Hope you are enjoying the mission chapters! This will be the last one for this section, I hope you like how the story is going!

Spoiler alert, slight Mikasa x Jean in this one, only very slight, don't panic. Also, I'm sorry the mission chapters haven't contained many Mikasa x Levi moments, but there are certainly more to come in the next chapters, I promise!

Lots of love x

Chapter 9: Trapped

"MIKASA!"

My shout erupted from my mouth before I could even register what I was doing. One thing was for certain. Mikasa was centimetres away from the jaws of a titan. Her body was motionless. She wasn't even trying to fight back. Was she already dead? Oh, for the love of the fucking walls, please don't already be dead.

I pushed my horse on harder, faster, forgetting Erwin was even by my side, my eyes never left her.

I wasn't going to make it.

The plain meant my ODM gear had nothing to latch onto and my leg was still badly injured, not that I'd let that stop me. It couldn't end like this, I wouldn't allow it, not another person I cared about, please. Not her.

The titan's mouth was open wide. Its hand pulled her limp body closer, placing her inside. Any second now the teeth would clamp down, ripping her into two. I couldn't watch her be torn apart. But my eyes refused to shift. My heart froze at the sight.

"HOLY FUCK, MIKASA!"

Jean's voice boomed through the titan filled plain. He was several metres away from her; helping Armin take down a titan from the opposite side. They had given up on the horde for the moment, focussing on any other stragglers that had made their way towards them. It bought them some time, but not a lot, the horde was still fast approaching.

Jean had abruptly stopped standing atop a steaming titan body when he spotted the raven-haired girl, seconds away from death. It tore him from the inside out; watching her in such a helpless situation. He couldn't let her die. Not her.

Without a second thought, he projected himself, spiralling through the air towards her. He had no idea whether he was going to reach her, but he would die trying for all he cared. Saving this girl meant more to him than completing the mission successfully, she was everything to him, he idolised her.

As he approached the titan in question, everything flashed before him in a blur, Mikasa was already half-way inside its mouth when he made contact. Blood poured all over him as his blades sliced into its skin. He knew it wasn't dead and was very much still a threat but as he flew away, preparing to circle back and finish it off, he realised Mikasa was holding onto him. Clinging tightly to his chest.

He had done it. He had actually saved her, the superior soldier that she was, the girl he had fallen for. She was in his arms as they flew through the air.

Gently, he landed on the ground and leant her carefully against a tree, out of sight from the oncoming titans. Immediately, he whistled for a horse, Connie and Sasha had eyed them and began to make their way over.

"Mikasa…are you alright?"

"Jean…"

Her deep, dark eyes looked up at him, they softened the tiniest amount as she took in his face. It made his heart ache.

Suddenly, her eyes returned to their usual stone, black colour as worry flooded her features.

"Eren! He's still up there! Alone, unprotected!"

Jean's necked snapped back to the mess of titans as he realised Yeager's motionless body still remained there, he knew what he had to do, for both Yeager's sake and hers.

"I'll get him, stay here, Connie and Sasha will be here soon."

"My blades! They're up there too!"

Jean nodded as she cried out once more; looking more helpless than he'd ever seen her.

"And Jean…thank you, I really owe you one, you saved my life."

Mikasa blushed slightly at the words, the soft look returning for a split second, melting Jean's heart.

He nodded again, this time slowly and sincerely, before darting off once more into the throng of titans.

She was gone. The hand of the titan had been sliced apart, by who I have no idea, but I'd see soon enough. She was safe. Thank fuck.

I was definitely going to have a heart attack one of these days, my old body can't take the stress. I wonder who saved her. Couldn't be Yeager unless he can shift at will, and extremely quickly from human to titan form, that didn't seem likely though. Braus and Springer were injured the last time I was there, badly, so it was no way it could be them. Arlert definitely didn't strike me as the sort to pull off a skilled, cut-throat move like that.

That only left one option.

Kirstein. It was obvious the kid was head over heels for Ackerman, everyone could see it, even Erwin and he didn't give a shit about anything like that.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Why was I suddenly so angry? These emotions are driving me nuts. I feel like a fucking hormonal teenager.

Within a few seconds, we had arrived, galloping onto the scene like the heroes that they paint us out to be.

Instantly, my fists clenched until my skin turned white. Sitting against a tree was Mikasa, pale as anything, but alive, thank fuck. However, standing over her like some prince charming was fucking Kirstein. Never have I wanted to punch someone in the face more than in that moment, and that's really saying something for me. I wanted him away from her, and I wanted it fucking now.

"Kirstein, what the fuck is going on?"

Jean's head cowered slightly at the familiar booming voice of the Captain. Levi rode up to him, merely centimetres away, it was ironic, usually the height difference between the two was insultingly obvious, however Levi, perched atop his black stallion, towered above him. A threatening glare piercing into Jean's eyes.

"I saved Mikasa."

"I noticed."

The tension between the two was suffocating as they equally ignored the devastation behind them, even ignoring the screams of Armin as he tried to battle off approaching titans.

"She's fine. Shaken up, but fine."

Jean lowered his gaze, guiltily, he had no idea why he felt this way, surely the Captain should thank and praise him for saving a fellow comrade, however the look in his eyes made Jean feel as if he'd fed her to the titans instead.

"WHERE'S EREN?"

The commander's authoritative voice shattered the atmosphere between the Captain and the cadet.

Jean took the opportunity to leave the situation entirely and run over to Erwin.

"Commander Erwin, sir! We need help fast! Eren has been released from his titan form and is laying, unconscious and defenceless atop it's decaying body. Armin and I have been fighting off titans however a large horde is approaching. Sasha and Connie are badly injured and cannot fight. Squad Leaders Zacharias and Hanji left to attend to other titans and since have not returned."

Erwin processed the information for a second, eyeing up Levi in the corner of his vision, who hadn't taken his eyes off of Mikasa leaning, motionlessly against the tree. She didn't appear to be injured. That was good. The last thing he needed was a valuable asset, such as herself, to be out of action, he'd already learnt of Levi's injuries, however he still found it hard to believe he'd received them whilst fighting a titan. Something seemed very off about the entire situation. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

"Kirstein, you, Arlert and I shall engage with the titans immediately. Fighting them off for as long as possible. Levi, quickly, go and collect as many available hands as possible, it is absolutely imperative that Eren Yeager is kept alive."

Erwin nodded, a severe glare in his eyes, before flying from his horse towards Armin. Levi gave one final glance to the pale girl before galloping off in search of the nearest group.

"Levi?"

Hanji was gobsmacked to see the small, angry looking face of her friend, thundering towards her.

Mike and herself had found a small horde of titans. Some lower skilled soldiers were struggling to take them down and so they had, had to engage. Hanji hadn't liked leaving her squad for such a long time, but it was her duty.

"OI, FOUR EYES! FOLLOW ME NOW!"

Levi shouted over to them before spinning his horse around and galloping off the way he had come.

"What…is going on?"

Hanji knew fair and well Levi was no battlefield messenger. He'd rather be eaten by a titan than be a relay boy, something seriously wasn't right.

"I can smell something."

Mike frowned as he examined the scent filling into his nostrils. The smell growing only stronger as they approached the rotting corpse of Eren's titan.

"Titans? How many? Which direction?"

Hanji snapped her neck towards him, eyes filled with intent and seriousness.

"No. This is different. The smell isn't the same. I don't know what it is. But it's making my body tense."

Hanji gave no reply but felt her rib cage tighten at his words. Mike was never one for dramatics he had always approached every situation with a level head and provided only the facts. For him to say something like this, something so fearful, it made her hands tremble.

They managed to catch up to Levi after a minute or so. He didn't bother to look at him; his eyes were fixed, gravely at the small gathering of trees ahead of them.

"Levi, what exactly are you taking us to? We have to get back to our squad, they've been alone for quite some time now!"

The desperation as well as intrigue in her voice was obvious.

"It's your fucking squad that's the problem."

The colour drained from her face at the harshness of his tone. Usually, Levi's antics never bothered Hanji, she always found the humour within his sarcasm and insults. But this time, she couldn't help but think they were gone, all ripped apart because she had left them.

"No…are they…?"

She bit her lip as she forced out the words. If it were true, she knew she'd never forgive herself, even if it was her duty.

"They're fine. Braus and Springer are pretty battered, but alive and conscious. There's an even bigger…issue, that we have to address."

Hanji frowned at his words. If they weren't dead, then what on earth was he talking about and why had he come to get them? His squad wasn't meant to be anywhere near here.

"What issue, Levi?"

"You'll see in a few seconds, we're almost there. But let's just say, you're gonna have a fucking field day with this one."

Levi rolled his eyes whilst Hanji only shook her head in confusion.

Her reaction soon changed however, as they made their way through the trees and onto the other side. Her eyes instantly darting to the steaming body of Eren's titan.

"Holy…mother of hell."

Her voice was barely a whisper, fear laced the words, however her eyes had never shone so bright.

As Levi burst onto the scene, he couldn't help but stare at the powerful creature before him. His mind still had trouble accepting the sight.

Arlert, Kirstein and Erwin were darting around in the distance, they'd taken down a significant number of titans. It seemed the horde had already hit in his absence. There were still three titans on the move. Heading straight for Eren.

"Hanji, Mike, you need to go to the top of that titan and rescue Yeager, he's lying there unconscious. After that bring him back here, to Ackerman, she's over by that tree. Then go back to help the others fight off the rest of them; my leg's fucked so I'm out for the time being. Don't ask questions yet, we'll explain after. This is some seriously fucked up shit."

Levi glared at them both. Mike nodded acceptingly before darting off towards Yeager. Hanji, looking as if she were about to burst, a mixture of emotions in her eyes as she went to open her mouth.

"Don't even fucking think about it four eyes! GO!"

Levi returned yet another murderous glare towards her. She made a face but immediately zoomed off, following Mike.

Levi knew everything would be alright now. The mission was on hold for the moment and the surveying time were no doubt busy taking recordings to notice anything as mental as this was going on.

Briefly, he thought of his squad, he hoped they were alright. It wasn't like him to abandon them like that, he loathed himself for it, but he couldn't just let her go like that. It was suicide. But thank fuck he hadn't otherwise the new recruits would have been titan chow by now and she would be in pieces. The thought of the previous scene he had watched, of her almost being torn apart made him feel violently sick once more.

Slowly, he made his way over to the tree she was still leaning against. Braus and Springer were beside her now, still atop their horses, none of them appeared to be speaking.

"Braus, Springer, how are the injuries?"

Levi looked at them both questioningly. Springer tried to salute but was wincing all the while. Braus, however, remained entirely still.

"Don't be stupid, that doesn't matter now. What matters is your health, how bad is it?"

Levi was standing in between them now.

The cadets eyed him worriedly.

"I think…I need…a bandage."

Braus looked toward him, head swinging heavily as she moved. Levi's eyes immediately darted to the blood soaked, make-shift tourniquet tied around her leg, blood was beginning to pour out.

"Fuck! We need to get you to the medic wagon, right now!"

Levi looked down towards Mikasa, there was no way she would leave here without Eren in tow, he knew that.

"I'll take you; I'll take you both."

Connie still hadn't spoken a word, he too looked increasingly pale, they were idiots, both of them, why hadn't they done anything sooner?

Then it hit him. They were exactly like Ackerman, refusing to leave until they knew their comrades were safe, taking all the pain all the while and letting themselves wither away.

It was stupid and foolish but admirable. Levi had never seen such a loyal group of new recruits before. There was almost always one or two that would cower before the titans and retreat. Not these cadets. They were strong emotionally, he could see that, and fiercely loyal. Perhaps they weren't such fuckups after all. It made him almost smile.

Before he could prepare to leave the others returned. All titans had been destroyed.

"Erwin, these two need to get some serious medical attention, Braus is on the verge of bleeding out and Springer needs his head checked."

Erwin nodded.

"Mike, take them, quickly and spread the word that we are to retreat immediately. Do not tell a soul about what you have seen."

Mike bowed his head and whisked the injured soldiers away at the speed of light.

"Eren!"

Mikasa's voice broke the silence.

They all turned to look at her, she was kneeling now, hands trembling as Arlert lowered the still unconscious body of Yeager before her.

A single tear rolled down her check as she gracefully touched the features of his face; tucking his hair out of his eyes.

The scene infuriated Levi.

"Levi. There is much to be done I'm sure you're aware. However, this is no time to discuss them. Let's get back to the wagon, Eren will need to rest before we get back."

Levi's fury was interrupted by the serious tone of Erwin, staring down at him. Kirstein was over by Arlert and Ackerman, whilst Hanji stood slightly behind the commander. She appeared to be bouncing up and down, making odd noises whilst doing so.

"Fine. Let's go."

Levi scoffed as he turned his body away from the Commander, he hadn't left his horse, but he no longer wanted to look at him, he knew what was coming next wouldn't be enjoyable for any of them, especially Yeager.

"LEVI! LEVI LOOK! LOOK! AHHH!"

Hanji leapt onto the side of his horse, hanging onto the reins with her dear life, Levi's horse, however, was unbothered by the manoeuvre, he too had grown accustomed to Hanji's antics.

"Fucking hell, four eyes! What now?"

Hanji stared at him; eyes wild with glee.

"I GOT SOME, A PIECE OF ITS SKIN! I GRABBED A SAMPLE BEFORE IT EVAPORATED!"

Hanji waved a hard piece of rough titan skin, covered in blood, in front of Levi's face. Instantly, he grabbed it and chucked it onto the floor, disgusted by the filth.

"AH LEVI NO! IT CAN'T BE CONTAMINATED! THINK OF THE SCIENCE!"

However, Levi was already gone, Hanji coughed at the dust cloud around her, he was already several metres away, riding into the horizon.

Eren's eyelids felt heavy, extremely heavy. Almost as if he had been asleep for years or perhaps comatose. His entire body felt odd, wrong even, his bones ached whilst his muscles were tense, sore. Was he dead? He couldn't remember much. They'd left on the scouting mission; the others were there too. It was then he remembered their success in taking down those titans. A rush of warmth flooded into his chest, his lifelong accomplishment finally beginning to come true. But where was he now? How had he left the battlefield?

A deathly, body quenching thought entered his mind. Armin. The last thing he could remember was his best friend in the hands of that titan. Dangling helpless above its huge mouth. The hand had let go and Armin had fallen, flailing into its throat. The thought made him feel extremely nauseous. Armin had been eaten. He'd watched it. His heart began to hammer in his chest as his body started to sweat.

Suddenly, his eyes flung open as he sat up, now completely drenched. Instantly, he bent over the side of the bed he was in and threw up, violently, into a nearby bowl. It felt like his entire body came out in one pain induced heave.

"Eren!?"

A voice snapped his attention once he had finished. Slowly, he wiped his hand across his mouth. All the while his eyes coming back into focus. He was in a bedroom, of some sorts, there was a toilet and sink in one corner, a small bench tied against a wall, and the bed he was in now. Where was the clothes cabinet? This wasn't his usual room. None of his stuff was here. The walls appeared wet and water dripped steadily from the ceiling onto the floor. It was cold and silent. The silence was bizarre, the barracks were normally filled with noise of various soldiers, mucking around or arguing. It was then that he looked directly in front of him. There was a new feature to the room. One that made his heart freeze in his chest; his hairs standing on end. Bars. Long, ceiling to floor, iron bars were bolted across where the final wall should be. A dimly lit corridor behind it. No windows insight. A huge padlock hung by the entrance. He was locked inside a cell. A prison cell.