Moving Forward

The Screams of soldiers outside on the surface as the blast where Annie stood, eviscerated those who were on her too smouldering ash and burnt corpses, those that were not too far away were flown heavily to buildings as their heads cracked open, necks breaking, or spines snapping on the impact from the velocity they have flown.

The lightning appeared through Stohess as all stood in awe, many in fear as it was the same lightning that signalled the day of the fall of Wall Maria and the near fall of wall Rose.

Seeing this Commander Erwin watched from afar with Niles as they demanded for Eren, to see Jean equipping himself with the ODM gear, ready to head out with the rest of the scouts, Levi keeping his eyes on the MP's, he may have a broken ankle, but he wouldn't hesitate drop kicking them if they try and do anything stupid.

Erwin predicted this might happen, as he organised ahead scouts to be ready for the titan to show herself, wondering if the four have survived their encounter with the female titan.

"Is this you damn plan all along?" Commander Niles hissed through gritted teeth; his soldier's rifles aimed towards them.

Erwin casually stared into his old friends' eyes "Yes".

The answer so simple yet effective to halting the MP's commanders' orders, soon realising that Commander Erwin will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

"You're mad Erwin, completely lost your mind" Niles hissed once again, before issuing orders to his soldiers to ensure civilian safety as top priority.

"I hope this gamble is worth it, for all their sakes" Niles spoke, as Erwin watched the bright light stop shining in the distant.

Under the smoke and rubble, Mikasa coughed, regaining her senses, light lightly shown through the cracked ceiling as her eyes adjusted, Armin groaning getting to his feet, dusting off any particles clinging onto him.

"Where's Alan?" Mikasa suddenly asked looking to the rubble around, he was closer to the blast, remembering how he ran towards her his hand outreached, the fear in his eyes as she saw too late Annie's hidden ring as the bright light shone through as she grabbed Armin and Eren out of harms way yet they were to close to the rush of the blast as they were thrown deeper in.

A simple groan as shadowy figure grunting as a few rocks were on top of him. Mikasa instantly rushing to his side, getting a few rocks bigger than him off his legs, looking at his legs for any damage, Alan brushing her off.

"I'm fine Mika" Alan groaned picking himself up, his scouts jacket torn, which he casually shrugs off, his trousers ripped but not too worse for wear.

"I liked this jacket" Alan muttered while he looked over Mikasa, knowing she would ignore her own injuries, seem like her jacket wasn't too comfy as it was torn, pulling it off with ease, her arm bleeding.

Ripping his own as he wrapped the fabric round her arm tightening it to stop the bleeding, Mikasa hissed at the new pain. Alan suddenly threw his hand round her mouth quietening her as he looked up to the surface.

Mikasa's eyes narrowed why he would, getting the hint, Alan picked up a rock throwing it far away, wherever the rock landed a giant hand came crushing through the ceiling rummaging the rubble away, before pulling away as if inspecting inside before going down the next direction as it trying to find its prey.

Armin gasped at the sight then to Alan, how he could have known Annie would use sound to try and find them, with Alan looking to him with his finger on his lips.

Waiting for a short while as the sound of scouts shouting at their arrival, the sound of Annie's titan form departing the area, not too keen in dealing with them and trying to find the group at the same time.

A sigh of relief escaped Alan's lips as he inspect the improvised tourniquet, he applied to Mikasa's arm.

"That should stop the bleeding, let's find Eren and get out of here" Alan whispered, not entirely trusting loud noises at the moment.

"I'm sorry Alan" Armin spoke "We should have listened to you to begin with"

Alan only looked at him for a second before patting his shoulder walking past to a massive rubble in front, a faint cry of agony heard underneath.

Pulling at the rubble to able to see Eren trapped underneath, using his strength he soon had no trouble getting them out the way with ease, until stopping as he saw Eren's condition.

"That's going to be sore in the morning" Alan grimaced as Eren is impaled through the stomach as Eren bleed from the mouth, the rust on the pipe impaled him looks like he be having the best of time.

Mikasa rushing as her shock at the sight worn off "Eren!" her gasps at the sight as she about to attempt to lift him.

Alan stopping her, her eyes maddened at his prevention.

Alan can only look back in annoyance, usually he be calm and stoic, taken aback, he seemed annoyed with them for a lot of things lately.

"Pipes bent, unless you want to rip his insides over a bent pipe go ahead" pointing out the end bent, how did Mikasa miss that, perhaps her worry and fear made her blind to the reality of things.

Her worry for Alan's mental health when he would use innocents as a shield, she only chastise him from making choices he would regret making in the future, yet it turned out Annie picked up on the absence of civilians.

"What are we supposed to do leave him here?" Mikasa spoke looking to Eren, gritting his teeth in pain as he tried to pull himself up with Alan and Armin holding back down.

"Yes" Alan bluntly spoke looking to Armin as if trying to tell him something.

Armin recognising why Alan wants to leave Eren here "Eren have to transform", Alan nodding.

Mikasa looked down, frustrated that she couldn't help as much now, so much for trying to protect those close to her.

"Eren you have to transform if you want to get out of this and go after Annie before she escapes" Armin spoke, knowing Alan wouldn't want to think of Annie at the moment.

Eren trying before letting out a painful gasp "I can't"

"What do you mean you can't?" Alan asked "Your purpose is to stop Annie"

Eren looking into his eyes before tears start to stream down his check "I can't"

A dark voice coming out of nowhere as Mikasa edged towards him "You can't or you won't?" chills went down all three spines, Alan can be amused at the sight, the Ackerman darkness, how he's all too familiar with it.

"Do you still see Annie as a friend? She killed many innocents, she trained with us and betrayed us" Mikasa looking into the feared emeralds belonging to Eren, she has to snap him out of it with reality, the world is cruel to allow such petty thoughts.

"Did your mother die because titans killed her, the real enemy is those that caused the wall falling" 'ok now that is getting a bit too dark' Alan grimaced, but remained silent as Eren became silent, unable to form words.

Mikasa didn't want to say that but it has to be done, remembering Alans words that innocents have been sacrificed for no reason, she looked to him.

"We should try and stall Annie as long as possible" Mikasa calmly spoke "Are you able to do that?" looking to Alan, his eyes hesitated for a moment.

"Let's get this over with" Alan looking down to his feet, placing one step forward until taking stride to the surface.

Mikasa stopping him for a brief moment, before kissing him, Alan recuperating before continuing his stride.

One thing he can only do is keep moving forward.

Leaving Eren writhing in agony, nothing they can do for him and not wanting to be near when he transformed.

Scouts are already on the surface as a few rushed after the female titan, thankfully Jean was there to greet them.

"Guys what the fuck happened?" Jean quipped seeing the state they are in, Mikasa's arm in a makeshift bandage, Alan torn up and Armin, well Armin looked fine just dirty.

"Annie is not as stupid as we want to believe" Alan quipped back, seeing a few scouts bringing in spare ODM gear.

Jean now looking passed Alan to Armin, who just sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, apparently there's more to it, sensing the tension, something they don't have time for.

"Gah, we're lucky Garrus isn't hear" Jean mulled over, a few questioning stares followed "What? The amount of shit that would come out of his mouth will give us all a headache"

Armin chuckled, it would be true since Garrus will be pointing out the obvious with his sarcastic way of words, with Sasha being embarrassed, Bruno face palming and Izzy she be laughing at him.

Mikasa, amused but kept close to Alan as his expression haven't changed at all, apparently jokes is not the time and place this time.

Strange in Trost he would make jokes and be light-hearted but then again, he had her and friends that he could rely on, now it was one of his close friends they have to stop. She will have to keep an eye on him for the time.

"Where's Eren?" Jean asked, noticing one less member of the group.

Alan casually pointed his thumb backwards to the hole they come out from.

"Down there impaled on a rusty pipe" that was too casual for Mikasa's liking "We best get after Annie, till Eren transforms"

Jean gaped for a moment, before nodding, that suicidal bastard can heal once he transforms, there main focus is stopping Annie.

Equipping the ODM, Alan checked the gas, it's full, good. Looking to the Jean then to Armin and Mikasa.

Sighing "Let's get this over with" the phrase recited over and over, tired of the day they are enduring.

Breathing in, allowing his senses reach out, the blood steadily pumped through his veins, the shallow breaths of nearby scouts, smelling the fear from a few, the rumble beneath his feet as the titan ran, the calming presence nearby, her scent devouring his nostrils, how he would wish to be lost in it, yet something stir within, now is the time to put aside his desires for the time being.

Launching to the rooves to see Annie running away, gripping his handle, as conflict rose within him, a flash of the sadness and regret in her eyes before she transformed, he knows deep down she had no choice, she knows she couldn't comply to his wishes of fixing this whole damn mess, couldn't they talk it out.

Another memory flashed by him, talk it out. No, talking to the enemy wouldn't make any difference, only action.

Mikasa stood nearby as his dark blue's followed the titan, watching him close his eyes, deciding that Alan is unwilling, she will be his strength and do what he could not, soon shooting onwards after Annie, aiming to incapacitate her, hearing Alan following, knowing he would have to perform his duty.

How she hated the word, Duty. It was something to hide behind them, an excuse for their actions, not really allowing them to be free, now she understands his bitter attitude towards Duty, how he tolerated Reiner's remark of being good soldiers and the duty they must carry.

Yet there is still something beneath him, still chained. Mikasa now aim to break his chains, starting with Annie, the betrayer and friend.

She hurt people she loved deeply; she will pay for that.

Zooming towards Annie with sheer ferocity, gaining ground inch by inch, as scouts coming in from the flank.

Noting Annie stirred her head, her eye narrowing on Mikasa, as she lift her arm to protect her nape.

Mikasa hooked onto her leg as she swung round, releasing as Annie's leg swung aiming to hit her, Alan flying inches pass the leg slicing the leg with a light cut as the leg swung for Mikasa, his expression as stone as he hooked onto the other leg, swinging round to slice the ankle, a light cut yet again.

Mikasa grimaced, Alan is still holding back, still unsure what to do, yet his expression didn't change, perhaps he's doing it on purpose to lower Annie's guard around him.

He does know her well enough to get the upper hand, trusting in his instincts Mikasa, shrugged the feeling off as she slashed her arm deep, yet the arm swung towards her, catching the scout coming in with a splat, as blood erupted from the impact.

Annie still ran as Jean and Armin launched for her legs, side stepping as they get close halting their attack, Annie knew she need tog et out of here, more wary of Mikasa and Alan. Their attacks quick, their movements unreadable.

Mikasa she can see with ease, but Alan is like a shadow, once he is in one place, then he's another. Not as quick and dangerous unlike her fight with Levi, yet Alan is holding back.

Predictable, Alan always tend to hold his strength back, for good reason. Why he isn't going in for the kill is known to Annie.

As she dodged Mikasa's strike yet have Alan strike her arm, this time deep as the steam now rising from the gash. Annie's eyes manage to catch Alan's, his dark blues focused, unrelenting.

Good, that is what Annie wanted from him, not letting the guilt building up within her as she swung at him with her limp free arm, as dropped from the assault.

Picking up the pace as Annie swerve around the buildings, narrowly damaging them, the windows smashing from the quake of her thunderous steps.

Mikasa, catching her breath as Alan landed on the roof, his breath shallow as he watched Annie enter the open courtyard, the temple of the walls right in front of her.

"Mikasa, you ok?" his eyes glanced to Mikasa, as she is catching her breath.

"I'm ok, we just couldn't get her to stop" Mikasa grunted as the pain numbed her left arm, thankful Alan patched it up or she would be dizzy from the blood loss.

"She's stopped now, we put enough damage, she will need time to heal" Alan spoke, watching the steam from their advances.

"Why are we stopping?" Jean spoke, landing near them, noting that a few scouts died in their attacks.

"Area is too open, and it seems that church is in attendance" Alan pointed to the building in the middle of the big open courtyard.

"Now you thinking of innocent people?" Mikasa questioned, not forgetting his words earlier.

Alan flinched a bit at the words "That is then, we have control of the situation at the time, now we don't"

It is true they did have the upper hand, Mikasa now second guessing if Alan's plan would have been the better plan since their plan just involved a few buildings destroyed and many scouts dying in the explosion where Annie stood.

"What would you do?" Mikasa finally asked, trusting him as Alan kneeled, they don't have enough time until Annie fully heals.

"We should have the scouts surround the courtyard, more likely where the walls are nearest" Alan pointing to wall Sina "She would try and escape that way"

Logical, Alan have been thinking on this, if Alan was in her shoes it would be what he would do if he was cornered.

"How come you didn't cut deep on her legs?" Jean asked, Alan glanced to Jean then back to Annie.

"If I did, she would topple into the houses, creating rubble around, if there is an underground city underneath, she would definitely make sure she go down hard to create a hole for her to slip into" Alan guessed "That and Annie is no push over, more likely heal those fast before we can do some serious damage"

Armin listening in, how would he know all this about Annie? "How would you know all of this?"

Alan blinked a few times "You're clever Armin, you found out what she really was when I couldn't" ending the question with "Besides, if I can transform into a titan it's what I would have done, but then again Annie is backed into a corner, her decision making is reckless yet very dangerous"

Hange and Moblit landed nearby, of course the titan lover would be here, yet her features are determined and serious.

"What's the situation?" Hange ordered, seeing the female titan healing in the courtyard, clever to be there, no room to get close without being spotted.

"Stopping in the courtyard" Jean spoke "We could have soldiers be on the end near the wall, it be more likely the titan would head there" heeding Alan's advice would be the best bet they have and seem like Alan is agreement since he said nothing as he watched calmly.

Hange nodding "Very well, Moblit we be heading to the left side…." Cutting short as a bolt of lightning erupted in the distance as all watch as the yellow flash, the wind turned ferocious.

"That's where Eren is" Armin muttered.

Mikasa looked on, he finally accepted that Annie is no longer a friend, as the flash ending a deafening roar of rage erupted from the titan of Eren.

Glancing back to Annie who heard it, healing from the wounds, this is bad for her knowing Eren will be on a rampage.

Alan closed his eyes, as he listened, to his fear he heard scattered rumbles of not only Eren charging, but buildings being crushed on his stampede to his target.

Opening his eyes to see Eren crashing through a building as it launched its fist into Annie's titans face as it just healed.

Seeing Eren as he crushed his fists into Annie's face, his titan looked different, his skin took a dark shade as red gash looking lines run through it's back and chest, two lines underneath his eyes but it's the eyes he was worried about as it burned red.

Eren went into full berserk titan rage, neglecting everything around him as Annie hit hard into the building, she was standing next to, unaware that the wall church goers except for pastor Nick been crushed beneath the titan from as it crashed through.

'Church service have now ended' Alan can muse, no doubt if Garrus was here he be saying stupid one liner's like this.

The plan to intercept went to shambles with Eren's arrival as he hurled fists uncontrollably into Annie's titan form, noting now Annie's face looking frightened of the sight of pure rage pummelling into her.

Before using her legs to kick Eren back into the buildings, no doubt killing citizens living inside.

Alan watched the battle raged as Annie scrambled to its feet as it tries to get away, with Eren immediately pouncing on her again, resorting to biting flesh out of her.

Using all her strength Annie crystallised her fist punching Eren away before making a break for it. With the raging Eren soon charging after her.

Mikasa was about to give chase before Alan and Hanger held her back.

"Don't get into it" Hange warned "We don't know if he would recognise you in this state".

Mikasa looked into Alan's eyes as if he is saying the same thing, the fear in his eyes, an emotion she is not accustomed to see in the usual stoic but cheerful eyes.

Upon seeing him she halted and submitted, if Alan feared this state then no doubt, she has to trust his judgment on Eren.

"We can try and get close but keep a distance from them" Hange ordered as the scouts moved forward attempting to keep pace with the titans fighting and running.

Armin can only think what would have happened if they went with Alan's plan, so many innocents have died already as Eren's berserker state have crushed many buildings getting here, even Annie is rushing through buildings just to get away from him. Perhaps Alan is thinking the same thing.

Sacrifice a few to save many, it reminded Armin of commander Erwin, how he would sacrifice a few to achieve their goals, perhaps that's why Erwin trusts him because Alan is one of those that understood the necessity of sacrifice.

As Alan predicted Annie ran to the nearest part of the wall as she hit the open gap between the buildings and the wall, before she could get any further Eren pounced on her again, Annie covering her nape as Eren reached to her face, his hand grabbing hold as he starts to crush her head her eyes popping between his fingers as a sickening squelch as a fountain of blood erupted where her face have been.

A screech and cry of pain erupted from Annie as Eren attempts to remove the hand covering her nape. Roaring as he tried to pry his fingers.

Landing near the building the scouts can watch everything unfold as Annie twists her body launching two feet into Eren's gut as she scrambled towards the wall, her face hollow as steam heals the gaunt looking titan as her fingers and feet crystallised pouncing onto the wall.

Shock ran through Hange's face as she noticed that the female titan is starting to climb.

"She's climbing the walls!" Hange exclaimed, trying to figure out how the titan can penetrate the wall that protected them.

Eren ran towards Annie as she climbed dangling onto her leg, deciding to bite into it as Annie screamed as she tried to carry herself with extra baggage holding her back, until Eren bit too hard, ripping the leg in two as Eren fell to the ground.

Alan's hands are shaking watching it all play out, his eyes focused on Annie climbing, he know he should do something yet felt conflicted yet again, feeling a hand caress his cheek Mikasa, face stoic but her eyes shown understanding and love for him leapt from the building.

Alan can only watch Mikasa shooting herself towards the wall unable to do anything.

"You're not going to get away Annie" Mikasa declared as she rushed past her hands, before swinging herself, cutting the fingers on both of the hands where the blue crystal has not formed.

Annie's eyes widened with shock as she felt herself falling backwards to see Mikasa, staring her down, slightly pressing her feet on her forehead.

"Annie" Mikasa spoke solemnly "Fall"

Hopping off her forehead, hooking onto the wall as she watched Annie fall down into the awaiting clutches of Eren as he roared, finally able to reach the traitor in his grasps.

Soon as Annie hit the ground Eren waste no time to pound into her, turning her over to rip out the flesh where Annie would be in the nape.

Eren stopped as he gaze upon her form now she has been exposed, Alan flying upwards to his pain, seeing tears streaming down her face as a flash of bright blue blinded both Alan and Eren, to see Annie entombing herself in crystal, as Eren roared in rage pummelling it with his fists, yet no dent or crack formed.

Deciding enough is enough Alan dived into Eren's nape, slicing it open, before Eren's titan form can react Alan, heaved Eren's body out of the titan, halting it's advanced, as the titan fell, the steam forming as the body disintegrates.

Eren now unconscious after being ripped out his titan from, the marks where the flesh etched on his face. Alan held him up from falling, looking on the form of Annie now out of their reach.

Jumping off the titan carrying Eren over his shoulder as he placed him down on the ground. His gaze turned from Eren to Annie, as his thoughts were lost to his own.

Armin ran over the crystal to look upon Annie's face as her eyes closed as if sleeping, her arms spread out and her legs crossed, perhaps this is the position they use while being in their titan form.

A scout nearby start hammering on the blue crystal in frustration, slashing it with his blades until the blade broken into pieces.

"Oh come on, not when we are so close" the scout grumbled as he now resorted to hitting it with his fist, now howling in pain clutching his hand, regretting his action.

Mikasa jogged towards the crystal form, checking on Eren, as he seemed to be going in and out of consciousness, least he won't be in a coma for a few days, sighing a relief, she was shocked to see Alan getting Eren out of his nape with precision, but then again Alan would have his reasons.

Speaking of Alan, she can only see him standing right next to the crystal as he placed his hand on where Annie heart used to be, his eyes closed, head bowed.

Her heart wept at the sight, its as if he is mourning to a dead friend fallen in battle, yet Mikasa felt nothing for her, they never seen eye to eye, but what kept her tolerance was her heart. Now seeing her heart in pain, it is something she wish to never see again, yet knowing something else is going to be a lot of harder.

Hange giving out orders "Ok, we be moving this to the underground city, far out of sight of anyone" few scouts nodded as they rushed to find rope to tie the crystal around.

It's funny, how you feel despair when looking down on your friend, that you trust. A thought crossed Alan's mind; his eyes closed.

"I'm sorry" Alan muttered, placing his hand on Annie 'I failed you' was a thought that crossed his mind, what could he do at this moment as he watch her fall, how could he have not seen this coming, why didn't she just come with him, everything will be ok. Wouldn't it?

Fighting back the tears, his thoughts raging as the memory flashed passed him, the time in training where Alan makes her smile, a small laugh was a blessing, he loved her as a brother to a sister, a friend to be there for her.

Yet when it matters the most, she refused him. She refused his friendship, yet he knows she regrets it.

Why?

Questions formed yet no answers come as he fought with himself. Trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

"Alan" a calm voice snapping him out of his dilemma. Seeking the calmness, he craved in the eyes of his own heart.

Mikasa watched him carefully as he lifted his hand slowly from the crystal, his eyes seeking hers. There are no words that would comfort him as she can see the conflict in his eyes.

"You did the right thing" Mikasa spoke, Alan can only nod.

Alan's eyes casting back to Annie, doubt forming on his features.

"I don't know what is right from wrong anymore" Alan admitted, Mikasa kept silent listening to him.

"I always thought I knew what the right thing is, yet seeing her now, I'm not too sure"

Mikasa pondered on his words, she can see the doubt "Would you rather help her escape?" a question she already knew the answer to, yet wanting to hear him say it.

Alan shot his eyes up to hers, as if questioning why she asked "No, I wouldn't allow to her escape, but at that moment I hesitated when she was climbing the wall"

Moving to Mikasa pulling her into an embrace as he lay his head on her shoulder.

"Thank you for having the strength that I do not"

That sentence made Mikasa tighten around him more, admitting something like that, it shows that they are vulnerable to their own weaknesses. Now Mikasa felt she have protected his own heart, as he squeezed her figure.

It is all Mikasa can do, to ease his grief, as she always be there to be his strength when he does not have any left to give.

Armin can only display a smile of sadness, Alan is lucky to have Mikasa, before raising a few questions on the events that have happened this day. Something didn't add up to Armin, he may have to speak to Commander Erwin, maybe he have better insight than he does now.

A crumble from the wall stirred their little moment, as scouts called out, avoiding the rubble from Annie's marks of her climbing escapade.

Hange looking up onto the wall, her eyes widened in shock as a face of a titan appeared from the hole.

"What the?" Hange can manage before Pastor Nick come rushing to her side, heavy breathing, his face morphed in fear.

"Cover that up, before the sun hits it" Nick ordered, fear in his voice.

Alan looked up to see the titan in the wall, his eyes narrowed as questions raised. Mikasa watching in surprise still in his arms.

He could have sworn the eyes moved to his direction, as the face remained unmoving.

This have made their day a lot harder.

A/N: I'm glad I did this chapter separately, wouldn't feel right if it got put in 27, hope you guys enjoy this chapter, I'm more surprised how easily it was to write. :)

Sorry to those that didn't have the chance to review since it was only yesterday I posted chapter 27.

Myzor: It sure did shook Alan, I would have thought that with Erwin yet it didn't pan out in both the manga and Anime so I put it in my own thoughts, as I have said this story is how I would like to tell it through few characters eyes. Mikasa did get protective but there are times she can't do anything due to some circumstances. The nightmares have gotten worse for a reason, why? we find out in future chapters. thank you for reviewing and enjoying the story :)