Chapter 14: Forward

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Just as an fyi, I'm referring to the Female Titan as "it" rather than "she" just because it makes it easier to not get confused during scenes with Kagome and it. (It's just a writing preference, especially since I'm not even completely sure what would happen if a guy were to gain this Titan power)

Woo!

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As everyone watched with wide eyes, panic spreading through their bones, Levi lifted the signal gun into the air and pulled the trigger. And much to everyone's surprise, nothing but a piercing sound came out. It was an acoustic grenade, and the noise felt like it was ripping their eardrums apart. Kagome quickly lifted her hands to cover her ears, but it didn't do much. The pain had already settled and begun to dull.

Though, that didn't stop her from becoming increasingly confused. Why did the captain do that?

"Do I really need to remind you all of the mission? Is it to be swayed by whatever you're feeling in the moment?" Levi turned his head, engulfing his team in his stare, "No, it's not. Our job right now is to make sure Jaeger doesn't get a scratch on him. No matter the cost... So, we'll continue to go forward on horseback. Got it?"

"Roger!" Petra shouted in response, and the other veteran scouts all seemed to follow in her sentiments, no one else making another sound as they all pushed along as fast as they could.

Except for Eren, who continued to watch in horror as other scouts continued, and failed, to attack the Female Titan. One by one, they were crushed completely. Smacked against a tree, stomped on, thrown with full force onto the ground. And it was all happening while the strongest squad rode as fast as it could away from the threat.

"But why?! Why are we letting the reinforcements get killed?! We can fight!" The green-eyed boy pleaded, looking around until his eyes fell on Kagome. And both of them instantly knew they were the same. Scared and confused, sure. But also, they were deeply disturbed by what was happening behind them.

"Eren! Keep your eyes on the rode!" Gunther called back, "The captain has decided! We must obey his orders!"

"But why!? Explain to me why these soldiers have to die?!" Eren continued his hysterics, before looking down at his own hand. And as he lingered on it, gaze almost stuck and lips parted, it was clear what he was thinking.

He wanted to transform and fight by himself.

"If you want to do it, then do it." The captain huffed, "I can tell, no matter what, you'll never submit to anyone or anything. So, make the choice yourself. You can either fight alone, or trust in your comrades... Whichever you'll regret the least."

The boy kept his gaze on his hand, though, his insides swimming with this inner conflict.

"Eren... Stay." Kagome shocked herself as the words spilled out. It was as unexpected to come from her as the acoustic grenade, but it was still real. "Stay here. Keep going forward. You have to survive."

"W-What? Kagome... I know you see what's happening..." Eren responded, eyes wide, "You know someone needs to fight for them. I can do it. I can save them..." Another soldier was crushed as the conversation continued, and they both physically flinched at the sound of shattering bones. Corpses fell to the ground like the dead leaves of autumn, leaving behind a crimson trail that flowed out like the oozing guilt they both felt. But Kagome knew her orders; she knew she had to protect him at all costs.

"You stay. I'll go." She continued, biting her lip as she eyed the Female Titan.

"Kagome, you idiot! You can't engage!" Oluo asserted harshly, "Don't you believe in us? Don't you believe in our captain?"

She pressed her lips together, looking up at Levi as he turned his head, their gazes meeting in the middle. He was shocked, that much she was certain of, but he said nothing at first. Just watched her carefully as she gripped her blades, more reinforcements appearing and hollering their war-cries.

We all have to make our choices. He breathed in deeply, She knows if she goes, Eren won't.

"Do what you want. I can't decide for you." He eventually said, but something about those words felt heavy as he turned his head and focused again on moving forward, heavy like the force of gravity falling over his chest. Or heavy like her dead body would be in his arms. But he shook it off; he wouldn't try to control her. And if she wanted to sacrifice herself in this battle, so be it. She wouldn't be the first or the last. Bloodshed and the loss of life were realities that thrived everyday. He knew it well, had looked into the eyes of suffering and learned it couldn't be stopped. Some were just meant to die, even if it tug at him.

"I do believe in all of you..." She whispered, but the next thing Levi heard was the zipping of her ODM gear latching onto something behind them.

Kagome Higurashi had gone off to battle.

"Damn her..." Oluo grunted, baring his teeth in aggravation, but still moving forward. She couldn't hear him anymore, anyways. She was too busy soaring through the air, dodging branches and hurrying towards the next helpless scout. Somewhere beneath her skin, deeper than blood and bone, surged this ferocious vigor that couldn't be contained; perhaps it was her purity tugging at her with every deadly scream she heard. But she didn't know for sure, and she didn't care. All that mattered was saving the next poor soldier from the Female Titan's fatal blows before the weight of the deceased grew on her heart.

The woman fixed her attention on a scout who traveled beside the giant, blue-eyed beast. He was clenching onto his blades, baring his teeth as he decidedly shot his way towards the nape. He readied for the attack, pulling his arms back and then releasing a vicious swipe when he was close enough. However, in a twist of events, his blades shattered after the pinkish tissue hardened into a clear, unbreakable crystal. Kagome watched as he then wavered in his balance, wide eyed and fearful for his life.

And his attempted strike on the Female Titan's weak spot wasn't lost on it as it's head turned ever so slightly to catch the soldier in its peripheral, a monstrous hand raising up and readying to waste him right then and there.

It's gonna try to squash him against the tree? Not if I can get there first... The black haired woman sped her way, her focus splitting between the blonde Titan and her horrified comrade. As she neared, her breathing became more heavy with her own thick anticipation. For it was her turn to strike.

Closing the distance, the wind now whipping past her and eyes squinting to avoid the continual watering, she threw her arms back. It had only been seconds, Kagome latching her grapple hooks onto the bark of a tree just behind the still suspended soldier, yet each moment felt like the burning sting of determination pushing her forward. She watched as the Female Titan's frosted gaze began to shift over to her, its hand faltering as it moved closer to its prey. But it didn't change course; the large palm still continued to close in on the scout steadily. And while she was sure it was whipping towards him with haste, everything felt like slow motion to her. The way his eyes widened and blinked, waiting to be crushed right then and there. The way the monster's shadow engulfed him, swallowed him whole. It all felt so slow.

That Titan has slaughtered so many already, I bet it's feeling cocky. That's why, even though it sees me coming, it's not immediately rushing to defend itself. It thinks it can just get me afterwards, like I'll be another easy kill. The dark haired woman mused inwardly, But I won't be that predictable. Whoever is in there, they won't see this coming.

She knew it; she knew the Female Titan was assuming that she would release another attack on the nape. She knew it felt secure that no one would be able to slice through it. It didn't even seem bothered by the fact that Kagome was so close.

But that was not the goal.

It's large hand was hovering beside the soldier now, his body trembling as if he was too horrified to move. It moved pointedly, it's blue gaze watching, waiting to see his guts splattered across the bark.

However, before it could, Kagome rushed over and sliced through its fingers swiftly, the resistance of its body straining her muscles. It's already disappearing blood trickled down her blades as she pushed on, never stopping, and wrapped her arm around the soldier's waist all in one quick movement. Latching her hook onto a higher part of the tree, she flew up until they were both steady with feet firmly planted on a high branch.

"I-I... Thank you." He panted once he was able to recover some of his breath. But Kagome was barely listening. All she could do was meet the Female Titan's shocked and irritated gaze, the smoke from its healing fingers rising up and dissipating in the air. They just looked at each other for a brief moment before it continued on running towards Eren. But she could tell it hadn't been anticipating that, the attack on its extremities versus its nape. But Kagome wasn't out for to kill it now. She knew that, for some reason, these soldiers couldn't seem to break through the back of the Titan's neck. Something was stopping them, and she didn't have time to find out what. All there was to do was save these soldiers until Levi or Erwin gave other instructions.

There has to be some sort of plan. The woman thought as another scout came into view, hopelessly heading towards its nape as did the last. Erwin wasn't just trying to get Eren to plug up Wall Maria. He was using Eren as bait to flesh out this other Titan shifter. This must be the person who killed Sawney and Bean. And it wants Eren. I know that now without a doubt.

She jumped off of the branch, latching on and off of trees as she followed the Female Titan and the new soldier that now pursued it. The gear was an extension of her body by now, moving just where she needed it to as she whipped through the forest. There was nothing but booming footsteps and the sound of wires launching and then reeling back in, like the way the ocean waves lap at the shore before retreating. But it wasn't what could be heard that dominated the scene, shifting the atmosphere. It was what was layered beneath; alertness that took over Kagome's senses and the raw determination that shook the fabric of reality.

It was almost as though, somewhere in the not so distance where darkness shadowed over the world, a spark lit up.

The new soldier followed the Female Titan, constantly hovering over its shoulder like a fly. But he was hesitant, trying to calculate what the best move would be. Or maybe it was fear that stilled him, his lips pulled back to bear his teeth, jaw strained in frustration.

The blonde beast quickly lifted its good hand to swat at him, swiping in his direction with a ferocity that would have sent him plummeting down to a certain death. Fortunately, this scout manage to narrowly dodge this attack, leaning to the side as its fingers nearly brushed against his face. Eyes were wide now, and the scout just about choked on his own disbelief as though it was the reaper himself that surrounded him.

But he shook off the shock, speeding up again and launching himself in the direction of those large, icy eyes with a mask of willpower settling on his features. With a steady and controlled push, he angled himself above the Female Titan and sped up until he was just a little passed it. If he couldn't take it out in one quick swing, perhaps he could at least start weakening it. Take out its eye. Then maybe attack its arms and legs when it can't see. Or at least, that's how he reasoned with himself as he made a move to reel his grapple hook back in and reattach to the Titan's horrifying face.

No way. He doesn't notice that the Female Titan is already preparing to grab him. Kagome inhaled harshly through her nose, And if it does, that'll be the end for him. He'll be killed.

She watched as, with elbows bent, the monster began raising its arm, palm outstretched. The soldier was too busy readying his own futile strike, clutching the controller grips of the gear, fingers laid over the levers momentarily before he pulled at it and his wires began quickly retracting back at lightening speed. Soon it was just him in the air, gravity pushing him down not even a hair before he was already aiming his hooks at the Female Titan, sweat droplets forming above his brows though he never broke his intense gaze.

And, just as his thumb decidedly laid over the trigger, he felt something slam into his side.

"Huh?" He shut his eyes briefly, but as he realized he wasn't falling to the ground, he opened them and saw Kagome's face as she fixated her gaze on the nearest tall branch. Mouthing something inaudible, the male soldier peered back over at the Female Titan with his brows furrowed, but blinked in shock as he saw its hand suspended where he had been. And it dawned on him that, had he not been saved, he would most likely have been crushed in its palm.

They reached another branch, Kagome setting him down.

"You're part of the Levi Squad, aren't you?" He asked as he balanced himself, his hazel eyes blinking at her as he brushed his messy, blonde hair away from his face.

Kagome only nodded.

"Wow. I owe you my life."

"Don't worry about it. Just stay out of its way for now." She squinted as she saw yet another soldier appear onto the scene, just as hopeful as the last two.

And as in just as much danger.

This is just like some crazy game of who can get to these eager scouts first. Kagome huffed as she aimed her hooks and took off once more, Me or the beast?... Well, everyone has always said I'm stubborn, so you can bet I'm not about it win any of these rounds.

Levi wouldn't let himself look back even once to check on Kagome, not even when his instincts pulled and pulled at him. It was like he was trying to convince himself to accept her own decision and move forward, but it felt almost unnatural to just keep galloping ahead on his horse when she wasn't right behind him. But she was a grown woman, and one that had survived Titans before with one of the highest kill count anyone has ever gotten in one day. Not to mention, he had already expressed his plans for the team; if she wanted to run off into hell, he wasn't going to kick and scream about it. Or at least that's what ran through his head over and over again.

Fortunately though, he was gifted with Eren's eager commentary about the whole situation.

"She saved another one!" The boy shouted out like it was his job to inform the rest of us, "So, she's not trying to fight the Female Titan at all... She really is something else."

"Oi, keep your eyes ahead of you, Jaeger." Levi grunted, "We need to keep going. Your ramblings aren't gonna helping her; use that damn brain of yours and focus on doing your job." He spat the words out somewhat forecfully, as though a part of him didn't want to. Eren's account was the only way Levi would know she was fine. Some portion of him craved it. The other part dreaded what unfortunate news may come out next.

Sure, she's fine now. But that can change in an instant. And I don't need my team freaking out because they're watching the whole thing happen. He thought bitterly, And I definitely don't need that damn Jaeger brat having a tantrum about it when we're all still in danger. The captain was tense, gritting his teeth without even meaning to. And for a hasty second, he pondered the idea that perhaps he also just didn't want to have to hear Eren narrate Kagome's death if it were to happen because he just didn't want to know. At least not now. But there was an uncomfortable suspense lingering in his bones as he leaned forward in some attempt to somehow go even faster.

"Only a bit further..." He grumbled, too low for anyone to hear as they all went along with a certain blindness he almost pitied.

Almost.

"Another one..." Eren mumbled with his awe every present in his tone. Unlike Levi, he hadn't said it quietly enough for no one to hear and the captain could practically see his cadet's wide eyes glistening with admiration.

"Tch, did you not hear me? Shut the hell up and keep moving." His inky strands fell over his now stress-creased forehead, "All of her hard work will be for nothing if that Female Titan gets a hold of you, so pay attention. Make this worth something."

That must have done the trick because the only response he received was silence.

And he was left to push onward, fists tight around the reigns as his heart pounded in his ears to the beat of the thunderous footsteps coming from behind. Thud. Thud. Thud. It drowned out the sound of the hooves slapping the ground. It drowned out his own breathing, even as it grew heavy with anticipation. It drowned out the world, his subconscious taking over as he settled his mind somewhere deep.

Until he was brought back.

"Fire!" It was Commander Erwin's own deep, stentorian voice that dragged his consciousness back to the forefront, and as he looked, he saw dozens of barrels filled with hundreds of harpoons. Soldiers were lined up on branches and, in the blink of an eye, the harpoons were shot out in all directions surrounding the Female Titan. It quickly ducked and covered its nape with its hands. Stuck. There it was. Knees slightly bent with its head drooping down. Stuck.

"Keep going forward on ODM." Levi finally huffed, turning and seeing the way his squad all eyed the spectacle with amazement, "I have to break away for a little while, so Eld is in charge until we meet up again. Get Eren away from here. And see to mine and Kagome's horses."

And with that, he jumped up and made his way over to the scene, settling next to Erwin on a thick branch. His silver gaze dashed around for a moment, quickly scanning the faces of every soldier in the area with a critical gaze, but said nothing as he realized that there was not a single one that caught his eye, none that stuck out to him. So, he looked over once more, this time, eyes narrowed with even more focus. He analyzed them all again, scrutinizing every feature. But he found nothing.

"Good job leading it to us." Erwin complimented, though he didn't turn his gaze to look at Levi.

"We wouldn't have made it if it weren't for the soldiers who put their lives on the line to slow it down." The captain huffed, "Many of whom died. This is their victory, and don't you forget it." He said the last part cooly he finally tore his stare away from the masses of scouts lined about and looked up at the commander.

"Is that so? Well, I guess its a good thing I put Kagome on your squad, then." The blonde maintained, "It seems she saved a good few."

Levi went to say something, but paused. He didn't know what to say to that, especially since he couldn't seem to spot the dark-haired woman anywhere. Sure, she did save a few, but the question still remained if she was able to save herself. And suddenly, his throat ran dry.

"Captain!" The zipping sound ringed around him, along with the familiar voice. "Captain! We did it!"

Kagome landed beside him, taking a deep breath as she looked over and noticed the commander on the other side. For a pregnant pause, she wondered how she hadn't realized the towering man as he stood with his demanding presence, but she brushed it off and quickly maneuvered her body into the scout salute, announcing her greeting to the blonde until he acknowledged her with a nod. Levi just breathed in and out, silent as he peeked at his subordinate. Her face was pale with splotches of red, and her hair that had been tied up into a secure ponytail now flaunted dozens of fly aways, with a few strands sticking to the sweat the formed on her forehead. But there was no blood. No deformity. No sign of injury. So, he slackened his shoulders and focused his attention on the Female Titan.

"Tch. I bet whoever's in there is pissing themselves right about now." He grunted, expression stoic as usual, "I just hope they haven't shit themselves. That'd be a nasty cleanup."

"Are you going to cut them out?" Kagome questioned, as she settled her own curious gaze on it.

"Don't ask stupid questions. Of course I'm gonna cut that bastard out." The captain spat out, sneaking another look at her, "But you... Go catch up with the rest of the squad. They went forward with Eren. I need you all to get him far away just in case something goes south here... But be quick. They already switched over to ODM gear so they should have made good distance by now."

She sucked in her bottom lip between her teeth, playing with it momentarily before she looked off down the path. "I'll do my best, Captain."

And she was off once more before he could say another word, putting her heart into this mission just as a soldier should. Of course, Levi had planned on commending her efforts to save some of the men in his own, odd way. But he swallowed those words as he watched her speed off. It was nearly the perfect form she had, balancing herself to move quick without wasting too much gas. And her figure soon departed into the trees and out of sight. For once, he didn't have a flaw to point out.

Damn, good thing that brat can't read my mind. He inhaled harshly through his nose, I'd never hear the end of it with that big head of hers.

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Did I make you all wait too long?
The last few chapters weren't the most popular, so I thought I'd give you all a long chapter.

Writing action scenes has always been my weakness, so I'm so sorry if it gets a little confusing. But I just couldn't imagine Kagome not doing anything to help those poor rear vanguard soldiers. And of course, our captain couldn't help but feel worried for her, even if he doesn't show it on his face haha!

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Also, I just want to clarify that Levi calling Kagome brat is just what I'm using to convey his mannerisms. He refers to a lot of the subordinates, especially new recruits, as brats. It feels like his thing.
Also, while it's getting clear that they're growing close, I want to make it clear that this is deff a slow burn. Because Levi. And because still-heartbroken Kagome. Neither have developed romantic tension.

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Please let me know if its getting better! I know I was in a rough patch, but I hope this is what you've all been waiting to get into.

Reviews are always heavily appreciated and heavily motivating. Thank you everyone who's still with me on this!