Another Path
The sun was at its peak when the church bells sounded out through the warm air around Shiganshina. All the district's inhabitants who heard its call knew what it meant: the return of humanity's latest expedition from the outside world. Beyond the walls was a frontier lost to time, any memory of it was now erased as the years passed, and the only piece of history left was humanity having once sprawled all throughout the world instead of being caged up behind its own protective walls. No matter how dangerous the outside world was, the expeditionary force would always return, but only ever at a fraction of their original number. It wasn't the rugged terrain nor the wild animals, not the dangerous paths nor the limited supplies, it was 'them'; it was the monsters outside.
From the edge of the enclosed city, somewhat toward the front gate, a young girl tugged excitedly on her older sister's sleeve as they both slowly made their way to the front entrance of the city. The younger girl's loose, shoulder-length hair was pale, but certainly blonde, a stark contrast to the brunette counter-part of her sister. They walked through some of the darker, dirtier surroundings of the 'less desirable' part of the city with both the girls' old clothing not being much better in quality. They lived right at the edge of the city, almost next to the wall that surrounded the whole district. It was among the poorer choices to take up residence, mainly thanks to its distance from everything else. Far from the ferry, far from the markets, far from... most every day conveniences really, but the people were much kinder- at least that's what their mother told them. The two girls happily walked through the small, confined dirt paths that twisted and turned in whatever way they could squeeze the most living space out of. The homes themselves were a little worse for wear too with rotten, wooden support beams barely keeping their original shape, the stone walls were cracked and falling apart with small holes not being uncommon, and finally was the lingering smell of cheap alcohol and tobacco. Both siblings weren't too bothered by it owing to them having lived there their whole lives and though the youngest of the duo didn't think much of it, the oldest knew their small home in this vast city wasn't something to be envious of.
After a few pleasant hellos and other greetings from the older neighbors, the sisters had finally made it to the main road just in time to catch the expeditionary force continue their march through the city. The older sister was usually the first to see the battered band of soldiers, their light brown uniforms bloodied and torn. Her deep blue eyes widened at the sight and on reflex from the shock she covered her mouth in awe. It wasn't the first time either of the girls had seen the aftermath, but this expedition looked to have far more casualties than any other over the last year. The wrapped corpses stacked up on each other, the crippling wounds ranging from lost limbs, twisted flesh and bone, and that was only from the ones that made it back. Most others weren't so lucky. Fortunately, they didn't have to hold their breath much longer as, from the convoy, their father gave a small wave and jogged over to them.
Jackson Asiada, the father of three, did his best to put on a warm smile for his daughters, but one of them could see right through it. "Ah, and how have my two lovely girls been doing?" He asked, meeting the bright brown eyes of the younger girl and placing a playful hand on her head, "Jexia, have you been helping mom and Jatsune around the house like you promised?"
"Yeah, yeah." Jexia said hastily, more interested in hearing what stories he had from the outside world, "What's new outside? How many did you take down? Did the Scouts-"
"Well hold on now, I just got back!" Jackson interrupted, "I just made a quick stop so I could see you two!" He cheerfully said, his hand ruffling the top of Jexia's hair. He'd occasionally look back to the rest of his comrades to make sure he wouldn't be left too far behind, "Listen, I'll bet your mother slaving away making dinner for you two right now so be good girls and hurry back to help her! Okay?"
"Can't you stay the night?" Jexia pleaded, her hands clamped tight together as if to beg.
"There's still some... paperwork to do." Jackson answered, his expression dropping as he said the last few words, but he was quick to shake his head and put back on the facade, "Not to mention that Mason should be finished with basic training about now so, if you can hold on for about one more week, then the both of us will come home!"
"Is there anything I can help with then?" Jexia asked eagerly, "Even if it's just paperwork, I want to help and join you! I going to enlist later this year anyways, so what can I help you with?"
"That's kind of you." Jackson was quick to dismiss, ruffling his daughter's hair, "But, you can help by going home and helping your mother out, she deserves it more than me."
"Yeah, it's starting to get late. We should probably head back, Jex." Jatsune agreed, "Besides the paperwork is the hardest and most boring part of the job." She stretched, "Come on, let's go before the night catches up to us. See you around dad!"
"Yeah, I don't want to be left behind." Jackson agreed as he the two parties separated, but before his daughters could leave earshot though, he shouted back to them: "Tell your mother I'll be back soon!" And with one final wave to each other, he was gone. Jatsune and Jexia now turned back the way they came to hurry back home as their father had asked and after getting there, dinner was ready for the family
- - o - -
Alois stood at attention with the rest of his fellow graduates under the waning rays of the sun. It had been a while since he had been back home in Shiganshina. Years of harsh training, days of endless drills and refinement, dozens of colleagues and even friends failing to keep up and ultimately being shipped back home, but he had been among the remaining few that had done it; even if he had only done so just barely. He remembered all the laughs he shared with his bunkmates, how they helped each other through some of the tougher trials during their training. Life was great, for a time. It wasn't until not long ago that those he had called friends made a pact together to join the Survey Corps. 'To go out and explore the wonders outside' they said. Alois was skeptical from its inception, unsure if he was really willing to set out to find an early death for himself, but he nonetheless respected their choice. Needless to say, many of his friendships turned sour at the graduation ceremony when he made his final decision.
Barely a week ago, all the graduates stood proud and presented themselves to the representatives of the Military even if the Survey Corps was away. With the Military Police being reserved only for the top ten graduates, all that remained was the Garrison representative to give a small speech to disclose what they do and 'why you should join the Garrison', but of course everyone knew what the real decision was: Go outside and be another lost name on a list, or stay within the walls and perform more 'domestic' duties. There were a surprising number of trainees that opted to leave the gathering, showing that they'd rather join the Survey Corps and wouldn't join the Garrison 'cowards' as they put it. Alois believed they probably wanted to have adventures and explore the world outside or something like that. Even Mason, a childhood friend of his, turned heel to leave.
Mason did beckon for Alois to join him and the rest of their circle of friends, but was caught off guard by Alois decision to stand firm. Secretly, Alois wanted to convince his friend to stay, but he knew how much the Scouts meant to him. So, he kept silent, accepting the disappointed looks both Mason and his other former bunk mates gave him; All of them refused to look back. But that was in the past no matter how recent it might have been. Now, Alois proudly wore the pair of roses that was the insignia of the Garrison, it would be his new insignia.
"Recruits!" Shouted a middle-aged man standing on top of a wooden crate with a number of other Garrison personnel behind him. He was an intimidating figure and the years shown on his face certainly helped in propping up that image, "Listen closely because you are no longer cadets, so I expect full understanding. I am Commander Proch, and it is I who is in charge of the safety and security of this city. You will address me as 'Sir' or 'Commander', are we clear?"
"Yes, Commander!" The recruits said in unison.
"Good. Now, I won't have you lot lazing about because it's your first day and I have important work to do so I'll make this quick. Look to your left." The recruits followed as instructed, "Now to your right." They complied again, "These are your comrades, people who you will work with for as long as you serve this city. Support them, and they will support you. Together you will be the symbol of security, order, and most importantly: safety and hope. Together you will solve whatever crisis may arise." He paused and scanned the crowed of young souls to get a good analysis of them before resuming his speech, "To the more intuitive of you, you may have realized that there are six rows of five of you. Those other four at your sides will be your new squadmates for the rest of your deployment here in Shiganshina. Your Team Captains have already been assigned and will take it from here." Commander Proch was about to step down, but caught himself when he remembered something, "One last thing: Recruits, dedicated you hearts!" He shouted, the recruits he ordered saluting with their left arm behind their back and their opposite with a firm fist over their heart, "Welcome to the Shiganshina Garrison, you will do good work here." He finished before stepping down.
The squads separated into their respective groups as their assigned Captains presented themselves to their squads. Alois group was met by an older man roughly in his early 30s sporting black hair and light strands of facial hair. From the look on his tanned face, it was evident that he was not in a 'relaxed mood'. "'Squad 14', listen up." He began, arms behind his back as he stood tall, "I am Kaleb Hoss and I will be your squad captain. We're jumping right into it today. So, we will be joining Squad 15 in the cleaning and maintenance of our defensive cannons up top. We start on the west, they, on the east. You lucky bunch get to keep your gear equipped while the others have go sightseeing around town, but those patrols are beneath you aren't they, recruits?"
"Yes, Captain." The squad said in unison.
"Good to hear." He said, "Come with me and make it quick, we're burning sunshine." He finished, leading the five fresh faces to one of the many supply lifts leading up and down the wall.
Once at the top, a nice cool breeze hit the squad of six, Alois mindlessly followed the rest of the group, his attention in awe at the beautiful scenery presented to him: The City of Shiganshina. The bright red clay of the rooftops was easy to catch with the eye. but it was buildings and houses themselves each lighting candles or fires- for the ever-approaching night- that made the city sparkle. He couldn't really see the people below even with his glasses assisting him, but his better hearing and a pinch of imagination allowed him to listen. He could hear men celebrating the end of a day's work, probably over a drink or two, performers in the squares entertaining the afternoon crowd with music, card tricks, or other amazements they could come up with, mothers and wives shopping at the market before bumping into and catching up with old friends. Alois felt at ease. For just a moment, the young sixteen-year-old could ignore everything else around him and relish in the comforting noise of the city that lulled him into a sense of peace.
"Something catch your eye?" A feminine voice asked as its owner grabbed Alois by the arm and kept him in pace with the rest of his Squad. He snapped back to his immediate surroundings seeing Lynn, one of the two girls in his squad, as the one to bring him back to reality. Her black hair may have been short, but it would seem that it was long enough for her to tuck it back behind her ears. Lynn's gentle, cream-colored face watched him with a soft smile and a curious pair of brown eyes. Despite graduating from the same class, Alois had only been vaguely acquainted with her, mostly through others talking about her looks.
"N-Nothing much." Alois answered, a little embarrassed at being caught absent minded.
"Really?" She questioned, stretching a little and shooting a sly grin, "I guess I could tell The Captain that you're 'not feeling well'." She teased.
"That wouldn't be funny." Alois warned, earning himself a chuckle from the girl.
"Maybe it might." Lynn finished before changing topics, "Looks lovely from up here, doesn't it?"
"'Suppose it does." Alois answered with a bit of a frown.
She chuckled again, "Yet it seems something else is on your mind it seems." She correctly guessed. She was a head smaller than Alois, yet she had already put him on the defensive, "You don't look like the 'tough, proud, military type', so, who dragged you here? Money? People? Nowhere else to go? Easy to tell that you live here, like the rest of us, but why join the military instead of some other profession. Might even enjoy it more. More than being a soldier anyways."
"I could be asking you the same thing."
A small scuffle ahead of them interrupted the conversation. Of course, Kaleb and Sara were trading passive-aggressive insults and slights again. Frankly it was amazing they ended up in the same squad, some luck that must have been.
"Urgh, it's been less than a day and I get stuck with the problem children." Their Captain audibly muttered, "Shut it, unless you want to take a lap around the city walls!" He threatened.
Captain Hoss split in two, Josef, the last recruit on their team, was lumped in with Marvin and Sara 'to keep the peace' while they began maintenance on the first cannon, but Alois and Lynn were sent to start work on the second one just a few meters away. Meanwhile their leader pulled up a crate, sat back, and watched with a canteen with a satisfied smirk.
"Captain?" Sara called out as she worked. It would seem that the man already guessed what her question was going to be, because he didn't bother letting her finish.
"Consider it a 'rite of passage'. 'Shove all the work onto the recruits', heh, don't worry you'll get your chance with the next batch." He replied, going back to ignoring the recruits.
As the sun slowly started to sink from its high perch, the recruits worked tirelessly on every cannon along the walls. The trio assigned to one of the guns was full of grumbles and two annoyed soldiers, but the duo was quiet until conversation arose again.
"So, what'd you say again? About 'why you joined'?" Lynn spoke up, her attention still at the work in front of her. "Family, right?"
"Can't fool me with that," Alois started, "Never gave you an answer in the first place."
"Ah, you got me." She admitted, showing her palms as if caught guilty, "I hope I don't come off as too nosy, but I am seriously curious." She received nothing, "How about we trade then? One question, one answer. You did 'ask' me too."
Alois pondered it, wondering whether it'd be worth the effort and time, but considering their job was going to be long and he needed someone new to get along with, he shrugged and went along with it, "Fine, but you first, it's only polite."
She gave a small but victorious smile, "Fair." She slowed her work, "It was family. Mom worked hard to take care of my little sister and I, but even with the money my father left us, we could only scrape by. So, I enlisted. That way, more could go to my sister and mother and now I can help support them."
"What happened to your father?" Alois asked.
"Ah, no, no, no." She teased, "'One question, one answer' remember? I believe it's your turn." She said as Alois signaled to their Captain that they were done and moving to the next job.
"Hmm." Alois sighed in defeat, "It was a promise."
"Oh? Why aren't you the sweet one." She giggled.
"Nothing of that sort." Alois rebuked, a little red on his cheeks when he caught her meaning, "Just a couple of friends and I decided to join together. We stuck together through a lot during training, the drills, the runs, the sparing, you name it." He explained as a new breeze started to pick up, "We were supposed to all join the Scouts together, but, as you can see, I broke that promise..."
- - o - -
The sun was starting to reach the end of its journey and for the city that meant night was upon them. For Jatsune and Jexia, that meant it was just about time to head back home. Their mother was happy to hear the news of her husband and son's plan to return, and after finishing dinner, plus cleaning up after words, the Asiada siblings opted to use the dwindling daylight to check the nearby town square or markets for any closing shows or interesting trinkets. They didn't have money on them, nor did they plan to buy things, but to them, simply admiring whatever was available was an exciting adventure by itself. Old Mrs. Rosin was always being gifted new things, usually it was just stuff that was old or thrown away when its original owner wanted to rid of it, yet she and her husband would always somehow fix them up or turn them into something useful or interesting. She was a kind woman, always glad to see the two sisters around and show them what was in store for the day and today, they were making their weekly pilgrimage to her shop.
"You're not serious about joining are, right?" Jatsune asked her sister, worried about how she would manage through it and unsure of whether or not she could. Despite being a little over a year older than her, she never understood how Jexia turned out differently. Jatsune herself was content where she was, but here was her sister, being so bold as to dream of going outside. Her parents were certainly silent in their disapproval, always avoiding the subject or trying to suggest other options for her, but of course none of it stuck.
"I don't see why not." Jexia said, kicking a rock along with them, "I get to be with Dad, see the outside world, every expedition like a new adventure."
"Our brother is there too you know." Jatsune reminded her sister. Her ears caught the distant church bells started ringing, taking a bit of her attention but she ignored in and looked back to her sister
"Him too, but you heard dad: 'Just finished training'." Jexia acknowledged, walking ahead of her sister and turning so that she could simultaneously keep her pace backwards while still facing Jatsune, "Besides, you really think Mason's gonna' be all that interesting? Him of all people? He barely talked about where he went off with friends when we were younger." She chuckled, waving away the thought of her brother. Mason was a proud sort, he could be nice, sure, but truthfully, he'd probably just try to tell them exaggerated tales and other heroics. She fondly remembered a few years ago when-
Jexia's train of thought collapsed just as there was a thunderous boom followed by a tremor that caused her to trip and fall on her back. She rubbed the back of her head and expected her sister to help her up, but there was no hand to pull her up.
"Hey, Sis', you-" Jexia stopped when her gaze returned to her sister. Jatsune face was sunken and she was frozen in place with terror at something. Jexia herself trembled a little at the mere sight of her sister wrapped in fear, but followed her gaze up to the outer gate of the city. Towering above the great walls that protected them was the head of a giant, its skin stripped clean leaving only muscle, the exposed bone of huge teeth, and its soulless eyes that looked down on the city almost in pity of its prey's puny appearance.
Silence gripped the city with only the church bells daring to make noise. Just as Shiganshina's residents break into a chaotic frenzy, a powerful boom erupted at the first gate. A colossal cloud of smoke burst into the city, rock and stone soared high into the air, only to shower down in a cataclysmic rain of destruction and death for the unfortunate souls caught in its wake. In mere seconds, the protective shell that had safeguarded humanity had been broken through. And, when the first heavy thuds of footsteps emerged from the cloud of dust, all were reminded of the grim world they lived in.
Breaking to fear, Jatsune quickly turned to run, barely grabbing her sister's hand as they sought the safety of their family home. Silence had turned to screams and cries, within minutes, smoke and ash began to climb from houses that had been set ablaze in the chaos. Not a soul would be spared by the monsters outside who crept their way into the city in search of new prey. Nothing was made that clearer than those unlucky few who could be heard gargling on their own blood while begging for mercy.
Jatsune and Jexia had to forcefully weave through the incoming crowd fleeing from their homes. Every minute wasted would be a minute the girls wouldn't have to join them. As fortune would have it, their neighborhood was still in good shape, but much emptier than when they had first left. After turning a corner, their mother, Eriani was sat outside their home, stricken with worry and grief. It wasn't until the girls called out to her did, she snap out of her idle state and spring up to grab them, pulling them into a tight hug. "Are you ok? Are you hurt?" Eriani asked in a rapid succession, looking her children over for any wounds. Before either of the girls could answer, their mother pulled them along by the wrists, "Stay close girls, and don't look back." She instructed. True to her own word, Eriani never looked back, not at their family house, not at the collection of old buildings her kids grew up in, not even the street the ran upon. Jexia though, would take one glance back. Smoke had risen from one of the burning houses they ran past, obscuring what little of the sky they could see, but behind the black cloud was a large shadow, lazily walking down the rows of former homes. They didn't stop to see if they were safe, nor did they pause to help anyone caught under debris or rubble, they only ran. Those left behind would be nothing more than a liability, the old, the sick, the injured, Eriani cared not for their lives. Her daughters mattered more, even if she had to forcefully pull them along to stop them from seeing others pleading to be helped.
On their right, The Asiada family could hear cracking of wood and crumbling of stone, but couldn't see any sign of its cause. Then, seconds later, did a woman run out from between two houses, her gaze looking back the way she came before colliding into Eriani and her daughters. The two only glanced to each other as the other woman rose to her feet and continued running in the opposite direction. Not wanting to waste any more time, Eriani did the same, picking herself and then her children up to continue to their escape at the rear gate, but their journey was cut short when, from the alley the fleeing woman came from, emerged a single, oversized hand whose fingers wrapped around the house. The terrified mother pulled her children close. Then, emerged a second hand that laid upon the ground before a massive head peeked from behind the corner with widened eyes. Its short and black sight set upon the family, the blade of a soldier firmly stabbed into one cheek, and in its ugly, yellowed teeth, the body of a man.
A monster, a nightmare that haunted humanity, a creature that hunted and feasted on human flesh, a Titan. It began crawling toward the three Asiadas, swallowing the meal in its jaws and trying to get another. Eriani and her children were quick to back away, but were cornered when they heard a pair of footsteps, this time faster, from behind them. Another Titan, with a belly swollen full of victims, grinned with the woman that had tried to escape the first firmly in its hands. Eriani, Jexia, and Jatsune, were sat stunned at the sight of the woman struggling in the Titan's grasp, screaming as her hips and legs were crushed in its grip. The Titan widened its jaw, the woman desperately trying to free herself, but when she was placed upon the large set of teeth, there was nothing left for her to do, especially when the mouth clamped shut, biting her in two.
There was hissing. The others couldn't, but Jexia could recognize it. It was a sound she had grown both fond of and familiar of, it was the hiss of gas shooting hooks and reeling them back, it was the sound of maneuver gear. From above, a soldier struck, blood spewing from the back of the first Titan as its head hit the ground. A man wearing the distinct uniform worn by the military dropped from the Titan's head just as a girl joined him, "Are the three of you alright?" He asked, receiving a nod from the Eriani as an answer, "Alright, Lynn, watch them from the rooftops, until you deem it safe." He ordered the girl. Above them another soldier, a familiar face to the Asiada's, landed next to the group.
Eriani and Jatsune were more than happy to see a familiar, Jexia too was delighted to see Alois, if he was here, that meant the others wouldn't be far behind! Yet, she couldn't help but feel that spark of admiration immediately slip away when she saw his uniform. There were no wings, only a pair of roses. She was disappointed, sure, but the girl was even more disheartened when she came to the quick and easy conclusion that her father and the rest of the Scouts weren't coming to save them. "Mrs. Asiada?" Alois called, perplexed at the mere coincidence. Their first meeting since he had returned from training, and it was like this.
Their reunion was cut short when heavy steps reminded them of another approaching danger, another soldier standing guard on the rooftops called out to his leader, "Captain, fourteen-meter approaching!" She yelled. Eriani gave Alois a warm smile before she and her daughters were escorted away by Lynn. Alois watched them for as long as he could, but his attention was caught by someone else using their gear above him.
"Something doesn't feel right about this one..." The squad's leader warned as his eyes caught the erratic yet subtle twitching in the giant's hands. Kaleb was about to issue his orders, but one of his recruits made the foolish mistake of going on the offensive. "Wait, Marvin!" He yelled. Marvin looked back to his Captain for but a brief second and in a near flash, he was swatted aside by the Titan's right hand, his body crashing into a building with blood and glass splattering on impact. The rest of the squad looked on in horror as the Titan gently reached down to grab the limp body. "Squad, keep to the rooftops, keep your distance! This one's an abnormal!" Kaleb relayed to the others. "Alois, with me, we'll draw its attention. Sara, Josef, if you see the chance, kill it!" He shouted. The man threw his blades at the Titan's cheek, neither of which did more than leave two scratches, but it was enough for it to turn its head and target him.
Seeing her chance, Sara jumped off the roof and reeled herself toward the Titan's neck, but the beast had other ideas. With a snap of its hand, it had nabbed the girl out from the air and dangled her in front of its sleepily happy expression. Sara could do no more than let out high-pitched terrified screams as she struggled to get out as all those who were caught did. Josef was the first to react, landing on the Titan's elbow and making a sprint for the nape, if he could cut it, if he was fast enough, then he could free her, but with a quick snap of its neck it had turned and bit off his right half leaving the bloodied left to stumble on itself and fall off the monster's shoulder. Sara was then slipped into the Titan's mouth. She tried to grab anything that would stop her from being eaten, but all she ended up with was the back view of teeth and a shrinking sky.
Before the Titan could finish, Kaleb was there using every ounce of strength he had to keep the Titan's jaw from closing. Alois, by just a second, managed to grab one of Sara's arms with both his own. "I've got ya', hold on." He said to her. Sara smiled through her own tears as Alois was close to freeing her. Just a little more, a little more. She was halfway out of the Titan's mouth when a large fist hit under the Titan's jaw. Fueled by adrenaline, Alois could only watch as Sara's eyes widened in fear as her lower half was being severed while next to him, Kaleb's now bloody and mangled leg too was caught in the Titan's jaw. Alois hit the rooftop with his back, what was left of Sara's body on top of him. He was petrified at the sight. The girl's face, inches away, barely had the strength to mouth the words 'help me' before the light in her eyes finally faded.
"No!" Kaleb exclaimed. The man drew his swords and began cutting at the Titan's face in rage, "How many more?" He yelled. One of the Titan's hands grabbed the man hanging in its jaw. Kaleb was chewed on, bit by bit, as if his taste was being savored by the monster that was eating him. He didn't struggle much, his spirit was already as broken as the rest of his body, he laid eyes on Alois who sat there dumbstruck. "Run." He said, turning his blade on himself, preparing to make his own end quick so he wouldn't have to submit to more pain than he was already in.
Alois sat there by himself, covered in Sara's blood with her body still lying on him. It took a several seconds for his natural survival instincts to kick back in and snap him out of his dumbfounded state. He moved Sara's body off him and jumped out of the way of an approaching hand. Alois rolled off the edge of the building and clung to its edge, dropping on after getting his footing before running as fast as his legs could carry him. His instincts had taken over by now, his mind didn't bother giving thought to his gear or anything thing else other than preserving his own life. He wasn't sure if he could outrun the Titan, but there was nothing left for him to do other than run.
The city around Alois continued to burn and be destroyed by the advancing Titans. Shiganshina's people's screams were little more than just noise in the open air for him as his legs continued to carry him as far as they could until, finally, they gave out from under him. The young soldier had dropped to his knees and struggled to catch his breath with the dry air around him. The approaching footsteps behind him didn't cease though, and in the back of his mind he could already tell that it was over. Maybe he should have joined the Scouts with Mason and the others, he wouldn't have been in this mess had he walked away with them, but if this kind of fight was what the Scouts did all the time, then perhaps that path would have just been another doom. Regret and worry washed over him, drowning out the approaching Titan that had wiped out his squad. Always running away from the future, content with what he had, it was unhealthy sure, but he was happy with the status-quo even if it wasn't perfect. Memories from the past came flooding in, warm memories of his home here in the city, his family, his friends. He could recall those peaceful moments with surprising clarity, every moment of his life from his shy childhood, growing to a cautious youth, even parts of the military's rigorous training, leading up to him meeting the Asiada family again. That put a smile on his face, at least he could die believing that they escaped. His only regret was that he couldn't see his own family one last time, but perhaps that was for the best. Not knowing their fate meant that he could take comfort in believing that they had escaped too. Alois took a deep breath and waited as a shadow engulfed him...
Expecting the worst, Alois felt a force strike him from the front, but it was not the bloodied hands of a Titan. Instead, it was two hands shoving him back. His eyes jolted open to see a determined Lynn shove him out of harm's way as the Titan's first attempt to grab him had failed, fortunately for her, it had missed her too. With both of them now some distance behind the Titan, Lynn used what precious seconds she had bought to try and snap Alois out of his daze with moderate success. "You need to get up, fast!" She shouted at him, barely getting much of a response, "Dammit!" She cursed, looking back to see the giant now locked onto them. Thinking fast, she made the decision to use herself as bait hoping to buy more time, enough for Alois to get on his feet again.
Alois watched Lynn's figure dance in the air with fear, doing her best to simultaneously keep the creature occupied but not daring to try and attack in on her own. Why had she saved him? She could have easily just left the rest of the city behind and make an escape on her own. No one would blame her, especially not him. Needing to fly across was the most dangerous part for Lynn as it meant her cable hook was exposed and waiting to be grabbed, but if she wanted time, it was something that she had to do. She was flying in circles around the Titan, almost enraging it, as Alois watched in awe, but one failed risk was enough. Her cable had been grabbed and the Titan now dangled her from its hand, however she was a quick thinker. She released as much cable line as she could from the caught hook, letting her drop closer to the ground before she was forced to ditch her gear and drop to the dirt below, defenseless. Alois watched the helpless Lynn struggle to her feet as she attempted to flee. The Titan reached out a hand in full sight of Alois. She had come to save him, why? She had risked her life to rescue his, and now she was going to be killed just like the rest of their squad. She was going to be caught... She was going to be killed...
She had risked her life to rescue his...
She was going to be killed...
Just like the others...
Alois could not hear her pleas and screams directed at him, but he could feel his hands subconsciously grab the handles that controlled his maneuver gear just as clearly as he could hear his heart beat fasted in his ears. He clicked two blades in place just as he had fired his left hook that latched to the Titans right leg. Reeling himself in, Alois drew is right blade, slicing the Titan's left knee. He released his left hook, using his right to latch to the falling Titan's right shoulder. He drew his left blade, able to make a clean cut through the Titan's wrist, severing it from the rest of its arm and freeing Lynn from the grip it had on her. His momentum carried him forward, his hook cable swinging him upward. He reeled in as fast as he could, tucking his legs in as best he could to avoid colliding with the building next to them. It was a close shave, but the move had paid off.
Alois was above the Titan, enough for him to get a good glimpse of the rest of the city. He couldn't see everything, but he could tell that it wasn't over yet. He could see a soldier carrying two kids to safety, a citizen helping free another from a collapsed building, even a couple of boats being organized and loaded for evacuation in the far distance. This wasn't over yet. The young soldier had to remind himself of his target: this abnormal Titan. It had killed too many already and now it was looking to add more to its body count. Alois grit his teeth and clenched both controllers of his gear, he could do nothing as it wiped out the others in his squad, and all the untold number of lives before them, but right now, he had a chance, and he would not let it have another!
- - o - -
They'd made it in time. Eriani was exhausted, her breath was ragged and her legs ached from the distance she had to cross. She only hoped that her children fared better with their youth, but she wouldn't count on it just yet. The woman paid no mind to all the other residents dashing through the gate. They could run, but she would give herself a little rest by walking. If nothing else, they would need the spare energy should the worst come to happen. As she reached the other side of the gate, Garrison soldiers were hastily pushing cannons back through and into the city. For what it was worth, they could buy some times for everyone else on this hellish day.
The small town excluded from the rest of the city was little more than a number of buildings meant for storage and spare housing. From the gate, one could see where Shiganshina officially ended, but the wide dirt road would continue on all the way until it reached the next city district. Out in the open, parked on the lush grass were a little under a dozen carts each pair with two horses. The crowd gathered around them were restless, but they were being held back by about a dozen or so soldiers armed with rifles.
Eriani look back at her daughters, they were too tired to give much of a fuss, but she needed to keep them moving. Moving around the edge of the crowd, Eriani got as close as she could to the carts, but was stopped by the soldiers keeping watch for people trying to sneak aboard. She had no intention of doing so though. "Ma'am, I can't let you continue." An older man in uniform said, putting an arm out to stop her supposed plan.
"What about them, then?" She asked, pushing her kids forward. They were a too tired to speak for themselves, more occupied with catching their breath than ask questions, but Eriani much preferred that.
"I... I'll check with my Captain." The man answered, doing his best to keep cool in the midst of all this chaos. The crowd was already in an uproar, filling the air with people pleading to be let on or asking strangers about if they had seen a family member or friend. Yet amongst all the noise there was the subtle thumping of large feet, but this time they were different. It wasn't just getting closer; it was getting faster and no amount of cannon fire seemed to put a halt in its pace. Eriani had a bad feeling swell in her, but her luck started to turn when the soldier she had spoken too returned. For now, it was just Jatsune and Jexia that were cleared to board seeing as they were still passed as kids, but that would be more than enough for Eriani. Glancing at the gate, she rushed her daughters forward, going so far as to even assist the soldiers helping them aboard one of the carts. Jexia held onto her arm the longest; having to peel her youngest daughter's fingers off her was the most painful feeling Eriani ever had to endure, the most painful feeling any mother would have to endure. She knew what she was about to do. To her, so long as these two made it to safety, that's all that mattered in the end.
As if on cue, a deafening crash boomed at the city entrance. Much like the first breach, stone, brick, and debris exploded into the air, taking with them some of the last defenders the Garrison had stationed. The cart Eriani's children were aboard got moving without hesitation as did the others. One of them was unlucky enough to have its passengers crushed by a falling stone, destroying the cart and trapping the horses under its painful weight with one of them being viciously hit by shattered planks and splinters while a chunk of those inside perished. The mother didn't seem fazed seeing as she kept beaming a reassured smile to her daughters who grew further and further away. It wasn't until they were out of eyesight that she could turn around and face whatever may come.
She was quite shocked to see a new type of Titan standing tall in front of the gate. It lacked skin, in its place just dull-colored bone formed in shape to appear like muscle. The substance covered the Titan head to toe, almost like an old suit of armor, but her view of it would eventually become obscured as a huge cloud of smoke seemed to rise and shield the monster from view.
The rest of the crowd had already scattered in a sea of panic, their screams of terror filling the air as they tried to flee on foot. The cries of the horses still held down by the great weight. Poor beasts, it was fortunate they were unharmed, but now they were simply abandoned since no one seemed to have any way of setting them free. She looked back at them, one was already unable to stand on its hind legs thanks to its new wounds, but the second still fought to get out of its harness.
Behind her, Eriani's ears picked up the rattling of metal and ragged breaths that went with them. She was appalled at the sight of Alois, his clothing dirty with dust and ash with blood covering his stomach down to his knees, and Lynn who was barely much better and seemed to be missing her own set of equipment. To make matters worse, they were completely alone. By now, the first Titans were starting to wander through the new hole created by its predecessor. He quick mind glanced down and Alois's sides, which were still filled with his swords, then back at the abandoned horses.
"M-Mrs. Asiada?" Alois stuttered, probably as shocked himself at seeing her still here, "W-Where are the girls?"
"Don't worry, they're safe." Eriani answered.
"It wasn't in vain..." Lynn muttered while Alois sighed with relief.
Behind the three, still among the remaining buildings, they could hear the screams of victims being caught and devoured by the giants that were pouting in by the pairs. Time was running short and they all knew it. Eriani was quick to lead them over the still trapped horse, making sure one of the others grabbed the horse's reins so it wouldn't run off. It was a little rough at first, the horse seemed to refuse to cooperate thanks to the debris weighing it down, but after some struggle it eventually managed to calm down after it was cut loose. She put a hand on Lynn's shoulder, "Thank you, for watching over my daughters and I." She said, helping push her up onto the horse. One Titan seemed to have spotted them, but it still had to navigate or go through buildings to reach them. With only minutes left to spare, Eriani quickly pulled Alois into a tight squeeze, not bother with the blood that would stick to her clothes.
"Did... Did they make it out?" Alois choked, unable to properly mention the rest of his family as he finally started to break down again.
"I don't know," Eriani answered, not daring to lie to the poor boy who had already been through enough, "But if they saw you now, they would be so proud." She told him, a small tear rolling from her eye. Wherever they were, Eriani would be more than happy to give him their final farewells, hers included. She ran a comforting hand through the boy's hair, pushing him away and hurrying him up behind Lynn, "Promise me you'll be strong. For all of us." She requested, clasping one hand around Alois but her other curiously behind her back. It took every ounce of courage to keep the pained smile and not give into her base fear.
"I'm not so great at keeping promises..." Alois claimed, his facing dropping.
"I know you can keep this one." Eriani said as Lynn started the horse forward, Alois grabbing the reins with his left hand, his right still holding onto Eriani's for as long as he could. It was instant, but he could feel the woman's hand slipping away as the horse dashed forward. Both he and Lynn looked back at Shiganshina, the last view of their home would be one of watching it burn, watching its people devoured before their eyes. Everything they've known was gone and there was nothing they could do. Lynn quietly put her face down on the horse's mane, Alois hearing her quiet sobs. Alois himself watched the sun finally set behind the walls, but it was only when Eriani's now tiny figure collapsed that he noticed himself being one blade lighter.
A. Note: Just needed to get this out. Unsure if it should be worth continuing, but thanks for taking a look!
As always, enjoy!
~Firetoast312