Chapter 2: It's Prometheus!
Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin
Previously: Eren gets hit by a truck and passes out. He wakes up in another world, in the body of that world's version of him. He learns he is a soldier and a Titan-Shifter.
"I can't believe we're actually going with the half-assed plan I made up without thinking!" Armin fretted, holding his hands up, fingers twitching.
"No taking it back now. And anyway, he's the commander. He probably figured out how to make it work," Eren assured him, patting his best friend's shoulder.
"I guess."
"And if it fails it won't be on you. It'll be his fault. Or mine."
That earned him a weird look.
Now's the time. Eren subtly checked their surroundings. Atop the Wall, he and Armin stopped near some crates with the other soldiers out of hearing range. While he didn't have a strong bond with this Armin, he knew, he could just feel it in his bones, that this one was just as trustworthy and reliable as his Armin back home. "Armin, I have something to tell you. But you can't tell anyone about it."
"What is it?"
"That serum I was telling you about? It did something to my memories."
"What do you mean?"
"I...I don't remember...things. Events. A lot of my life." Eren struggled to word it properly. He should've thought up a well-prepared explanation before opening his mouth. "I know people. Kind of. I know you and Mikasa. I mean, I can put names to faces, but." He looked troubled. "I can't remember us growing up and things like that. It's only brief flashes."
"What?" Armin's eyes were huge. "You have amnesia?"
"Sort of. I don't know the history," Eren said nervously. "I can't...I don't...I lost so much." He didn't have to fake the unease and fear. It was all real.
"Eren..."
"You can't tell Mikasa! I don't want her to worry. And you have to help me make sure she won't find out. Or anyone else! You need to tell me everything about the history of the world and how things work here, okay?"
"Do you—" Armin cleared his throat nervously. "Do you remember...that day?"
"Dude, why're you being so cryptic? I just told you I can't remember events."
"Oh, right! Sorry!"
"Just give me a quick rundown of Titans and shit." Various images and facts suddenly appeared in Eren's head and he was momentarily overwhelmed before sorting it out. "They come in various sizes, they're dumb as rocks, they've got no private parts, and their weakness is their napes, right? Is there anything else that's important I need to know?"
"Aside from the fact that if you're able to become a Titan, that means the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan are humans, too, not much."
"Right. Those annoying bastards," Eren threw that in for good measure. He tried to imagine what those two looked like in hopes of the info popping up again. But all he could think about was some random Titan in knight's armor.
"You really can't remember when Shinganshina was breached and we lost Wall Maria?" Armin prodded again.
"Aren't we standing on Wall Maria?" Eren asked.
Armin looked beyond troubled. "Oh no, that serum has seriously messed up your head!"
"No wait, that's what we're trying to reclaim, right." Eren nodded, remembering his father's words from the dream. "Yeah, so remember, if you think I'm not acting like my normal self it's cause of that. Now give me a quick history lesson," he ordered, feeling vulnerable not knowing this world's lore.
"Well, uh, um, there are three Walls," Armin began while Eren waved his hand as if to say get on with it. Quickly and efficiently, Armin hit all the main points and Eren absorbed it like a sponge.
I'm like the MC of a story! Eren thought excitedly after Armin finished. Aside from the other two douches bags, the Colossal and the Armored Titans, he was the only human capable of becoming a Titan. A species that had enslaved humanity. I'm kinda like Goku!
"Eren," Armin began cautiously, "do you remember your mom and dad?"
"Yes, I do," he answered confidently. DNA was DNA. Genetics didn't change. It was science. His parents had to be the same people. Although he couldn't recall Zeke in from this Eren's memories so he kept quiet about his brother, wondering sadly if he didn't exist here. "Carla and Grisha Yeager, my mom and dad. Let's avoid them until I've learned more!" Before he could fully digest what the expression on Armin's face meant, he was distracted by a young woman, Anka, waving at him. "I gotta go."
Pixis was quiet for a few moments as they walked. "It's said that before Titans roamed the land, humanity was made up of people of different races and religions and they continuously fought and slaughtered each other."
Eren almost snorted. The world was a bloody mess even before Titans came to be. It's black and white now. Everyone knew who the enemy was and yet they were still divided. Ah, typical humanity.
"Apparently, someone back then said that if humans were to face a powerful foe that wasn't human, they would stop fighting each other and come together as one. What do you think?"
Maybe if the enemy was aliens. Eren thought about it for a second. Nah. He glanced at the town. The people were facing a powerful external threat, but, from what Armin had told him, they were still squabbling with each other over idiotic shit like their financial or geographical status. "Sounds like bullshit to me."
Pixis laughed. "You are cynical, like me."
"We're facing a non-human enemy and has it made people come together? Nope."
A thought suddenly occurred to Eren. Wait, Titans aren't natural. He was no scientist but even he knew those things weren't part of evolution. They had gone over the fossil record in his science class freshman year and nowhere was there any evidence of humanoid giants with regeneration abilities. But they completely disappear once they're killed so there wouldn't be any fossils left behind. But that doesn't make sense either! Nothing close to Titans existed in nature. None that he knew of anyway. But something that aberrant was bound to stick out and everyone would know. He was convinced Titans were man-made.
Eren noticed a tall, blond-haired man trying to catch his eye. Is that Mr. Hannes? He awkwardly waved back. So, my math teacher is a soldier here, huh.
Pixis held a flask to him. "Would you like some?"
"Sure. Sir." Curiously, he took a sniff, knowing it was alcohol. It smelled awful. And tasted even worse. "What the fuck is this shit?" Eren grumbled, smacking his lips. He wanted to rinse his mouth. This is what I imagine gasoline tastes like.
Pixis went to stand at the edge of Wall Rose to give his speech.
They didn't expect him to stand next to him, did they? Apparently, if he understood Anka's glare and gesture right, they did. Why was there no railing? Did these people lack common sense? Though he supposed a railing would only get in the way of trying to use the 3D gear. Gulping, Eren walked forward on shaky knees. Don't look down! Don't look down! Don't look down! He really hoped he wouldn't faint. My butt's tingling.
Eren's stomach was full of knots. Logically, he knew that his body and deep in his mind somewhere he knew how to use the gear now strapped to his waist, courtesy of one of the Garrison soldiers. But having never even seen the contraption before that day, he felt like throwing up from the height. His mind suddenly latched onto that awesome fact. How was he going to be a soldier when he couldn't even use the damn thing? Oh, I feel faint.
He had remembered how to put the gear on when he touched it. But wearing it and using it were two completely separate things. And they were going to start the operation soon. He wasn't going to have time to practice.
"Salute!" Someone whispered from somewhere behind him.
Whoops! Eren awkwardly placed his fist above his heart. In his mind, he'd been thinking about bringing his hand up to his forehead. This feels cheesy. Although, he could imagine doing the salute he'd always seen in his world would get him weird looks from the crowd.
The crowd. There were so many people down below.
Strangely, his nerves eased. They look so tiny. Eren was sure looking down would've caused him to throw up and project his vomit on some poor fellow or faint outright from the fear, embarrassing the crap out of himself. But he felt oddly comfortable. Huh, wasn't expecting this. But he wasn't complaining.
His body, his muscle memories, they would help him when the time came to use the 3D gear. Least I hope so. Eren realized everyone was gawking at him. No, he realized, not him, the commander. Too lost in this own world, thinking about flying through the air, singing the Spider-Man theme in his head, he had completely missed Pixis's speech. Goddammit.
"I'm sorry about shoving all this responsibility on your shoulders. Especially now of all times," Armin said pointedly.
Eren could tell he wasn't sold on the idea but what other choice did they have? If he couldn't prove his usefulness, he was dead. The military wasn't going to take chances with someone who could do what he did but had no sense of fealty with his memories gone. Eren had pointed out to Armin that all he had to do was pick up the rock and take it to the huge hole in the Wall. Armin had given him a weird look again after he had finished with "It's not rocket science."
"It's okay. The other option was getting blasted. I'd pick this one any day."
"Eren," Mikasa said, coming up to them. "I think I should come with you."
"If you really want to, sure."
They were both shocked by that.
"What?" Like he was going to miss a chance to spend time around his crush since boyhood. And Mikasa was a soldier. She chose this life and she had to know what she was signing up for. Much as he wished she'd be somewhere safer, Eren knew it'd be insulting if he refused to have her near him because he wanted to protect her.
"I do!" Mikasa said immediately.
"Great! Love to have you!"
They gaped at him again.
Ian, one of his escorts, approached them. "Ackerman, you're coming with us to protect Yeager. We'll need your skills."
"Awesome, now we don't have to worry about convincing them to let you tag along." Eren grinned, earning a delighted smile from Mikasa. She's smiling at me! He felt ready to take on the world, feeling a rush of adrenaline and determination.
They split up from Armin and went with the Garrison elite squad. Ian was talking but Eren was on cloud nine and wasn't paying attention.
"Eren, are you feeling okay?" Mikasa asked as they jogged.
"Yeah, of course!"
"Okay, good."
"You take care of yourself out there, okay?"
"I will," she replied. "And you do the same."
"Quit playing house, Yeager," Rico scolded him, running behind them.
"Sorry," he apologized. Internally, he felt smug at her words. The one called Mitabi started to complain about him but Ian shut him up. Eren didn't care, he felt too happy to.
As they neared their destination, Eren started to worry. Rico gave a speech about the value of each soldier who would die for him today. As much as he understood where she was coming from, his own fears and anxieties kept him from giving it his full attention.
When the rock came into view, he almost tripped.
They expect me to carry THAT? How?! Do I look like Superman?! He noticed Mikasa watching him. She doesn't doubt me at all. She gave him a firm nod. I can't fail! Eren stared ahead, resolved once more. I won't fail! He thought about the bits of Rico's speech that had filtered through. They're more than redshirts! I will succeed for them!
"This is the spot!"
"Let's go!"
"WINTERFELL!" Eren yelled, unable to help himself. But mostly it was to give himself a boost of courage as he jumped off the Wall before he thought too much and lost his nerve. He was feeling high on determination, forgetting about his earlier fears. He laughed in delight as he took flight.The world spun around him and the air felt great in his hair. It seemed silly now, that he was scared of this. His body knew exactly what to do and so did his mind. Using the gear felt second nature.
It's a bird! It's a plane! He noticed the rock and bit his hand, transforming midair. It's Prometheus! The ground shook when the 15-meter Titan landed on the ground in a crouch.
Rogue stood, walking confidentially toward the massive rock. I'll have to check to see if someone hasn't already named my Titan and spread it around. They didn't have social media so it was possible his Titan had no name yet. And if it didn't, he figured he'd pay homage to the Titan from the stories back home that had stolen fire from the gods and saved humanity. Now that he had a name for his Titan, he still needed a cool catchphrase.
"Eren." Mikasa landed on a nearby roof. She had a look of pure amazement on her face.
Watch me, Mikasa! Rogue smirked cockily and wrapped its arms around the massive boulder and attempted to pick it up. He grunted, struggling, but the stupid thing wouldn't budge. Maybe I should try a different angle.
Ten minutes later and nothing still.
Why won't you move, you fucking fucker?! Eren screamed in his head, roaring externally in annoyance. He had tried lifting the damn thing from different angles, pushing it, pulling it, and he had even tried to use a steel beam to create leverage, which he thought was mad genius until it, too, failed.
Ahhhh! The Rogue Titan ripped at his hair in frustration and roared in displeasure, stomping his feet like a kid.
"Eren, you have to keep trying," Mikasa encouraged patiently from the roof.
This is so humiliating! The 15-meter Titan kicked the rock.
Crack!
Rogue screamed in pain at the top of his lungs, sending vibrations through the air. MOTHERFUCKER! He clutched his throbbing foot, hopping on one leg. Mercifully, the healing factor took care of the injury quickly.
Why wouldn't the ground swallow him whole already? Eren groaned inside the Titan, knowing his crush was watching him fail and flounder like a Magikarp. This has gotta be the most embarrassing moment of my life.
"Stop fooling around, Yeager," Ian yelled, glaring.
"I knew it. We shouldn't have placed our faith in him," Rico said snidely. "He's useless."
Bitch, why don't you try moving this fucker yourself, then?! Rogue glared at them.
"He's trying his best," Mikasa defended him.
You tell them, Mikasa! Eren thought, his Titan pouting.
"It doesn't matter!" Ian said hotly. "Because our comrades have died for nothing." His shoulders slumped.
"Ian, this operation has failed. Should I fire the flare?" Rico asked, reaching into her jacket pocket.
Rogue sat on the ground in disgrace and disappointment. Eren felt like crying. I'm fucking useless!
After some arguing, Ian convinced Rico to give Eren more time and they left to take out the Titans that were approaching.
"You can do it, Eren." Mikasa stood on the Titan's shoulder, touching his neck, rubbing it soothingly. "I believe in you. So believe in yourself." That said, she left to follow the others.
Rogue fell back on the ground and moaned, wallowing in self-pity and failure. I suck! I let everyone down! He rolled over onto his belly and kicked and slapped the ground with his long arms and legs, having a little tantrum and pity-party. Not like anyone was around to see this pathetic display. Mikasa already watched me fail epically, like a loser. He grabbed his face, hiding it in his hands. I could die of shame right now! With another pitiful moan, he turned over and stared at the sky.
Seconds passed.
C'mon, c'mon, isn't this where the hero gets a brilliant idea and saves the day? Rogue squinted, shading his eyes to see a soldier land on a nearby roof. He sat up quickly.
"Eren, what's wrong?" Armin asked, putting away his swords.
The Titan tried to speak but his massive tongue and lipless mouth made it difficult to say anything intelligible. Finally, mewling pathetically, he pointed to his chest, then the rock, made a pushing motion, and shook his head, arms crossing over his chest to make an X.
"You can't move it?" Armin interpreted easily.
A head shake and more pathetic mewling ensued.
"Eren." Armin's expression became heartbroken.
Rogue's massive shoulders slumped in defeat. He hated to let his best friend, and everyone else, down. Armin put his life on the line for me and got me a chance to prove myself. But I can't even pick up a dumb rock.
"I didn't want to tell you this now, but..."
"Tell me what?" Eren asked and it came out a mess from his Titan's mouth.
"Remember when I asked you about the day Shinganshina was breached?"
The Titan nodded.
"Eren, your mother, she was eaten by a Titan that day. Right in front of you. Do you remember?"
No. His heart sank in his chest. No, no, no. The words triggered the memories from deep within and an overwhelming pain came with it.
Hannes was carrying him and Mikasa away as a Titan with a large, freaky smile pulled his mother out of the wreckage of their home. Stop. His mother struggled but it was of no use. Stop it. It brought her close and snapped her spine. I don't want to see this! Rogue's body recoiled, clutching his head, eyes squeezed shut.
Make it stop!
Finally, the Smiling Titan brought his mother up to its big teeth and bit down gleefully.
Everything went red.
Eren felt as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders.
What? He looked around tiredly. What happened? Rogue felt two pairs of feet on his shoulders. He heard Armin's voice but Eren couldn't understand what was happening.
His breathing hitched when he recalled Armin's words.
That's not my mom! She's not my mom! He repeated to himself. Tried to distance himself from that violent memory. He wasn't like him, like the other Eren. He didn't grow up oppressed and confined behind Walls, always dreaming of freedom. He grew up happy and loved and taken care of. He was soft.
My mom and dad are alive and safe and worried sick about me. Yeah, they're okay. Those thoughts bounced around his skull until he believed them and his heartbeat came under control. He forced the bloody memory of the other Eren's mother's death and replaced it with a happy memory of the previous Christmas with his parents. He refused to acknowledge the other memory for the sake of his state of mind.
Rogue didn't register the pain of the blades piercing his skin.
Armin's face came into view. "You did it, Eren!"
"Huh?" Eren eyed him blearily, blinking several times. Did Armin mean what Eren thought he meant? His eyes took in their surroundings. A great burden had been lifted off his shoulders, he realized. Quite literally. What the hell, I don't remember anything.
"You carried the rock on your back and closed the hole! We've taken back Trost!" Armin said joyously.
I carried it on my back? How was that possible? He couldn't even push the damn thing an inch much less lift it above his head and carry it all the way here. Maybe I should go with the name Atlas instead.
"Humanity has won its first battle against the Titans!"
Eren smiled weakly. "Great. Whoo-hoo." He pumped his fist weakly and Armin laughed. Until two Titans approached.
"Eren! Armin!" Mikasa yelled, racing toward them.
Armin's eyes were wide with fear.
We'll be fine. Eren yawned. We're like the main characters. Then he remembered he wasn't watching a TV show or a movie. Well, shit.
Suddenly, a blur came from above and took out the two Titans. Is that Sonic? Eren blinked and shook his head. The thing wasn't blue, though. He had to be seeing things, right? Eren squinted. The short man landed on the steaming corpse of one of his kills. He stood with his back to them.
Looking over his shoulder, he spoke, "Hey brats, what the hell's going on here?"
No way. Eren's mouth fell open. It's a HOBBIT!
References
Goku — Alien main character from the Dragon Ball series
Winterfell — Home of the Stark family, Game of Thrones
Redshirts — Crew members of the spaceship Enterprise that get killed more often than any other-colored shirt characters, Star Trek
Sonic — A blue, cartoon hedgehog that can run at supersonic speed
Hobbit — A race of short humanoids from Middle-earth, Lord of the Rings
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