The Titan That Reached
The soldiers at the edge can only watch in fear as the monster bounded at full speed towards the giant tree's, pieces of armour fell at each step, teeth bare as it gritted from the release the shell that entombed beneath.
"What the fuck is that" Jean can only say, his voice lost from the sweat trickle down his spine.
"That's not the armoured titan" Armin replied "that is a whole different type of intelligent titan"
Where did this titan come from, the titan can shred its harder shell at will, this have made the situation all the more difficult, if Armin can remember correctly, he only heard of this titan from Eren and Alan.
If he were to guess, this must be the unknown titan alongside the colossal and armoured titan, the one to disappear during the fall of Maria.
"SOLDIERS!" a veteran cried out "Do not let that titan in" raising his sword as the veteran stared down towards the titan approaching.
Roars echoed through the tree's as the soldiers prepared to attack, the titans beneath still clambering about at the base, some turned to the incoming titan, interested in the newcomer.
Two titans rushed towards the charging titan, with little effort, the titan grabbed their necks, lifting them and using them as a battering ram to push through more titans that decided to go for that it.
Armin can only hold back in shock, soaking in the sight before him, it has to be a shifter, it's the only logical conclusion, who it is, he may have to test some theories the same he did with the female titan.
The titan forcing its way through the entrance, crushing it's battering ram with ease, the scouts swirl around it, one dive for the attack.
The scout latching to its arm, launching closer to the neck, until the titan reared its head, biting down onto the scout who got too close, blood ooze in every direction as the kill was too quick for the soldier to scream out.
"Don't get too close to its mouth, attack it from behind" a scout called out.
One dived from above, the titan without looking at the direction instantly reached out, grabbing on the diving scout, crushing him instantly, releasing only but blood and crumpled clothes, flesh and bone. This titan is showing no mercy.
Jean charged in, as the head reared towards him, its hand swung towards Jean, Armin taking this moment to test his theory.
"What are you doing you suicidal bastard" Armin screamed, hoping it will halt its attack just like the female titan did.
It did not. The hand closing in, Garrus swooping in, tackling Jean in mid-air, narrowly missing the hand.
"Dammit Jean, that thing is too smart for its own good" Garrus grunted as they landed in the tree. Looking over to Armin, who screamed Yeager's nickname.
"Mind telling me what's all that about with suicidal bastard?" Garrus questioned Jean, whatever happened on the right flank, it wasn't good, apparently the outer right flank got decimated.
"I don't fucking know, let's say calling that name out saved my life" jean grimaced, apparently it didn't work on this one.
Reiner came swooping in, to check on the two.
"that titan came from the left flank, doesn't look like the one that decimated the right flank" Reiner blurted out the obvious, Mikasa was nearby hearing Reiner's words. Her breath caught, maybe she misheard him, maybe parts were taken out.
"What do you mean the right flank been decimated" Mikasa spoke, her features of stone, not wanting to believe it.
Reiner can only look to the titan running inwards and back to Mikasa "Sorry Mikasa, the outer perimeter have been annihilated by the titans, there was a titan leading the whole mess"
Her heart broke, that could mean that he's, no, he promised he be safe, he isn't the type to let that kill him, forcing back tears, her eyes seethed with anger as it stare at the retreating titan, in her gut she knew what it was, the titan that was in Alan's diary, the titan that plagued his dreams.
Clenching her blades, Jean can only guess her next course of action.
"Oi Mikasa, if you're going to do what I think you're doing, don't" jean warned not holding back the glare Mikasa shot at him.
Without a word Mikasa shot after it, heading towards it with full ferocity, Jean was about to chase after her, before being held back by Garrus and Reiner.
"What you guys doing, she will get herself killed" Jean exclaimed.
"What good will that do if you get killed saving her, besides the veterans are already going after her and that thing, our duty is to stay here and stop other titans getting through" Reiner holding on through gritted teeth, glaring at the retreating titan.
Mikasa is inching forward closer and closer to the titan, if she were to guess that titan is searching for Eren, or something entirely.
Few veteran scouts come swooping in, gliding towards the ankles, the titan's head reared to the side watching the scouts fly around, as it ran through the trees, seeing one scout latched onto its leg, it side stepped, swerving around the tree, the sudden movement, sent the scout pulverised to the tree as the cable snagged on the trunk, a sickening crunch as the scout crumbled to the floor.
The hand reached out grabbing on the hooks aiming for its torso, the female scout screamed as it she was swung to the ground.
Taking the opportunity Mikasa swooped to the ankle, slicing it, steam emitting quickly, as the cut quickly healed. Mikasa caught off guard at the fast healing, this titan is beyond abnormal.
Luckily it halted the titan's momentum, five scouts plus Mikasa, halted their movements forming a plan in their heads, the growl emitted from the titan, not enjoying the fact that it stopped momentum, standing in place, waiting, as steam starts to rise from the body.
Two scouts shot from the tree's, beginning to circle the titan, keeping its gaze fixed on them, the other three shot from tree to tree, moving into position to ambush the distracted titan.
One scout shot across the ground as it skidded across the floor, holding in her roar, to avoid detection.
Mikasa just watched, trying to get a feel, her blood screamed at her not to attack. Watching the titan lift its leg, swinging it round, crushing the scout sneaking across the floor, using its momentum to leap grabbing and instantly one of the scouts distracting it.
"What the fuck is this monster" the second distraction gasped as his friend got grabbed, unable to react as the blood erupted from the fist, splattering him. Retreating back to the trees.
"How did it know what we are doing?" One called nearby, there's only four of them left, Mikasa only watched as the titan stood there, watching as it scanned the trees, focusing on each section, it knew where they are.
It's eyes, barely visible, moved from one direction to another until it focused right on Mikasa, chills went down her spine as the scouts moved about around to flank, the titan kept its focus on her. Somehow it knew that she's the one to keep an eye on.
Somehow Mikasa knew if it were to attempt to sneak on it, it would know, if she were to move to another tree, its gaze will follow. Completely trapped, maybe it can divert its gaze longer for the scouts to take it out or do some form of damage.
As far as Mikasa can feel with the situation, it aggravated her,, glancing to her side, the remaining scouts seem to catch on the titans movements, as a few swoops and feints to catch the titan off guard, all it did was simply moving out the way and attempt to grab them.
The plan will be simple since the focus remains on Mikasa, she will move to attack and the three will strike for the calves and nape for when it falls.
Breathing deeply Mikasa leaped from her branch allowing the gravity to be her momentum, learning from what Alan taught her, use her instincts and body to guide her, fly. Swerving her body missing the titans grasp as it attempts to catch her fall, before launching her hooks to its stomach as it swung between its leg, then releasing.
The titan swirling around, removing its nape away from her direction, at this moment the three scouts used this moment to launch their attack, the first one catching the calf deep, the titan growled from the contact, the second catching the second, the titan falling to it's knees as it used it one hand to hold it steady from falling completely, Mikasa, using the swing, to launch herself back in the air, to see the titan kneeling, incapacitated at the attack, the third now launching to its nape.
Time slowed as Mikasa can just stare down the titan, as she flew upwards in the air, its head reared to look at her once more, the third scout incoming, finally the titan will be killed and so will the traitor within.
A grunt as if amused came from the titan, snapped Mikasa from her glare as her eyes darted to the free arm, swinging upwards, as it snatched the third and instantly throwing the poor soldier into the next who was retreating to the tree but couldn't help but freeze as the attack failed, both falling unconscious, the conscious soldier attempts to save their falling comrades until the titan stood onto its healed feet, leaping backwards into the three scouts against the tree.
Mikasa can watch this happen as the titan crushed the final aiding scouts. It knew what would happen and it knew they would use Mikasa.
She failed Eren, she failed her friends, but she more importantly failed Alan, landing back onto the grassy ground of the forest floor, watching the titan stomped towards her emotionally broken form, until it halted and kneeled, studying her with its misty eyes, she could hardly see the colour behind it, it's hand reached forward, until a screech deep in the forest stopped its movement.
Mikasa blinked at the halt as the titan reared its head to the direction of the screech, looking back to Mikasa it growled, standing back up and turned it back on her, Mikasa thought about attacking it now but she knew it could be another trap.
A rumble erupted, the titan swinging its head in another direction as multiple titans stampede at full force in one direction, the titan darted in the direction of the other titans surpassing the pure titans speed.
Gritting her teeth, Mikasa climbed the trees, wanting to avoid being crushed from the feet. Watching the titans rush ahead she can only clench her fist, next time she will kill it but now she needs to get ahead, something in her tells her she needs to follow that titan immediately.
It took many soldiers to by them time to set up the trap, necessary sacrifices to get to the stage they are at now, now all the living can do is make those sacrifices worth it.
Hearing the rumbling of the horses and the female titan bounding their way, Erwin perching himself on the tree, waiting, patiently, at the corner of his eye Levi squad bounded through the cover of the bushes as the female titan gaining close, running pass, her head swirls round to see the traps in place.
Drawing his Sword "FIRE!" roaring with all his might as harpoons attached to thick wires immediately shot upon his command, nowhere to go the female stood its ground, using both hands to cover its nape as multiple harpoons dig into its flesh, its wrists hardening in blue crystal.
So, it knows that they know there is someone underneath, watching Levi returning on along his perch, they stare at the creature.
"Erwin, hope all those lives are worth it for this pain in the ass" Levi scowled at it, more inclined to tear it to pieces.
"They won't Levi, once we claim our prize, the mystery of the titans will be revealed, the spy under our grasp" Erwin can only reply his focus remaining where it is.
Looking over to the troops nearby "load some explosive shot and aim it at the wrists, wait for my order to fire" Erwin ordered, the soldiers did as they were told.
"I go get ready to cut that thing out once that happened" Levi spoke, zipping over onto its head, Erwin can only think that Levi wouldn't antagonize whoever it is inside that titan.
Another scout came along, Erwin's eye raised, this scout was supposed to keep the recruits on the perimeter and not allow any titans through.
"Why have you abandoned your post at the edge of the forest?" Erwin inquired, taking in the sight the scout heavily breathing, fear etched on his face, trying to regain his composure.
Perhaps the soldier have good reason to do so.
"Commander, there's another intelligent titan" The soldier manage to gasp out, this set of news broke Erwin's calm composure.
There's a second intelligent titan? This has gotten more complicated than intended, where did it come from? Perhaps they can figure out this one as well.
"When did it appear?" Erwin asked, expecting the answer immediately, while they have the female titan under control, the other titan could come at any moment, undoing all they planned.
"From the left flank sir, it appeared after a yellow flash, it was the armoured titan sir"
Ah so the armoured titan finally revealed itself, an accomplice and it came where the second flank was stationed. Noting in memory that the possible recruits have a spy in the left flank, very thorough, if Erwin have to deduce once they realise that Yeager is not on the right flank, whoever in the creature now must realise they are in the rear centre of the formation.
The armoured titan must have come from the left flank to prevent anyone heading that way. He must look over his drafts to see who was positioned in the left flank, that may narrow their chances of finding the spy within their ranks.
"We must be quick with this one before the other one arrives, have some soldiers to stall it as long as possible" Erwin ordered, time is going against them, if they were to find out the identity of the female titan, it must be now.
Unbeknownst to them the female can hear their conversation that and the threats of Levi was making when they get her out, having no choice the female titan let out an ear-piercing screech, startling everyone, all eyes on her, wondering what just happened.
"Oi, mind telling me what the fuck that is about" Levi demanded as he stomp on its head. Not liking the surprise, the titan below have caused.
Mike instantly came to Erwin's side, his expression all too serious.
"Erwin, it stinks" Mike can plainly speak, noting this as titans are incoming.
"From which direction?" Erwin asked, intending to minimise titan interference.
"Everywhere" those words startled Erwin even more, if titans are incoming from everywhere then that means…
"Ready the explosives now" Erwin drawing his blade.
"First wave incoming from the left flank" Mike spoke up, looking at the direction of titans.
Titans drawing in "Cart guard team, Intercept those titans!"
The cart team rushed towards them intending to draw them away, yet they remained ignored. Are these titans abnormals?
One soldier calling out to Captain Levi, who only looked up at three titans, looking down at the female titan again.
"Oi you just did something, Bitch" Stomping on the titan's head even more before scowling, launching himself to the three titans incoming, in quick succession taking the three napes, killing them. During his attack, Levi noticed one titan, standing at a distance, thinking it's another abnormal, he focused on the titans incoming.
Erwin saw a small titan grabbed onto its leg, sinking its teeth.
"Everyone kill those titans before they devour the female titan! Even if it meant your lives" Erwin bellowed realising what it had done. As soldiers shot from every direction, killing a few titans but more come rolling in, until the female titan was surrounded and consumed.
Realising the situation was a failure, Erwin gritted his teeth.
"Everyone retreat back to the tree's" the order echoing through as the soldiers obeyed immediately.
Mikasa finally arriving to the scene, as she chased the titan that reached, only to find it disappearing in the horde of titans.
Everyone can only watch as the titans devoured its prey as the steam emitting all over the place.
Levi returned to Erwin's side, not pleased with the result, the sight of the filthy creatures devouring just made it worse.
"it appears it doesn't want to get captured Erwin" Levi pointing out the obvious
"Yes" Was Erwin's reply, his eyes glancing to the steam below, noticing a titan slipping away from the chaos. If he were to guess the second titan slipped into the chaos as the female titan was being devoured. Whoever it was, it planned for something like this. Always intending to be a step ahead of them.
If someone had a keen eye for detail, they would have noticed a titan removing the female titans' arms and sinking its jaw around the nape, before slipping out of the chaos as soldiers battle the abnormals devouring the female titan.
"Levi" Erwin spoke up, as Levi's eyes glistened, as a unspoken conversation just happened in seconds. "Replenish your gas and blades, return to your squad"
"You sure Erwin?" Levi questioned, they have lost this battle, yet the commander wants him to refuel up, perhaps the commander noticed something he didn't, but did so anyways.
Once refilled he darted in the direction his squad was heading, Mikasa noticing Levi, followed, if her instincts are correct, Levi would be heading to Eren, unaware that a titan watched them from afar casually before heading away from their path.
How far did his squad take Eren in, Levi wondered, as he casually went tree to tree, until a roar echoed through the tree's, Eren has transformed, dammit the thought came to his mind.
It must be dire for them if they allowed Eren to transform, looks like he have to ante up their training when he gets to his squad. Aware Mikasa has gotten far ahead and so far away, that girl seems to enjoy being in places she shouldn't be, nevertheless, back up is always appreciated, although he be happy to have the kid, sadly was loss to the titan massacre of the right flank.
It didn't take Levi too long to find his squad, glancing in different directions with his eyes, Gunther his throat sliced, dangling upside down, Eld his body chewed, his face still in a surprised state, Oluo, smashed against the tree, the blood smears of where his body impacted, yet his heart broke when seeing Petra, her back bent in an unusual position, blood trickle down her mouth.
Looking away, he can only move forward to the direction of the two titans are raging, not regretting his actions, they knew what they have signed up for, yet he couldn't help feel that it was for nothing, Levi hated the thought, he understood sacrifices are need to be made, but if they are just dying for the sake of dying then it be a stupid waste, and it would mean nothing.
Arriving in the area, Mikasa stopped as her heart jumped in her mouth as the female titan ripped Eren out of its nape, his unconscious form slid into its mouth. No Eren couldn't have died, calming herself, no Eren is not dead, like she also believed that Alan is alive lost in the fields. Watching the titan running off.
Mikasa face grew furious and dark, gripping her blades, she will not allow this one to live, the one to take Eren away from her and the one to take away her heart.
Taking off to make chase, intending to kill it.
A furious chase as Mikasa edged closer
"Give" as she went for titan's face, not able to get to the nape as its arm is covering it.
"Back" rounding about slicing its leg, hoping to stop the momentum it is running at.
"What's" slicing at the arms with more speed, the titan still not relenting as she sliced more, the steam from the wounds given rising.
"Mine!" Mikasa roared dodging the hand that swung for her, using it to dive down, slicing deep on the legs, finally the titan falling on its knees as it continue to crawl, it's blue hand still covering its nape.
Mikasa struck, the blades shattering from the contact of her swing from the hand, forcing herself back onto the tree. Confusion aggravated her senses.
"Why could I not penetrate her" Mikasa seethed, she wishes Alan was here, he would know how to do this, seeing how he come up with stupid ideas that seem impossible yet he plays it out like it was simple, he always been good at that.
Her eyes engaging the titans, she will kill her, she may not be able to save Alan, but she will save Eren, just wait a little longer.
The titan launched itself to Mikasa's position as Mikasa barely dodged the attack, as wood flew from the impact, taking the opportunity the titan ran.
Mikasa furious expression as she about to launch after her, until a thud in her side as someone grabbed hold of her, taking her away.
Her eyes looking onto Levi "What are you doing" her voice harsh and volatile.
Levi was having none of it "We are falling back for now" his voice leaving no room for discussion, letting her go, as they turned to the titan running.
"Maintain this distance for now, it maybe tired" Levi keeping one eye on Mikasa and the other on the titan "It doesn't appear to be going fast" Levi also witnessing Eren's apparent death "he seems to have been bit right out of the neck" his focus on Mikasa.
"Is he dead?" that question how Mikasa loathed it, but she knew deep down he is not.
"No, he's not dead, that titan is intelligent" as Mikasa spoke, her focus remained "I believe it intend to capture him"
"I hope your right" Levi spoke.
"There's also a second one" Mikasa spoke up once more remembering the titan she fought earlier.
"Another?" Levi glancing back interest piqued, interesting and not so good if there's a second intelligent skulking about.
"It is far more dangerous then this one, it easily took out five scouts, even a sneak attack won't work" Mikasa sharply spoke, how its gaze remained focus as it casually killed the scouts.
"We best hope Eren is alive and best hope that titan wouldn't show up" Levi spoke.
"This wouldn't happened if you protected him as you should do" Mikasa soon blurt out, Levi taken aback from the remark, until a flash of memory of her and the other kid shared a moment.
"You're the girl" Levi suddenly spoke, looking back to the female titan, this girl intends to kill it even if it meant herself dying in the process "Your Eren's close friend and Alan's lover" seeing Mikasa's expression pained confirmed his assumption.
Seeing Mikasa face grew grim, her heart aching, if Levi can assume this has gotten more personal knowing that it was this titan was responsible for her lovers' death.
"Our new objective is to retrieve Eren, do not try and kill it" Levi ordered, Mikasa wanting to bite back. "If you truly want your lover's sacrifice to mean something, don't throw your life away over something senseless, we rescue Eren and go"
Levi didn't feel right using the kids sacrifice as a crutch but if it makes some sense into her, it would be worth it, devising a plan in his head, he can only think of one.
"You cause distraction, I will go for it" Levi said, risky but he has faith in his abilities, if the kid was here they would make short work of this.
Nodding Mikasa dived down around it's knees, feinting swipes at it, the arm still covering its nape, yet the female titan is more aware that Levi would make a strike from behind, feeling the hook penetrating its back, the titan swiped round launching its fist only to see Levi whirling around the arm, as it danced round straight into her face, piercing both blades into the eyes, blinding her.
Mikasa can watch in awe as Levi danced around the titan, causing it to back into the tree, his speed unmatched giving little time for the titan to harden, it is a wonder how Alan kept up during their conversations, Alan seemed more agitated when talking about his training, his speed made his own look mediocre.
Seeing the strongest soldier in action, Alan was right to be worried.
Seeing the titan's arm slump down from the onslaught, the nape exposed, seeing this moment for revenge for Alan, Mikasa launched her attack, failing to hear the captain's warnings, until seeing the arm swing back up.
Levi rushed forward pushing her out of harms way, before trying to get out of the way himself, the sudden crack of pain as his ankle broke as he used the hand as momentum to push away, gritting his teeth, he swung and sliced the jaw open revealing Eren alive and unconscious, Levi, now reluctantly grabbed Eren's filthy body covered in titan slobber.
A sudden thud nearby as the titan that reached crashed through the tree's it's gaze focused on Levi.
Mikasa widened in shock to see the thing arrived.
"Let's get out of here quick" Levi ordered as it rushed away, Mikasa soon following.
Getting away as quick as possible as Levi glance back in shock to see the female looking up at the titan moving towards it, tears streaming down it's cheek.
The titan gaze remained on the incapacitated titan against the tree, narrowing, ignoring them as they make their escape with their stolen prize.
"Is he ok?" Levi can hear Mikasa's concern, not amused that she disobeyed his orders, yet at the time, she took a chance that anyone would make, ignoring the pain in his broken ankle, it would put him out of action for a while.
"He be fine, lucky shit" Levi stoically spoke "Stow your feelings in future, no matter how close you are to him" warning her actions, if it wasn't for Levi she be injured or dead, seeing her quietening expression, Mikasa realise that as well.
"Would we be able to find his body?" another question, for another person, Levi chewed on his response, the woman now came to terms of his possible death, and due to it being decimated on the right flank, there's a slim chance of it happening.
"What would he say in this type of situation?" Levi asked as they make their way back to the others.
Mikasa eyes looking down, chewing through her memory, they have talked about this once, even if it's not the best topic, but due to their line of work and their relationship it was bound to happen.
"He say keep moving forward no matter what" Mikasa muttered, Levi can only glance and nod to the statement, that's all everyone can do, keep moving forward.
Returning to Erwin as his carts are loaded with dead bodies, they even retrieved the Levi squad corpses. Limping towards the cart, Levi heaved Eren into it, his unconscious from splayed overlooking over to Mikasa.
"You, in" pointing to the cart "You can watch over him" Levi plainly spoke, before heading over to Erwin to report in the situation.
Seeing Armin coming over "Mikasa is he ok?" the concern evident.
"He's ok" she confirmed, still feeling his gaze on her.
"Are you ok?" Mikasa expected this as well, now she doesn't know how to feel, knowing that he could be gone, left her feeling empty.
"I don't know" was all she can say, Armin nodding, knowing that it is her way of mourning like when she thought Eren was dead back in Trost. Yet it is like losing apart of her heart when a lover die.
"Men lets retreat back to the walls" Erwin ordered, wanting to get out of the forest quickly, due to Levi's report of the second titan wondering about.
Time has passed as Eren eyes shot open as he woke, shooting up to see Mikasa, sitting there with her legs hugging to her chest, the sound of hooves and the cart tugging along quickly intending to get to the safety of the walls.
"Mikasa" her eyes darted back to his emeralds "Did we win?" silence was his answer as Mikasa fought back the tears.
Looking around Eren looked on the wounded soldiers faces, few recruits, Garrus, Sasha, Jean, Reiner, Bertholdt, but... "Where's Alan?" Eren asked, Mikasa pulling her scarf up hiding her face, not wanting to think about it.
Eren sat there in anguish, no, he's can't die now.
"Hungry Bastards incoming" Garrus called out looking behind seeing two titans coming in.
Levi, looking back, the cart is too heavy, and those titans would be on top of them, in anyone condition they couldn't take two of them on.
Levi looked at the corpses, deciding on whether to dump them to slow the titans down, before he could give the order, a red flare shot up in the sky.
Eren and Mikasa can watch as the flare shot high, a figure shooting up in the distance taking the nape of the titan behind the other one, until suddenly perching on the front one.
Levi can watch in astonishment, seeing a soldier nearby.
"I take care of this one Captain" the soldier seethed, as Levi narrowed his eyes trying to see what was perching on the titan, upon realising that it was an abnormal titan ignoring the soldier perching on the titan.
"Wait! Let it get near" Levi ordered, the soldiers around them stare at him shock and confusion.
"Has the Midget lost his mind" Hearing the mouthy brat with the scar on his face call him a midget, he be training naked and hard for that.
Ignoring him, he watched the titan come closer, hoping his hunch is right, seeing Mikasa on the cart reading herself to protect Eren.
The titan's face soon getting closer, until the figure leaped backwards only to launch the hooks rushing in slicing the nape killing the abnormal, for it to ride down the falling corpse, landing hard into the ground.
Levi rearing backwards to the wounded soldier, bounding quicker, watching the soldier struggling to get up.
To his shock as he got near, the kid that thought to be dead standing there, bleeding from the head, as his stupid grin formed.
Offering his hand to hoist him onto the back of the horse, the kids got a lot of guts and the fact he's alive, wounded but alive is a miracle to say for least.
"Oi, how did you get here without a horse?" Levi inquired not believing what he witnessed.
"Oh, you know Captain, hitching a ride on abnormals that don't eat you is the best form of transport" Alan chuckled, wincing at the pain coming from his head. Levi's can only snort in amusement, kid is smart for his own good.
Siding up to the cart, only to see Eren face from painful anguish to shock and relief in rapid movements was amusing, Mikasa shuffling to the edge, gripping the cart as her face widened in surprise, it's as if seeing a ghost.
Her hand reached trying to touch the face, she wants to know if it wasn't her eyes deceiving her, her eyes darted to his head bleeding, she winced at the sight.
"Best hop on, your slowing my horse down" Levi said as he got closer enough for Alan to hop on.
Seeing him hop from a fast-moving horse to cart was risky especially with a head injury, but the kid managed to pull it off. Impressed once more that the survival instincts the kid have to go through.
Once landing on the cart Alan saw Mikasa scramble closer towards him, only for her to slap his face.
"Mikasa why did you do that for?" Eren exclaimed as her hand struck Alan's face, only to see her look at her hand for a brief moment, before tears escaped form her eyes as she brought Alan into an embrace, her head digging into his chest, Eren relaxed to see him alive and Mikasa showing emotion.
What Eren noticed is how Alan simply rested his chin on her head, in deep thought, as his eyes laid distant, his hands wrapping tightly around her form.
"How did you escape the right flank?" Eren asked, from what he heard it was overrun with titans.
Alan eyes darted to Eren at the question, Eren notice a glint of something in his eyes.
"I got stupidly lucky" Alan can say, his memory of the ordeal wasn't fun, the female titan leaving him alive, his hopping to abnormal to abnormal.
"I'm sorry Alan" a mutter came from his chest, both Eren and Alan looked to Mikasa, confusion etched onto their faces.
"You have nothing to be sorry for anything Mikasa, it is just something we can't control" Alan said, smiling to cheer her up but frowned to see her shake her head.
"No, I saw it, I saw the titan that plagued your dreams" Mikasa spoke, as Alan's body freeze up, feeling his shoulders tensed around her fingers "I failed to kill it, I failed you"
Alan can only stare blankly back, the sound of hooves breaking the silence, releasing his grip on Mikasa only to clench it into a fist, fighting something back as his eyes darted to his knife strapped to his leg and back to Mikasa. His mind going blank.
"You haven't failed me Mikasa" His voice finally spoke after what felt like a long time, Mikasa can look into his eyes, as his own stared into hers "Your alive, that all it matters" only to let her rest her head into his chest in silence.
"We need that looked at" Armin rode beside them throwing a bag with bandages in it. Alan nodding in thanks as he rummaged through, quite difficult as Mikasa still clung onto him, not that he minds just awkward.
During all this Reiner can only stay nearby as the conversation unfolds, listening on the subject of interest, thinking onto the titan that shreds its armour, seeing Bertholdt nearby their eyes meet as concern hidden from view.
This have gotten more complicated than it should have.
A/N: This chapter have been a pain to implement due to our surprise newcomer, hopefully you guys enjoy the chapter :)
Myzor: I do as well, it's the little moments and detail like that, which I find is effective in stories, and much more enjoyable, sadly she didn't take off after him but went after what caused it But thanks for the review it is much appreciated.
McBastable: Lost and confused indeed, how would he get back, well he's quite inventive, how he does it, even I don't know how, it just happens. Yes that titan came out of no where and I am more eager to find out where, we find out in future chapters. thanks for the review :)