Chapter 20: And It All Goes Black

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Honestly, when I saw the reviews, I just had to start writing. I love them all so much!

Also, I've gotta say, my favorite part of last chapter wasn't Levi not wanting her to fight, it was Levi anticipating that she'd tease him when he called himself talkative, and then being lowkey disappointed when she's still too despondent. Our fav sad boi misses Kagome's playfulness!

Anyways, this is a packed chapter, so get ready!

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Stohess.

A district on the east edge of Wall Sina, and the location of Erwin's plan. Its citizens were waltzing through the streets without a care in the world, chatting and laughing, their gold jewelry glistening under the sun's rays. Unaware of what was going on around them. Unaware of the potential dangers they were all in.

The other former members of the 104th Cadet Corp were taken to a secure location in Wall Rose. No one but those at the meeting and some of the other veteran scouts were informed of the mission.

Kagome kept to the shadows as she watched Armin talk with Annie, tugging at the collar of her long coat. She could barely hear their conversation from where she was, but feared blowing her cover if she moved any closer. She knew what Armin would be saying, anyways. He was to weave a lie about needing her to help sneak Eren out of the city before he could be sacrificed at the capital. They were counting on Annie being concerned for Eren's welfare, since the Female Titan clearly wanted him alive for whatever reason.

And it seemed to work. Next thing Kagome saw was Annie following behind Armin, and they both caught up with Mikasa and Eren. It was all falling into place, and soon, they would know whether or not Annie was the enemy.

All they needed was to get her down into that tunnel.

Kagome continued to follow behind, keeping a reasonable distance but never losing them. Focused on the blonde target, alert and analytical. If this was going to be her one task, then she would be sure to put her all into it.

She was so fixated on the suspect that she didn't notice the footsteps coming from behind her as she peered at the group from a shady alleyway. Quiet, like a lurking ghost.

And then, there was a sudden tug at her shoulder.

Quickly, she turned around, hands reaching for the handgrips of her gear. Though, she didn't expect to see an older man, perhaps in his fifties, standing tall as his shadow enveloped her small form. He was in a long, black trench coat with a matching black bowler hat resting on his head. Though, despite his older age, the man seemed able bodied, eyes glaring down at her with a certain suspicion. But, when she didn't move her grip from her gear, a wide smile spread across his wrinkled face.

"Why, if it ain't another proud scout." He chuckled darkly, "Ain't you a feisty one, too. Get your hands off those weapons, little lady. This old man ain't here for a fight."

"Well, I don't really have time for chit chat. Maybe another time." Kagome huffed, worried as she heard the distant echoes of Armin's voice disappear. Of course, a distraction would rear its ugly head at a time like this. And she was growing increasingly impatient as the man only continued to smile at her, a mischievous grin.

"Oi, I just wanna know what a little firecracker like you is doing creeping in these here back roads." He insisted, leaning down to meet her gaze, "And on the same day that the Jaeger kid is supposed to be handed over. What's the Scout Regiment up to?"

Now, Kagome was caught off guard. This man clearly wasn't just some old guy taking a little stroll. Something was up. But she couldn't quite figure out what. He didn't appear to be of noble descent, his dark hair rather greasy and clothes a bit worn out. And he didn't have the Military Police logo anywhere on him, either. A concerned citizen, maybe? The scouts did have a bad reputation, especially within Wall Sina. Could this mysterious man just be an average person just feeling apprehensive at her rather unusual presence?

Wait a second... I'm not in my uniform though. And no one can see my ODM gear from behind because of my coat. She clenched her jaw, How did he know that I was a member of the Scout Regiment? Even with my gear, it'd be more likely that I was an MP.

She contemplated pulling out her blades, perhaps scare him off. Though, that didn't sit right with her. Whoever this guy was didn't seem like the type to get easily intimidated. And a stunt like that may only serve to further his suspicions, whatever they were. No, she had to do some quick thinking. Get him off of her back so she could continue with the mission. At any point, Annie could transform.

"As you mentioned, we have precious cargo being transported to the capital city. Myself and other scouts are situated around the city to make sure nothing goes wrong." She lied, though she still held tight to the gear handles, "So, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

The strange man cocked a brow, and she couldn't tell whether he believed her or not.

"Well, little firecracker, I guess I better let you get to it, then." He chuckled once more, analyzing her a bit longer. He stayed like that for a few moments before he tipped his hat to her and turned to walk away. With his hands shoved in his pockets, he was certainly a shady looking character. And Kagome watched until he disappeared around the corner.

Wow... That sure was close. I'm just happy Annie didn't shift while he was harassing to me. Kagome dropped her hands back to her side and inhaled, I gotta find those four. It's a good thing I memorized the map with Erwin. I know exactly what path they're taking.

When she was certain that the mysterious stranger was no longer watching her, she made haste towards the others. Though, she had to admit, whoever he was, something about him unsettled her. Maybe it was his icy stare, or the way he loomed over her. Perhaps it was that creepy smile he wore. But something told her he wasn't just some average citizen. It was as if he was up to something more devious and sinister.

But now isn't the time to get caught up on this. I have my mission. I can come back to him afterwards, maybe even report the incident to Commander Erwin or Captain Levi later on. She asserted to herself, eyes flashing with determination as Armin and the group came into view. Annie was still following behind obediently, her pale blue gaze occasionally scanning the area. Did she suspect something? Kagome couldn't tell. But she wasn't resisting for now, so there wasn't a reason to report back to Erwin, yet.

They walked a few more blocks, Kagome constantly looking over her shoulder to ensure that no one was stalking behind. Despite not seeing a single soul, it felt as though a sharp gaze was poking at her body, like a little needle. Invading her space, an uncomfortable feeling that caused her chest to tighten, jaw clenched and brows furrowed together.

I'm probably just being paranoid. I don't see anyone at all!

When they reached the entrance to the underground tunnel, she saw the others discussing something briefly, before they moved to walk down the stairs. Only, Annie didn't string along. She stood there, back straightened, eyes narrowed and lips playing out a disappointed frown.

Kagome could hear something about her being scared to go down. An excuse no doubt. And Eren was trying to reassure her, begging her to just join them.

But something within Annie's cool gaze, a flicker of reluctant resolve, made it clear where she was standing. And no amount of pleading from that naive boy would change that. It was as if she wouldn't even allow herself a choice, like it was made for her. What she was going to, the lives she was going to wreck.

Eren doesn't want to believe that she's the Female Titan, that she killed our comrades... She sighed, witnessing his continued attempts to convince her fail miserably, But it's becoming clear. She's not going to go down the tunnel, and it's not because of some silly fear, it's something more... I have to go tell Erwin. It looks like there's going to be a fight right here in the city...

Luckily, Erwin's current location shouldn't be too far off. The dark-haired woman rushed off, firing off her grapple hooks and launching herself into the air like a bird. The last thing she overheard was a high-pitched, feminine laugh bursting from Annie's lips, though it was void of any normal joy and instead laced with something far more disturbing. It was like hearing the final nail being hammered into the coffin. Everything about the sound filling the air with a certain unease.

The wind whipped past Kagome's face, so harsh that her wide eyes began to water a little. But she wasn't going to stop now. The only thing she could hope for was that Eren could perhaps stall her long enough to start an evacuation. The havoc a battle would cause here would no doubt be devastating enough. People were going to die.

Her gaze dashed down to the plethora of strolling citizens. A handful of children playing around caught her view. Then, there were the lovers holding hands and blushing sheepishly. All of whom may be gone by the end of the day, their blood perhaps going to be splattered on the very same stone pathway which they walked on. Perhaps she could scream at them all to run, not that they would be able to catch her voice at her current pace. She would have to slow down, possibly even take time to convince them.

But I can't lead an evacuation on my own... She realized, lifting her stare back up towards her nearing destination. If I want to save the most people, my best bet is trusting Erwin, someone the people know to be a leader. Someone whose warning they might actually listen to.

So, despite how heartbreaking it was, she left all of them behind, ignoring the way her heart seemed to drop down to her stomach. The plan was clear, and so was her role.

As long as I'm fast enough, as long as I just adhere to the commander's orders, I can save some lives... Right?

Though, fate had never proven to be so kind, something she was about to be reminded of.

There was a sudden boom, one that was powerful and ground-shaking. One that couldn't be defined as a coincidental earthquake or some construction blunder somewhere in the district. No, this was much more harsh and forceful, one that pulled everyone's attention towards it as it filled the air with apprehension. And Kagome knew better than to mistake it for anything other than what it was.

The Female Titan had made it's appearance. Right here in busy Stohess, before she could have reached Erwin.

The sad part was that he was only a short while away from her. Within a minute of the explosion, he and Levi came into view. Already out of their carriage and being barraged by Nile Dok himself. She knew that her role was moot at this point. The scout commander no doubt would have realized what was happening as soon as he heard it. She wasn't fast enough to make it in time to warn him. She wasn't fast enough to make any difference, really.

Though, she still went to finish the journey, aiming to land beside him and perhaps convince him to let her fight. Give her a chance to be useful in such a high stakes situation.

Jean, having taken his wig off to reveal his identity, was already running off towards the fight. Nile, on the other hand, was aiming his rifle straight in Erwin's face, anger apparent in his shaky voice as he called the blonde a traitor. He didn't even so much as glance her way when her feet thudded against the ground, grapple hooks reeling back in.

"Nile. I'm starting to wonder if those brains of yours don't live up to that sorry excuse of a beard." Levi scoffed, rolling his eyes at the theatrics, "You clearly don't understand what's happening here."

Though, Nile ignored him as he continued to pester the scout commander, demanding an explanation and threatening to off him right here and now.

"Do what you must. But know that if I die, you must take over my post." Erwin asserted firmly, unphased by the threat of death, "You must make sure that the Female Titan doesn't leave the city."

Dok seemed nervous at that suggestion, his hand beginning to tremble as he struggled to respond. Conflicted.

Though, Kagome was quickly pulled off to the side, Levi's strong grip on her wrist guiding her off of the road and under the shadow of a few buildings, a good distance away from the blonde. She assumed he must be confident that the Military Police commander wouldn't actually shoot. Though she still looked back, mouth agape as she watched the scene unfold with a certain concern.

Everything was unfolding so quickly.

"Oi, what happened?" Levi questioned.

Kagome turned to him, inhaling deeply, "Annie was following along just fine until they reached the tunnel. She must've figured it out because she wouldn't go down... I tried to get here as soon as I could after I realized that it was pointless, but I... wasn't quick enough."

"Tch. You couldn't have predicted what was going to happen." He huffed, looking around, "It's a shitty situation all around."

And it proved to only get worse as Nile had Erwin cuffed, shouting at his men to evacuate the city. Without the scout commander involved, things would only be harder at the front lines. But there wasn't much either of them could do except hope that the death toll wouldn't end up being catastrophic. Everything about this situation was tense, air thick with anticipation for how this was all going to end.

"I hate pointless deaths, brat. Mine or anyone else's." Levi sighed, "So, don't even ask to go out there and fight."

"B-But Captain!" Her jaw dropped, shocked that he could so easily read her mind, "They could use me out there. I can't just sit around and do nothing! You know that my injuries aren't that bad."

"Are you dense? The only other person to have seen your little light show during the expedition was Leonhart." His voice dropped low, "But she should think that you're dead. If she sees you, though, you may become a target just as much as Eren. Dumbass."

"There's always a risk, Levi." She countered, "But these people might die."

He seemed to contemplate your dedication, brow cocking slightly before his expression morphed into a scowl, "Idiot brat... She could expose you. If you think I'm gonna sit here and let that happen to you, you're even dumber than you look. Quit asking or I'll have you clean the stables when we get back." He poked the center of her forehead, an act she was just realizing was a staple of his. Then, he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms as if just anticipating her defiance further.

And she would have argued back at him, even considered just running off and fighting, anyways. But there was a sudden sharp pain she felt in her arm. When she looked, she saw a red dart had stabbed into her flesh, like it was shot at her from somewhere nearby. It was followed swiftly by a sudden drowsiness, everything around her moving in slow motion. Like she was succumbing to whatever this was before she had a chance to process what was even happening. A threat? The MPs? Annie's allies?

The first instinct was to look up towards her captain. Surely, he could help her.

Only, she was met with his wide stare as well. Two darts shot at him. One in his shoulder, the other in the back of his neck. He proceeded to pull them out, but his expression read clear that it was too late. He was already feeling out of it, dosed with double the amount she was.

What... What is this? Were we just shot with some sort of fast-acting, super tranquilizer? She let out a deep breath, scanning the area until she saw two shady figures watching them from across the road, Is that the same old guy from before? He must have followed me, but what does he want? And who is he with? I... feel like I'm going to fall down.

Levi must have been going through the same thing, because his hand had risen up to cradle his forehead. They didn't have the energy to run; all of it was being spent just trying to stand upright.

When Kagome looked towards Erwin or even Nile for help, she saw that no one was paying attention. Some Military Police officers were escorting Erwin away with his back facing them, and Nile was just staring in the direction of the Female Titan, yelling orders at his men to go evacuate the city.

Someone had just shot the both of them with some sort of drug filled dart. And no one even noticed. They were just in the background of it all.

She tried to scream, but no sound came from her mouth. The next thing she felt was Levi's own hand gripping at her shoulder.

"Ka...Gome... Fuck." He sighed out.

Of course, he mumbled something else at her, but she stopped hearing. Everything had begun to fade like chalking washing off the pavement. All colors dripping away to release black backdrop. Whoever those figures were, it appeared that she would find out what they wanted for the time being. And with Levi being double dosed, she doubted he would either.

Before her body could succumb to total numbness, she felt the hard thud of her body hitting the pavement. Her last view? A woman standing over her, light blonde hair tied back, pale hands holding two large, hand-woven body bags.

She didn't need to be conscious to know what was going to happen next

She and Levi were getting kidnapped.

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I know, this chapter is super rushed. I mean, we get Kagome following Armin/Annie and co., strange man stalking her, Annie turning Titan, Kagome failing to get to Erwin in time, Erwin getting arrested by Nile, Levi refusing to let her fight, and then of course, both of them getting shot and drugged.

But honestly, I wanted to get this started. And for those wishing this strayed more from the initial plot, congrats! I always planned on adding more deviations after I developed Kagome's place in the AOT world more. And I'm really excited for the next few chapters!

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Tell me what you think! Any ideas about who the kidnappers are? Any thought about what's going to happen?
Loved it? Hated it? Review!