogue skid back, salvia bursting out of his mouth from her fierce kick to his gut. Bracing with his knees, he came to a stop and took the opportunity to grab her leg and push her. The Female Titan stumbled, her upper back hitting the tree behind her. One blue eye glinted in resolution.
"Don't give her time to recover! Continue the assault!" Connie yelled.
Rogue breathed loudly, arms up in position. The Female Titan waited, her shoulder steaming. Rogue made the first move, throwing punch after punch.
Several people began yelling instructions.
"Don't let her put distance between you!"
"Aim for the liver!"
"Grapple her!"
"Headbutt! Do a headbutt!"
One punch connected and sent her to the ground but she quickly rolled to a crouch and took off. Rogue growled, chasing after her. The sound of fists meeting flesh was heard as a low angle shot of the trees appeared.
"Rogue's growling but you can't tell who's hitting who," Christa's brow furrowed with worry.
Levi flew through the air, a blank look across his face. He passed by Gunther's hanging corpse.
Pity rose in their chests for him.
How many times have you experienced this nightmare I wonder? Ymir thought.
Despite her negative feelings toward him, Mikasa found herself feeling sympathetic.
Poor guy, almost his entire squad's been decimated. Connie shuddered, imagining what that could be like. Losing Marco had been devastating, he didn't even want to think about losing an entire squad.
Tears blurred his vision. Eren hung his head in shame. This is my fault.
At the sight of Erd and Oluo's corpses, Levi's face closed, head bowed slightly, shadows covering his expression.
Hange and Erwin, knowing the man best out of everyone in the room, could easily imagine the real heartbreak he had to be feeling despite his lack of reaction.
He's still got his shit together in the face of his dead, mangled squad. Jean knew he wasn't heartless, they had all seen hints of his compassion; reassuring a dying soldier his death would not be in vain. How much tragedy does it take that such a sight doesn't elicit an immediate and violent reaction? Jean wondered if he would reach such a state if he survived long enough in the Survey Corps.
Levi continued, landing gracefully on a branch, taking in the sight of Petra's body awkwardly forced against the tree in an unnatural position. Blood from her nose and mouth marred part of her face and hair, her normally warm amber eyes listless. Levi blinked slowly, his stoic expression unchanging.
Eren wiped his tears, looking mourningly at his female squadmate. She died. I was right there and she died right in front of me. I can't believe it...
"Don't cry. It's okay," Petra said gently. "As a soldier in the Survey Corps, you have to be prepared to die at any given moment out there."
"It doesn't faze you at all?" Ymir asked.
"I'd be lying if I said no," she shuddered. "I'm a little freaked out." She could feel the goosebumps breaking out across her skin again, replaying her death scene. A shiver went down her spine.
"Now that you know, you can change it," Sasha said. "So it's okay!"
"That's right," Christa nodded. "The future can be changed!"
"Yes, I won't fail again." Petra clenched her hands into fists.
"We were thinking more along the lines of don't die but sure," Connie said.
"We know what's really coming now," Armin leaned over and placed a reassuring hand on his best friend's shoulder. "When it happens, we'll be prepared to handle the worst."
Eren nodded, "Yeah..." He wiped away the tears, setting his jaw. No use crying about it. Take a deep breath. He would do better. This time I won't hesitate to crush anyone who dares harm those I care about.
Rogue went after the Female Titan, throwing fast punches but she evaded easily, until she lost her balance and fell back. She attempted to get up but he held her down, pinning her with his legs. Rogue lifted one arm high, poised to strike.
He's got her pinned down but she still hasn't used her abilities. Erwin observed. What was she planning?
I made the wrong choice… The memory of his squad asking him if he trusted them appeared. I wanted to believe in my companions… Because of that, everyone died! Rogue brought his fist down and she moved her head to avoid the hit.
Rogue's shoulder was dislocated with part of his arm broken from the impact. If I had believed in myself from the start and fought… If I'd only killed it at the beginning! The Female Titan twisted her neck again to dodge another punch. The ground shattered and dust flew.
I could have saved so many Scouts from dying. Eren gritted his teeth in frustration. Even if she had beaten me, I would have at least tired her out! She would have been easy picking for the others then.
Rogue loomed over the Female Titan, steam rising from his two arm stumps.
The Female Titan kept silent, staring, her left eye steaming.
"She's waiting for her eye to finish healing," Hange frowned. "Monocular vision. Her depth perception is impaired but functional. That's why she kept backing away and only threw that kick when he was directly in front of her."
"She's buying time," Erwin nodded, understanding. "If Eren does not finish her quickly she'll recover and then the fight will truly begin."
Back then, Eren thought back to the Female Titan chasing his squad, if I'd turned into a Titan… No… If I'd fought even before that… His thoughts turned to first entering the Forest of Giant Trees with the Female Titan on their heels. Captain Levi was there, too. We would have won. Maybe we could've captured it.
"You aren't wrong. If you want to do it, do it."
I… I made a choice. A side view of Petra's corpse appeared. And it killed everyone. It's my fault they died.
No. You made the right choice. Levi's entire body felt heavy from misery. The Female Titan was captured. Maybe if I hadn't provoked her... Either way, he should have gone with them.
But despite all that… It's still your fault! Rogue roared, shoulders shaking. The Female Titan shifted her face away, Rogue's face hovering inches from hers, screaming. I'll tear you apart…
Eren nodded, glaring.
Once my hand heals, I'll rip you apart… Rogue's head was spasming.
"What's wrong with him?" Christa's voice was wary.
"He's experiencing extreme emotions, it could be that," Hange answered. "They're overwhelming him."
Tear you to shreds… Rip you into tiny pieces! A green eye was twitching wildly before rolling to the back of the head. And eat you!
They nodded in agreement, anger clear on their faces.
Eren was covered in red muscles, inside his Titan.
Hange gasped in delight. Unfortunately, she didn't get to see more of the inside view of a Shifter in his Titan body.
A blue eye opened suddenly.
Well that's not good. Petra thought.
The Female Titan gripped his arm and twisted her body, forcing his knees apart, giving her room to move and sit up. Rogue attempted to grab her and earned himself a kick to his ribs, sending him sliding back into a tree. She was almost upright when he attacked and she leaned back, grazed by the wild swing. Rogue used his free arm to aim a punch at her face but she evaded. She went rolling to the ground, arms protecting her head.
Missing the target, the momentum of the swing caused Rogue to fall. The Female Titan stumbled back on her hands and feet but Rogue was on top of her immediately, roaring, his entire body twitching slightly.
"I don't like this," Jean said.
The Female Titan looked afraid. A fist came right at her and she dodged quickly, arms up in position.
"She can fight back now," Christa said.
"Just hold on," Mikasa said, stressed.
Now the Female Titan did not stumble, carefully avoiding Rogue's punches. She narrowed her eyes when he threw his arm back in preparation. The skin on her left hand and arm was suddenly coated in shiny crystal. The punch landed on Rogue's jaw, knocking out some teeth and sending droplets of blood in the air.
Many winced.
The Female Titan's eyes widened when Rogue came right for her, jaw locked on her arm and teeth sliding toward her.
"Ouch." Sasha wasn't the only one cringing at the sound of Rogue's teeth on the armored skin.
"That made my jaw tingle," Christa rubbed her cheeks.
Coming from a low angle, the Rogue Titan swung up with his entire body, punching her in the gut and sending her flying up in the air.
"Now that's what I'm taking about!" Connie grinned.
Rogue charged and the Female Titan quickly moved out of the way, the knee meant for her face hitting the tree instead. He placed an arm on the tree, hunched over, breathing loudly.
He was too angry, too wild. The surge of emotions gave him a boost but he's out of steam now. Levi thought. He's tired himself out.
"What's taking so long?" Mikasa muttered, frustrated. How far am I still from them? Soon Eren would no longer be able to fight.
The Female Titan stopped. There was an almost resigned look on her face before her hair covered her expression, and she slowly turned to face him.
"Uh-oh, I don't like that," Hange said.
Rogue looked exhausted and yet still brought up a shaking fist. Then he stopped, eyes widening when a pink foot stepped forward.
"What's with that stupid face?" Levi frowned.
Eren's face appeared, half obscured by muscles, his expression that of pure shock.
"Uh..." Connie scratched his head in confusion.
"What?" Christa looked around, unsure, wondering if she missed something. "What's going on?"
"Is she revealing another ability?" Erwin wondered.
Lighting fast a blow ripped apart Rogue's face and broke the tree in half.
"No!" Mikasa cried out.
"What just happened?" Petra's eyes widened. "Why didn't he dodge or protect himself?"
"Why did you just stand there and take it?" Hange asked.
"I don't know," Eren answered, gaping. What the fuck? He was supposed to beat her nearly to death, not stop fighting and let her rip his face off. Are you fucking kidding me?
"No way," Armin's eyes widened. He had a good idea why Eren had frozen. He knows.
"Is she going to take him now? Have we lost?" Sasha said with a surprisingly serious look on her face.
Ymir was on the same page as Armin. He must've recognized her stance. She didn't bother pointing it out, knowing the ones who did not believe Armin's theory would argue and refuse to listen to her. "There are still four more episodes. I don't think we've lost just yet."
The severed heard went flying. The Female Titan's body spun to face him, arm steaming.
From the way it showed her right after the punch and the way she just came to a stop, the punch or kick was thrown using her body's weight. Levi noted. It had to, it would take a considerable amount of force to do what she just did. So why did Eren not dodge? He was adept at hand-to-hand combat, he had to know the lethal power such a move would carry.
Levi imagined the position she must have taken. Knees bent, left arm forward, right back. He glanced at Armin, thinking back to Annie beating Eren and Reiner. The girl he said was the Shifter, she could deliver that kind of hit in her unique stance. It explained why Eren froze. More evidence in favor of Armin's claim.
Rogue's decapitated body fell to its knees.
Eren clutched his head. "I'm such a fucking useless loser!"
"Yeah, you are. You couldn't even hold her off until Mikasa or Corporal Levi got there."
"Jean!" Sasha scolded.
"Well, he's right," Ymir said.
"You're not helping," Christa crossed her arms.
"First I did nothing and everyone died. Then, when I had my chance, I was blinded by rage and had my head knocked off!" Eren slammed his fist down on the couch's arm. It was humiliating and maddening. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I so damn pathetic?
"Eren," Mikasa said, "she's got years' worth of experience as a Shifter and you've only known about it for what, a month and a half?"
"And as far as our deaths go," Petra put in, "that's not you. We engaged with her to protect you. You never should have had to fight her but we failed our mission. We asked for your trust but we couldn't extend you the same courtesy."
"Can't say I blame you. First time I transformed by will I attacked Mikasa. Mikasa. And she's one of my oldest friends."
"There's no point in getting so worked up and punishing yourself," Hange said. "It's not happened yet and long as we learn from the mistakes and not repeat them, that's what's important."
"I guess." It still rankled him and he felt like he had swallowed a lemon, a sour feeling in his chest. They just feel like excuses for constantly fucking up. Eren swore it would be different when he was out there. He felt the same impatience growing. I hope her identity is revealed soon. She knew who he was and he couldn't wait for the playing field to level. Bitch won't know what hit her when she comes for me.
The Female Titan crouched before the headless body, grabbing the shoulders and opening her mouth wide, her jaw stretching unnaturally. She bit the flesh and ripped it out. Eren's upper body appeared in the skin. He was semiconscious, his expression dazed.
"Eren!" Mikasa cried out.
Eren shrank at the despair and pain in her voice.
Mikasa watched as the Female Titan bit the teen right out in front of her. She stared in wide-eyed shock, mouth open. The Female Titan swallowed. Mikasa was unable to believe her eyes.
"Is he dead?" Sasha asked hesitantly.
"I doubt it. Remember how careful she was not to kill anyone who's face was covered because it could have been Eren?" Armin pointed out.
The ground shook as the Female Titan ran off.
"W-wait… Eren…" Mikasa's expression was that of hopelessness, her voice broken from anguish. "Don't go…"
Eren didn't think it was possible to feel any worse for his failure to not only save his team but avenge them as well, but he was wrong. How many times am I going to be so weak and unless, needing to be saved and worry those I care about?
Then Mikasa's expression turned to fury. Engaging her gear, she flew swiftly after the Titan.
"Now destroy her!"
"But don't die!"
"It's on you Mikasa!"
"You got it!"
"And the Bitch Titan must be tired after fighting Eren. That's what I'm calling her from now on," Connie informed them. "And the other two are Armored Bastard and Colossal Fucker."
"I dare you say that to their faces," Ymir smirked.
"Hey, I'm the comic relief. Eren's the suicidal one."
The Female Titan glanced back, covering her nape.
"Give Eren… Give him…" She flew extremely fast. "Give Eren back!" Mikasa slashed her cheek. The Female Titan swiped at her. Mikasa cut up her bicep and thigh next. She came right at the Female Titan's face, dodging the giant's attempts to grab her, slicing the flesh above her right eye.
The Female Titan slowed, moving slightly off balance, her several injuries steaming.
"I can't believe you're defeating her by yourself! No wait, I can! It's you!"
"At this rate Corporal Levi won't even be needed!"
Blood covered Mikasa's eyes. "Give him back!" She charged at the Female Titan once more, aiming for her legs.
The Female Titan stumbled, landing on her hand and knees.
"Dude, you're so awesome!"
"You brought her to her knees!"
"You've made a fan out of me," Petra grinned.
"You've made me an even bigger fan," Sasha said.
Eren was disgusted with himself for feeling jealous. You incompetent idiot, like you have any right. He turned to face her, "You really are the most talented soldier in our generation."
"Thanks," Mikasa smiled warmly at the praise.
The Female Titan looked scared. "Give him back!" Mikasa went to finish her. Her swords shattered into multiple pieces.
Christa gasped, "Be careful!"
"She's got plenty of blades," Armin reassured her.
Immediately Mikasa flew away, slamming the broken sword into the tree, hanging, "Why won't my blade penetrate?"
The Female Titan turned her head to look at her.
"I know that he's alive…" She replaced the blade with a fresh one. "I know that Eren's alive!" The blood evaporated from her eyes and clothes. "No matter where she goes, I'll kill her, rip her apart, and get you out of that filth." Mikasa promised with a crazed look in her lone visible eye. "I'm sorry, Eren… Just wait a little longer…"
He's so lucky. Christa glanced at Eren and Armin. They're both so lucky to have someone who would move heaven and earth to find them and save them.
"Seriously, I am so glad she's on our side," Hange grinned.
She's so loyal to him. And she hates me still for the trial. Levi wondered how Mikasa would react when she found out they were related. He could imagine what a disappointment it would to her, finding family after so long and it turned out to be him of all people.
The Female Titan struck suddenly. The place where the teen had been a second earlier exploded.
"Phew," Connie's shoulders slumped in relief. I thought she had her for a second there!
The Female Titan stood up and ran.
"Wait!" Mikasa screamed, looking wild.
But she was held back, prevented from madly chasing after the Female Titan by Levi.
"You made it," Erwin said.
"Took you long enough," Hange said.
"Shut up."
"Wh-what are you—"
"Fall back for now," Levi said.
Mikasa did not look pleased but refrained from charging after the Female Titan. They followed her at a calmer pace.
"Maintain this distance. It may be tired. It does not appear to be going very fast."
The Female Titan was moving considerably slower than when she had first appeared.
"Okay, no way is she gonna win now," Sasha declared.
"Are you sure you should be saying that?" Jean raised an eyebrow. "Considering how many times we thought we had her and were confident victory was ours only for everything to royally blow up in our faces."
"Good point."
Christa nodded, "Let's not jinx it."
"He seems to have been bit right out of the neck. Is Eren dead?" Levi asked.
Mikasa stared ahead in fury and determination.
Connie let out a loud breath. "This episode." He fell back against the couch, sliding partway down.
"Agreed," Christa stretched, loosening her muscles.
"It was a wild one," Hange said. "So many emotions, so many ups and downs."
"We were screaming in excitement one minute and silent from the horror of it the next," Jean nodded.
Sasha began loading her plate with food. "That made me kinda hungry."
Ymir nodded, "Me too." She snatched up some bread, taking a bite and chewing as she contemplated the best time to bring up her status as a Titan-Shifter and making their heads explode with the information about Marley, Eldia, and the rest of the world.
"I feel too sick to even think about eating," Eren said, breathing deeply. I need to calm myself. He didn't want to miss anything because he was too blinded by his emotions.
"It was an intense one," Erwin admitted. "I suppose we can take a minute to collect ourselves."
"Yes," Petra closed her eyes, leaning back.
"I need to splash cold water on my face," Levi excused himself.
"Armin," Mikasa said, "you don't think she'll succeed, do you?"
"I don't know. I don't think so."
That was not the answer she was hoping for but it wasn't unexpected.
"But I don't see how it could possibly get any worse."
"It could." Mikasa's face darkened, "Things can always get worse."
Armin smiled, happy to provide a hopeful answer to an otherwise normally correct statement. "Yes. But we can shape the future now and create an outcome favorable to us."
Soon. Ymir thought. She felt confident her secret would not be revealed just yet. But she decided the sooner she did it herself the better. Maybe after the main episodes end.
Until early-December. I'm pretty much over my cold so I'm feeling much better, thanks! Also, Happy Halloween! [Edit: 10/31/17]
Please Review~