Saph's PoV

Kneeling down, I rested the back of my hand against Brogan's forehead, cold. He must've been dead for hours. Damn it! If only I'd come straight here, there's a chance I could've prevented this mess. The probability of Chaco still being here was low, but I had to check to make sure he was really gone. My feet thudded against the stairs as I stormed up them, a fury already beginning to possess my thoughts and actions. The hallway seemed elongated in my panic. It took forever to reach Chaco's bedroom, only to confirm that it was indeed, empty. Someone took him, but who? Marley? None of the volunteer soldiers were aware of his existence much less the location. There's no way any of them would've been able to tell that enemy where we are. Besides, Zeke and Hange estimated it'd take months before retaliation, it'd barely been over one.

No clues unearthed themselves to me despite looking hard all around. "I need Hange," I whispered to myself, realizing that this is a problem I'm not going to be able to solve on my own. "I'll get her to mobilize the entire military if necessary," I proclaimed as if my son could hear me.

Retreating back outside, I sprinted to the barn. Thankfully, the horses didn't have a scratch on them. I'd been worried whoever committed this atrocity was heartless enough to go after innocent animals. Levi's horse was out in the woods by his side where he should be, but Brogan and my mare both stood in their stable, munching on the hay he'd given them for dinner. Tired from transforming into a Titan multiple times already and with the headquarters not too far away it'd be easier to ride than run. Not wanting to waste any time, I grabbed some reins for her dainty head.

Unlike Lucifer, she patiently obliged to my wants and commands. A long black mane and tail sharply contrasted with her white coat. I'd named her Sweet Cream. While she wasn't nearly as fast as Lucifer, her gentle personality was greatly appreciated. I even trusted her with my son on her back.

Now I'd need every bit of strength and speed from Sweet Cream. The pace to see Chaco and Brogan had been somewhat relaxed, but now I didn't hesitate to push her. Some of the horses had grown slower without Titans chasing them constantly, becoming used to leisurely traveling. Not Sweet Cream though, maybe she felt the panic bubbling near the surface. Her sides heaved for breath as we crested over the grassy knolls but her hooves never let up. It'd grown much darker but thankfully, the headquarters didn't lay too far away.

Lit with the crystals found in the underground caverns, lanterns helped guide me directly towards the stable. Seeing Marill with two other Survey Corps members, newer recruits, one a large man and the other a slight woman. I jumped off to inquire where Hange is. Handcuffs glinted in the corner of my eye, clearly wrapped around her wrists, stilling the question onto the tip of my tongue. Prickled with goosebumps, I yanked my knife out of the ankle sleeve inside my boot.

"What's going on?"

Marill dashed towards me as the man and woman soldier seemed to freeze in a panic. "A bunch of Survey Corps soldiers freed Eren, and forced Hange to take them to the Beast Titan! Pixis told them we're surrendering since they killed Zachary and kidnapped Historia."

"Shut up!" the man barked out as he lunged toward her but I raised my knife.

"Stay the fuck away from us," I growled out.

Getting behind me, Marill peeked over my shoulder. "Pat also stole your baby!"

He gripped his gun tighter, "I said shut up!"

Seeing his finger hesitating over the trigger, I sprinted forward to shove the gun out of his hands. Brabbing his collar with one hand, I raised my blade to his throat with the other. "Where'd you take Chaco?" I spat out, trying to hide hysteria in my voice. It didn't make sense. Maybe the soldiers who'd released Eren forced Pat to go with them after murdering Brogan. She hated Zeke because of what he did to her village and family.

"We don't know," the slight woman stepped in to inform me. "Nobody told us. They just took off with him."

I looked to Marill for confirmation. Nodding her head, she shrugged her shoulders. "She never said anything to them about it. Quite a few soldiers went with her."

Frustrated, a part of me did want to snuff out this man's life with one knick in just the right place, but the weight of it also sat heavy in my palms. I didn't want to deal with this, I only wanted my loved ones to be safe and near. Letting him slide to his feet, I hesitantly pulled away. "Try anything and I'll stab you." Turning my attention to Marill, I pointed toward the rope that ties the bales together. "Go grab some of that and we'll tie them up."

"Tie them up?"

"And leave them in one of the stables. Nobody will see them until morning," I said as I led the two of them inside.

Marill scrambled over to the material, pickling up a large strand. "Wouldn't it be best to kill them?"

Sighing, I took the rope from her. "I don't have time to argue. I need to go to the Forest of Giant Trees. If Eren escaped we need to make sure he doesn't meet up with Zeke. It's also a priority that Hange and Levi are safe. Once I find them, we'll figure out where Chaco is and what to do next," I paused, offering her my knife, "unless you want to be the one to do the honors?"

Her grimace was enough of an answer. "I thought that was your sort of thing, so you and Levi really do have a kid together?" She asked, changing the subject. Standing there while watching me tie up the begrudgingly obedient prisoners. I'd stuffed a handkerchief into their mouths so they couldn't call for help nor argue.

Dusting myself off, I got back up to my feet. "Yes, now I gotta go."

"Where should I go?" Marill shouted as I sprinted away from the structure.

"Go help Pixis," I suggested. "We're not going to surrender." Not that she'd be able to do much against Eren or the hairy creep, but it'd be better than running around in a panic.

Terror pushed me forward as I cut my thumb before letting light and heat engulf my bare-bones as I transformed once again. Unlike Eren, I struggled to maintain a solid form once I began to hit around the 3 times mark. I'd only learned to get around this issue by focusing on a small but full figure. Without the heat of the sun warming me, my Titan form would struggle with feeling heavier and lethargic as well. This is going to be an uphill battle.

Near exhaustion, I felt grateful for the small fact that the looming collective of shadows comprising the Forest of Giant trees is hard to miss if one is headed in the generally correct direction. I wobbled with each leap. Fumbling as the land underneath twisted and turned, it didn't take long for me to smack my back claws against a boulder. I faltered as it exploded underneath the forceful impact of my weight. Limping a little, it took me a moment to resettle my foot onto the cool dirt. I'd only regained my bearings enough to glance back up before I tripped from the dip of a creek.

Hurtling forward due to my speed, I continued to tumble until I collapsed into a bundle of limbs and anxiety, the sound of rushing water in the background would've been relaxing in any other circumstances. Dazed, I felt terribly helpless. Useless in my current form, I pulled myself out of the Titan's flesh.

"Saph!"

Blinking, it took me a moment to discern that I'd rolled to the base of the Forest of Giant Trees. Where'd my name come from?

Hange voice range out much clearer. "Saph!"

I finally spotted a campfire in the distance. "Hange!" Rushing forward, I stumbled and almost sank to my knees in my haste. I'd never run so much while also doing multiple transformations in such a short span of time. The swing of my arms eventually helped keep me steady as I rushed over to her. "Are you okay? Where's Levi?" Why is she by herself? My jittered nerves continued to beat alongside the pounding of my heart as a swarm of pessimistic thoughts drowned my mind in worst-case scenarios.

"I need your help. He's been hurt."

Ice cold dread washed over me. My poor sweet baby is probably terrified and now my partner's in pain? Whirling around, I searched for him near the side of the fire.

"I hid him on the other side of that bush," she pointed it out for me. "Do you still remember how to stitch?"

A skill I'd somewhat picked up in the Underground but perfected to be more like Petra. Not that I'd gotten to use it too often. Death happens more than injuries. "Yes." Going around the stack of wheels and wood, I gasped at the sight of Levi stretched out on a blanket.

Holding my breath, I knelt down by his shoulders. His chest rose and fell, so calmly that it appeared he might be asleep, but the bloody gashes stretched across the features of his delicate face told another story. Two particularly long and nasty ones crossed the entirety of his left side. One started a bit above his brow before swooping over his eyelid, curving around his unblemished nose, dipping between the curves of his lips, and ending at the tip of his chin. The other ran straight down his cheek. At least it appeared to not have pierced his actual eye.

How close to death he must've been. Sobs trembled in between the spaces of my ribs, but I kept them choked down. I needed to help him, not fall to pieces. I'd felt so guilty with Chaco gone but now I'm soaked in it. Drenched from the fierce sadness. If I'd been here, then I would have stopped this trauma from incurring. Would've done anything in my power to prevent such an attack. I'd failed them both, my duty as Levi's second-in-command and Chaco's mother. Putting aside my self-loathing, fear, and exhaustion, I peered inside the first aid bag for another needle.

"Are you sure you're okay to do this? You're looking pretty rough yourself," Hange said, putting a hand on my back as she lowered herself down to my level. "How many times have you turned?"

Shaking her hand off, I pointed towards the tools she'd set aside. "It doesn't matter. Let me do this. Chaco's gone and Levi's… broken and battered right in front of me." A deep breath helped level my words and hands as I started mending his cheek. "I've never seen him like this," I whispered, "so please let me ease his pain."

Sighing, Hange nodded before resuming the work. "Do you think it'd be better for us to live out here, Saph? You did it for a while."

Concentrating on my current task, I had a hard time taking her seriously at that moment. "What do you mean? I have to rescue Chaco. I certainly can't raise him in the woods either! That's probably not good parenting."

"Better than raising him in a jail cell. None of us are in a position to fight Zeke, and it doesn't matter if Eren betrays him or not. The Jaegerist can take over the island with the spinal fluid."

Done with the first mark, I moved on to a smaller one obscured by his bangs. "I can't win against Eren anymore. Not with the War Hammer Titan power, but I believe Levi can still kill Zeke…using sheer spite if necessary." Parting through the strands of his black hair, I searched for more hidden head wounds. "What if Eren is just using the Jaegerist as a means to meet Zeke so he can betray him? I just don't see him working with the beardy, even if they are brothers. Maybe it's to get access to his royal blood."

"Why not Historia then?"

I snorted. "How am I supposed to know? Figuring shit out is what you do." Finished with each injury within my reach, I sat back onto my heels. "Where is Historia?"

"I have no idea who took her or the location. You said Chaco is also missing?"

Gasping, I stood to my feet. "Marill said Pat stole Chaco away, but why would she do that? She detests Zeke!"

Hange's eyebrows scrunched together as she pondered. Finished threading Levi's skin back together as well, she pulled out a roll of bandages. "I bet it's because she hates Marley more than she hates Zeke. Blames them for the murder of her family. She must've told the Jaegerist when you wouldn't be at the Forest of Giant Trees."

What'd been a simmering heat of anger and fear now began to boil over. She'd been the one to alert them when Levi would be without backup? The curve of my nails bit deeply into the palms of my trembling hands. My nostrils flared as I inhaled deeply. "I'm going to rip her apart."

"You don't even know where they are. Now help me wrap Levi's face"

Crouching back down, I gently lifted his head so she'd be able to go underneath. "Do you know? Our pregnant queen and an Ackerman child are both vulnerable and valuable."

She'd covered everything but Levi's left eye and ear with the white cloth. His normally blank expression was now hidden from the rest of the world. While she continued to move with efficiency and distant expertise, the frown she continued to hold while attending to Levi conveyed how much it upset her to see Humanity's Strongest reduced to such a state. After she'd tucked the end strand away, Hange gave a long sigh that rung with defeat.

I scooted forward to rest his head on my lap. Usually, I'd begin to trace the dips and dives of Levi's face but the slightest touch seemed as if it'd only hurt him. "Rest and feel better," I said before kissing his forehead. Opening my eyes to see Hange intently watching me, I paused. I'd never been so blatantly affectionate in front of her before. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," she interrupted, "it's just me anyway." Hange leaned forward. "I'm glad he has you, and you, him, but you still need to rest, Saph."

"I can't. Not when Chaco is in danger."

"I might know where they are," her tone turned to command, "but you have to let yourself heal first before trapezing over there."

Perking up, I grabbed her hand. "Where are they? At least give me that much." That'd be a sweet piece of relief since not knowing is excruciating.

She squeezed tightly. "It's a guess, but there's an orphanage not too far into Wall Maria, by the outside of Utopia. Its been recently closed since most of the kids were adopted. They decided to not convert into something else due to the impending threat of war." Letting go, she turned around to ruffle through a large duffel bag. "Now, the both of you need sleep to let your bodies recover. Let me come up with a plan."

Relenting, I took off my coat. As I slowly removed my legs, I scooted the bunched-up piece of clothing to be my replacement pillow for Levi and me to share. Done being an anchor, I crumpled next to him instead. Depleted of all energy, I barely noticed Hange covering us with the blanket she'd retrieved.

Peeking in through the second-story window, I could clearly see Historia's long blonde hair. It now reached her waist, and while it might've appeared unruly on others, she never appeared anything but regal. From her rhythmic side-stepping back and forth, I felt it in my bones that my son was in her arms. What was she in the office though? It'd taken me longer than I wanted to arrive and find them. I passed out for a few short hours before the knowledge of Chaco's precarious situation drove me awake and into a near frenzy. Sitting still while watching Levi slowly breathe, made my skin itch.

Not that this day's turmoil still didn't haunt me, making every move sloppier and slower than usual. My foot had already slipped once, causing me to almost tumble from the roof. Static hammered my senses, the edge of adrenaline began to wear off from the reassuring sight.

Knocking on the glass, I tried not to make too much noise but they'd obviously beeing lying in wait. People flooded into the room, all holding weapons. Two pointed their guns at Historia's while the other three bared their swords at me. Pat followed in last, a long blade held up as well.

"Come on in, Saph," she called out. "Figured you'd make an appearance."

Well, no use in trying to surprise them now. Gathering myself to my feet, I used my shoe to kick my way in. Shards tumbled around me as I moved to stand by the chair in front of the desk, the only pieces of furniture in this otherwise empty setup. Within the tight space, I realized that's why they chose it, less room for me to maneuver. Not that I'd transform. Glancing at Historia, she gave me a reassuring smile as she turned to show me Chaco's sleeping face. At least he's okay.

Pat shook her head. "You're making a mess."

Biting my bottom lip as I put my hands in the air, I watched them fan out to the edges of the room. The ones with guns moved in front of Historia and Chaco, blocking them from my sight. Ponytail swishing, a woman moved to threaten my neck with her sword. My contempt sat with Pat, but she stood far away at the other end of the room, an armed Jagerist on each side of her. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because Marley needs to pay for what they've done, and following Eren is the only way to win this war. Don't be stupid, Saph, Chaco won't have a future any other way." Pat focused her attention to the soldier next to me to point at my boot. "Grab her knife."

The woman's hair almost smacked into my nose as she bopped downwards to follow the command and toss it to Pat. Damn it. There goes my only weapon. Scanning the area, I noticed that the desk was bare besides for a few items: a rock paperweight, some folders, and a pen. A trembling popped in my thumb, causing it to curl and uncurl involuntarily. The sharp edge of bloodlust began to filter my senses in and out once again, causing moments of accentuated lights to be traded out for blaring deafness of noise. I felt my control becoming corrupted. How dare they threaten my family. How dare they.

"What's the master plan then?" I snarled out between pants of my own haggard breathing. "Going to feed me to Eren and raise Chaco as your own? You'll all be annihilated by Marley."

Her mouth began to move but I didn't hear the noise coming out. The answer didn't matter anyway. I'd just been throwing questions at her for the sake of stalling. Not listening to a single word, I observed the traitors around me. Their enthusiasim began to grow as Pat's voice rose into a rallying cry.

"Those two will be unstoppable at that point, and then we will just need to wait for the birth-" Caught up in the speech, she wasn't paying any attention either.

The men guarding Historia and Chaco, began to slightly lower their weapons, one taking their finger off the trigger entirely as they loosened up. The woman who was placed next to me slowly swivled to face the speaker herself. Perfect. Thrusting a hand out, I curled the soft blonde strands of the ponytail around my fingers to yank her skull into a chokehold. Before anyone had comprehended my movement, I grasped her chin and twisted her head faster than the body could follow. The sound of a sharp snap finally interrupted the flow of Pat's voice.

I released the corpse to clutch onto the top of the chair. Wood began to splinter underneath the pressure of my crushing grip as I swung the heavy object at the men threatening Historia and Chaco. Large and heavy, part of the reason it'd been left behind must've been due to its bulky size. With all my might, the legs of the makeshift weapon smashed into their chest, breaking off in half from the impact. As their backs collided into the wall, the guns flew across the floor. Internally broken, they did nothing but groan in agony, blood dripping out of their mouths.

Instead, the woman to the right of Pat scrambled to get to them. With a growl that continued to deepen, I dove towards her, grabbing the pen as I passed by the desk. When she bent down, I jabbed it upwards at her face. I realized I'd pierced the eyeball when a pop sounded out followed by white liquid spraying everywhere. Kicking the guns backward, I started towards Pat as the woman curled into the fetal position and started to shriek behind me. She'd die soon enough, I must've almost reached her brain from the force of the puncture.

The last one standing next to her swung his sword downward in a panicked attempt to defend himself. With such an obvious attack, I easily blocked it with the palm of my open hand. Blood poured out from the cut, but as his body trembled in an attempt to bring the blade within rech, I easily stood still. "That's not how you decapitate someone," I calmly chided. Seizing the weapon, we engaged in a light game of tug of war before I disarmed him completely. "This is." I twirled in a circle, his thick neck causing little resistance as I sliced sideways. A permanent expression of shock frozen onto the face of his decapitated head as it rolled on the ground.

Turning around to find the two men struggling to breathe with their crushed ribs, I decided to put them out of their misery. Pulling the tip of the blade next to my ear, I aimed at their hearts as I angled my stab downwards. I pierced both of them at once, metal sliding into the soft tissue. With the weapon now propped up, I left it sticking out of the two dead bodies. Now, I faced Pat. Nothing or nobody in between us now. Marching over the woman whose cries were now hesitant breaths, the only sound now in the room was now the resounding roar erupting from the back of my throat.

She raised her sword weakly, it wobbled in the air, but with a quick step forward I knocked it away. "Cha-" Pat started to cry out in an attempt to get my son's attention. Trying to alert him that his beloved babysitter is in danger. I'd not have her touch him again though. Digging the pads of my thumbs into the front of her throat, I threw the two of us down onto the ground.

Nose wrinkled and lip curled, I felt the vicious expression as I effortlessly straddled Pat. She bucked underneath my weight, shoes scuffing the floor as she kicked them in an attempt to wiggle free. When that didn't work, she began to claw at my face with her nails. Small scratches appear then healed with every futile swipe. All while the life continued to drain out of her, but I didn't budge. I wanted to erase the danger from Chaco's world completely.

"I think she's dead, Saph," Historia's voice broke through the haze of blood. "You got them. All of them."

Swaying underneath the weight of death, it took me a moment to stand up straight. "Are you injured? Is he okay?" I went to take my little boy from her when I noticed the red staining my skin. It'd be smeared all over his clothes.

"Chaco's fine. He's been sleeping so I covered his ears." Historia glanced away. "I'm not hurt."

But if she was busy shielding Chaco, it meant she heard everything herself. "Thank you for protecting him. I'm sorry you had to be here for this." Taking stock of just how soaked and messy my attire was, I let out a long sigh. "Let me go see if there's something clean for me to change into. There's nobody else here, right?"

"No." She followed me as I began to wander within the long hallways, checking different rooms every so often for a dresser or wardrobe. "Thank you for protecting me. It's been a while since I've been so close to a fight."

"Easy to forget about the experiences of us common folk on the golden throne, eh?"

"Those who do order for war are rarely the ones who see any of the effects."

Finally finding a bedroom that was still relatively used, a clean shirt and pair of pants lay in the first drawer I pulled out. "Well, you're certainly in no state to be in the middle of a battlefield. Hange said you should go to the safe house. The one you, Pixis, and she discussed."

"You don't know about it? I can get there in a few hours by horse. I'm still not too big to ride, but where are you taking Chaco?"

Holding my arms out, she slowly slid my snoring baby into them. "No, I'm sure Levi does. We will be riding to Edmond and Honey," I said as I stroked the small of my son's back, "I need to head there now, so I can return to Levi. The Beast Titan almost killed him."

I felt a hint of comfort and warmth as she gave me a quick hug. "You take care of yourself and be cautious out there."

"You too," I said before tightening my hold and sprinting away. Tying him to my back was no longer an option with how much he's grown, instead, he fit perfectly tucked into my chest.

There was a large array of horses for me to choose from. That'd make things much easier. I'd grab two to have one to switch out with. That should at least give me enough time to have my energy restored to a point where I could transform and race back to the Forest of Giant Trees in haste once I'd dropped off Chaco.

I'd just have to be content with the galloping pace of the horse for now. The light of the lantern bounced in the dark, shining a makeshift path for us. Too bad I'd left Sweet Cream at the headquarters, the stallion I'm riding now doesn't have the same spunk. The filly I'd brought along seemed to have more enthusiasm for speed, and with Wall Rose glistening up ahead, it'd be the best place to switch. With the chaos of the current insurrection, it laid bare before us. "There will be soilders here sooner or later to take you back," I reassured the male, patting his soft grey nose.

In the middle of me sliding the gear onto of the filly's partially sweaty back, Chaco had woken up out of hunger. I doubt they'd fed him any dinner. He'd been quite happy to see me but also annoyed that all I had for his empty tummy was some bread and cheese. No mention of Brogan or Pat. I hope he'd come away from all this mostly unscathed. Seeing how his snores quickly resumed once we'd started off on the fresher horse, I had hope he'd sleep through this madness.

Concentrated on maneuvering next to the wall containing Kroval without being seen, we reached Edmond and Honey's farm in a surprising amount of time. "Good girl," I whispered, patting her neck. I'd been right about her getting us to where we needed to go in a timely manner. Taking in the proximity of the Wall, it appeared to protectively cradle protectively their home. Hard to imagine anyone getting past.

Leaping from the beast's back, I rejoiced at the sight of their front door swinging open to spill out a warm light, only cut off by the shape of two recognizable figures. Such a welcoming and refreshing sight. They must've heard the approaching pounding of hooves on the dirt path.

"What a surprise! Never had guest show up at the crack of dawn" Honey shouted as I bolted to the couple. Her grin fell seeing the panic and desperation spilling onto my expression. "Is something the matter?"

I'd prepared the sentences in my head, but they all came out together in such a rush, I didn't know if she'd be able to pick them apart. "There's a rebellion happening in the military. They're targeting Levi, Chaco, and me. Please keep my son here safe for a bit. Nobody will know he's here besides Hange, Levi, and I."

"Will Pat or Brogan talk?" Edmond asked, concern ringing in the gruff of his voice.

"No. They're both dead." Ruffling Chaco's hair, I gently coaxed him awake. "We're here at Edmond and Honey's, little one. Mama has to say goodbye now."

Strands of his hair stuck out in a multitude of wild ways as he tilted his chin up to look at me. "Mama?" he asked, batting the long lashes framing his beautiful eyes. "We're at Honey and Edmonds?"

"Yes. You'll be here for a bit. Now give me a big hug and a big kiss!"

Chaco squeezed me with all the strength he had in his small body before placing a hand on each of my cheeks to squish them together causing my lips to pucker unnaturally. "Big kiss!" he announced before giving me a wet one. "I love you!"

"I love you too, sweetheart," I said with a swell of fondness as I handed him to Honey. Without pausing, I dashed off of the deck and back into the veil darkness.

My legs ate up the ground underneath me despite the trembling running up and down their inner muscles. Concern for Levi's wellbeing was my only fuel at this point. At least the long night was coming to a close. The stars became less visible as the sky turned a lighter blue. That should help give me a boost in my Titan form. With the rim of Wall Rose right in front of me and no gear, my only solution is to transform anyways.

Embedded within a flame of heat, power, and chaos, I was reminded that Levi being in danger used to be the key to me changing into a Titan. There's a renewed severity of strength that is imbued into my soul at the mere idea of him being gone. With a strong bend of my haunches, I launched myself as far up as possible. Near the top, I dug my claws in to pull me up the rest of the way.

I barred my teeth and latched onto the rim to charge forward. I yearned to just blast through the interior instead of taking the long way by crossing with the circumference, but I didn't want to drag too much attention to myself. I'd never traversed by this method but it was easier than I initially thought it'd be, besides, I found it more soothing to focus on not falling off rather than how much farther I'd have to advance. Again, I'm running and running, feeling more and more helpless to the world falling apart around us. At least Chaco is safe now. They could tear me limb from limb every day for the rest of my short life, and I still wouldn't reveal his location.

Horses couldn't compare to my speed though and with how the wind whistled in my ears, I thought I'd be able to run across water at this rate. Inside and out, I'm different than a human, but strain and fatigue felt the same no matter the circumstances. My joints hadn't had a true opportunity to rest in a long time.

Passing Utopia again and then Karanes in a flash, I didn't have to strain myself to see the large mass of trees rivaling the height of the walls. Thrusting myself off of the top, I free-fell until smacking into the ground, causing my leps to collapse underneath me with a crunch. Just a little farther, I reminded myself as I fled from the flesh that confined me. As if still in my Titan form, I ran on all fours for a bit. Much easier to stay steady this way. Once I'd reached the crestline of trees, I shot up back to my feet so I'd be able to peer over the roots and bushes.

Retracing my steps, I found a bit more hope in seeing Levi and Hange still safely beside it. She seemed to still be working on a way to cart Levi around.

"Hello!" I shouted!

This is a message to all of the people of Ymir. The hell? A voice? A dream while I'm awake? My name is Eren Jaeger. I've dissolved the hardening of every wall on Paradis island and every Titan that was encased in those walls is now on the move. My goal…is to protect all of the people on Paradis island, where I was born and raised, but the people of the world wish to destroy the people of Paradis Island. Their hatred that had grown for millennia is turned not only against the people of this island, but towards the entire people of Ymir. They will not stop until they have killed them all. I will prevent their wish from coming to pass. The Titans of the walls will stomp and flatten everything that's on the surface of this Earth outside of Paridis island. All who live there will perish from this world.

Finally pulled out of that hellscape, I glanced around, I'd somehow crumpled at Levi's feet in that span of what felt to be a year and a minute in one. My heart soared when I realized that he'd sat up.

"What happened… to the… Beast bastard?"

Hope you guys enjoyed the latest chapter! Love you all, and I always appreciate the honest feedback.