As I approached, my fears were confirmed. Three Titans raced after the rear of the formation, slowly but steadily gaining distance. The evasive movements only worked if the Titans were sighted from the front of the radar. Plus, due to the giants that were captured, the whole formation slowed in speed. Protecting the day's catch was as important as surviving. Without the information that could be potentially gained from studies, Humanity was as good as dead. So the only option left, was to take them head on. As I moved my gaze around, the rear teams had already split roughly into 3 attack groups. I joined the one destined for the biggest opponent, a 15m-class.

"Let's get this over with." The squad leader yelled out and the group nodded.

I overheard the plan as we rode towards death. The group of now 4 people would split into two smaller units. One person would act as the decoy. One unit of two people would aim for the heels of the Titan. If successful, the Titan would fall, hence leaving its neck exposed. The last person would come in and deliver the final swoop. Of course, that was a theory that didn't take into the giant percentage of getting killed in the process. Knowing my skills with the 3DMG on flat ground were proportionally better than the others, I volunteered to sacrifice myself. So we split, one heading to the left, two to the right and I remained straight on.

The Titan locked its eyes on me, a creepy smile gracing its face. Jesus, what a creep. Why did I do this? Being a diversion was like signing a contract with Death.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focused on the task. Be distracting. Be annoying. Get in its face.

Most importantly, stay alive.

I left that last thought at the forefront of my mind and balanced myself, crouching on top of the saddle. Streak kept riding dead straight towards the Titan and it finally bent down, its arm swooping to me. I swiftly bent lower and slapped Streak on the side of his neck. The horse obediently swerved to the left and I leapt up into the air. Shooting a cable to the giant's shoulder, I reeled myself out of harm's way, missing its open hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the ground unit preparing to take out the heels. The Titan also noticed and began to kick out in irritation.

"Hey! Eyes on me!" I screeched and using the same tactic as before, swung before the face and fired a black smoke round into its vision.

It roared, finally stopped in its tracks, hands flying to its face. The ground unit took the hint, jumping off their horses and successfully slashing across the ankles. The enormous body immediately began to tip forward, its centre of balance cut off. I shot a wire to the shoulder and triggered the gas to move out of the way. However, my worst nightmare came true. I didn't move and with a glance down to my 3DMG, I instantly knew why. I cursed at myself.

No gas.

My thought chain was abruptly cut off by a massive force colliding into me, dragging to towards the grassy ground. The breath was completely knocked out of me and my head spun. The last thing I saw was the formation racing in the opposite direction before I was enclosed in darkness.

My head hurt. My legs hurt. My arms hurt. Goddamn, the front of my body screamed pain while the back screamed bloody murder.

I groaned and slowly began to wriggle my limbs. Relief flooded through me. All were attached despite the searing pain. I forced my eyes open. Nothing. Darkness. I panicked, and my breaths began to come in short puffs. Did the Titan hit take my sight? Then the faint white puff of air from me caught my attention as it mixed with the freezing night. Okay, not blind.

Careful not to make another sound, I crawled into a sitting position and took in my situation. It was night, the moon was bright but the air felt like it came from the depths of an icy hell. The familiar smell of decaying Titan flesh surrounded me and I grimaced. As I shifted in my seat, my clothes and the surrounding area was damp. Would have made it about 6 hours after that Titan accident. I strained my ears for any friendly sound. Nothing. The formation must have suspected me dead and left. I crossed my fingers that they got the Titans back successfully. Now I had to start moving before it got light again and the Titans became active. I judged the direction of the Walls using the moon and began limping in that direction. As I did, I scanned the area for close Titans and luckily didn't see any. Placing my fingers in my mouth, I whistled, signalling for Streak. Maybe he hung around. Maybe he followed the formation back. Then a horse neighed, followed by hooves.

"And maybe you are just about the best horse ever, Streak!" I exclaimed and hobbled over to him, hugging the stallion tightly. Instantly knowing my mental state, he whinnied quietly in comfort. I sighed.

"I hope you got enough rest. We got a long and fast journey ahead of us."

I mounted my horse and we began our way home. My head began to sting halfway through and I could feel a trickle of blood making its way down my forehead. Luckily, fate decided to give me a break and I made it to the Wall Rose gate without altercations. I dismounted Streak and walked to the small Gate office. Knocking on the glass, I smirked as the guys inside looked like they saw a ghost. The Gate opened a sliver and we squeezed through.

"You're Survey Corps. Why are you coming in now? Didn't the formation come in a few hours ago?" one of the Garrison guards questioned, poking my arm. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, I'm real and yes they did. I got attacked by a Titan and assumed dead. Hence why I'm entering alone. Can I go now?"

Without waiting for a reply, I left towards the Mess hall.