The Whole Road

by Keirube

The story follows closely to the anime and manga of Attack on Titan. There will be plenty of spoilers throughout, particularly in the later chapters, but it will also have my twist on things. At the very end of the story, I will add in a couple of my own characters.

4. A Taste for Blood

The rights of Shingeki no Kyojin/Attack on Titan is owned by Hajime Isayama, its creator.

*text* - indicates a flashback and/or dream sequence

… - indicates a change of pace and/or a change of scenery

Author's notes: Like I mentioned in the summary for this story, there will be plenty of spoilers throughout. In this particular chapter, I will introduce my own twist to the spoilers. So not everything mentioned here is actually within the manga/anime itself. It's just me filling in some of the blanks.

Chapter 4: A Taste for Blood

*"Eren, forgive me for not being there to protect you all. Your mother died because of me." Grisha stated with tears in his eyes.

Taking out a key from his pocket and tying it to a string, he placed it around Eren's neck and said, "Eren listen to me. Right now you wouldn't understand everything if I were to tell you, but its better that way. You have the will to change things."

Eren looked at his father with a puzzled expression. Grisha then took out a syringe from his bag and took hold of Eren's arm. Even though he was the son of a doctor, Eren always had a fear of needles and taking his shots. With panic in his voice he asked, "Dad, what's that for?"

Grisha didn't answer his question directly, pulling up Eren's sleeve. "This is our custom, and I've failed to change things." he said.

"Dad, what are saying? Let go of my arm!" Eren cried.

"Hold still Eren!" Grisha shouted, causing Eren to stop moving for fear. "They are coming to destroy what's left of humanity, so use this power to stop them!"

Grisha inserted the syringe in his arm, releasing it's content into Eren's bloodstream. "Make it back to the basement Eren, you will find all your answers there."

"Dad…" Eren begun, but all of a sudden he felt his body growing hot. "D…dad I…I can't breathe!"

Grisha closed his eyes, full of tears, silently saying, "Forgive me Eren!"

"Dad… da…gggggrrrrrRRRRRAAAAAAAA"*

"AAAHHH!"

Breathing heavily, Eren observed his surroundings and noticed he was in his room. "It was a dream." he said to himself, wiping the sweat on his forehead.

Getting up out of bed, he went to the window and noticed it was still a little early before sunrise. Grasping the key around his neck, he held it up and wondered what his dream was about. Was it just a dream, or something more?

…

At morning, the former 104th gathered in the courtyard to wait for instruction. Standing in formation, Eren began mulling over his dream once more, the bits he could remember.

'What could it mean?' he thought. 'If it wasn't just a dream, how exactly did I come by dad's key?'

Taking hold of his key once more and studying the string it was tied to, he remarked at how similar it looked compared to the one in his dream. Looking up to his right, he saw Annie standing a few rows over glancing at him. As their eyes met, she averted her attention away, a subtle blush appearing on her cheeks.

Smiling, Eren knew her introverted nature enough that she wanted to keep their relationship secret for now. He would let her tell everyone when she was ready.

Upon seeing their superior officer walk before them, Eren tucked the key back on the inside of his shirt and stood at attention.

"Good morning soldiers of the 104th Squad." he addressed, "I'm Captain Kitts Woerman. Until you officially join one of the three branches, you will be placed under my command. As a captain within the Garrison Unit, I imagine most of you will be joining us anyway so I'm going to prep you all on the basic work we do here."

After going over the particulars, Woerman broke the 104th into groups and assigned them different tasks. "That will be all, gather your gear and get to work." Kitts authorized.

…

Atop the wall looking over Trost, Eren was busily cleaning out one of the canons used for the city's defense. Connie was off to the side, checking the stability of another.

"Well, at least we won't be stuck doing these boring tasks after today eh Eren." Connie laughed.

"Yeah" he replied. "Though I imagine many will think I'm crazy for wanting to fight titans instead."

"Hey, I guess that's just something they will have to think of us!"

Eren stopped and turned towards Connie in confusion. "What do you mean by 'us'? Aren't you going into the MP?" he asked. Connie exhaled and said, "No, I'm going to join the Survey Corps."

Shocked at what he just heard, he almost dropped his sponge and rammer. He sputtered, "But Connie, I thought you were excited to be heading toward the interior."

Mina walked up behind them and stated with glee, "It looks like you convinced him to change his mind Eren."

At this, Connie scoffed and said, "Yeah right. What, a man can't simply change his mind when he feels like it?" They both laughed at Connie's defensive state.

"Come on Connie." said Thomas, walking up to join them, "It's alright to be honest."

Along with seeing Thomas, guilt moved up to Eren as he remembered what he told him a day ago.

"Thomas" Eren said, "I want to apologize for what I said the other day. I had no right to demean you like I did."

Thomas shook his head and said, "No Eren, you were right in what you said. In fact just like Connie, I too am joining the Survey Corps. We're brothers in arms, and I want to fight by your side."

"Thomas!" Eren said beaming with pride.

Mina butted in and told Thomas, "That's brothers 'and' sisters in arms."

They all laughed and nodded. Still cleaning his cannon, Soldier Samuel Linke-Jackson remarked to them, "Hey, brothers and sisters in arms, don't mind me but I think we better get back to work before we are caught goofing off. By the way, where is Sasha? She was supposed to be back with that fresh polish a while ago."

"Did someone call me?" a merry voice bellowed.

Everyone turned to see Sasha jogging toward them. Mina asked her, "Sasha where have you been, and what is that you're hiding in your jacket?"

Flashing a devilish grin, Sasha revealed the item she was concealing. "Guys, I was able to sneak into our officer's lounge and steal a few thick slices of freshly cooked ham!"

"What!" Everyone screeched in unison.

"Sasha what are you thinking?" Eren scolded, "We can get into some serious trouble if they find that here."

"Yeah, and let's not forget that meat is becoming a royalty with the loss of territory five years ago." Connie added.

She smiled and waved them off stating, "Don't worry about it guys, they won't find out we took it. Besides, the territory we lost will not be gone for long. In fact, we are going to take back the whole world, right Eren?"

Stunned, Eren asked, "You mean you're joining the Scouting Regiment to Sasha?"

"Well, I can't let all that good meat on the outside get away can I? I'm a hunter after all." Sasha answered.

All of a sudden, Samuel's stomach began to growl. Looking around to see if they were being watched, he said, "Ah forget it. Sasha, give me some of that ham!" She nodded and said, "Now that's more like it. Come on everyone, I got enough for all of us!"

They quickly gathered around to take up a slice, but Eren moved toward the edge of the wall to get a look at the territory lost to the titan attack five years ago. Sasha looked up and called to him, "Hey Eren, aren't you hungry?"

Eren smiling to himself, he uttered, "Yes, yes I am." Balling his hand into a fist, he turned back to look at the group and addressed them with pride.

"Everyone, this time we are ready for them, the titans. Five years ago they took us by surprise, but now they lost that advantage. We will take back what rightfully belong to us!"

"Right!" they smiled and cheered.

Without warning, a flash of light came out of nowhere, and a large shadow enveloped them.

Eren noticed their eyes went from him and then were cast upward. "E…Eren" Mina stuttered.

As soon as Eren turned around, the wall shook violently, producing a shockwave that knocked the group off the wall and sending them free-falling toward the ground. 'What was that?' Eren thought.

Quickly regaining his bearings, he shot two grappling hooks from his 3DMG, planting them in the wall and stopping his descent. The others reacted and shot their hooks into the wall, but Samuel continued to fall, being knocked unconscious from the initial force.

"SAMUEL!" Eren called, trying to wake him.

Thinking quickly, Sasha retracted her hooks. Using all of her strength and speed, she began to scale down the wall. Once she got in range, she fired a single hook into Samuel's leg and another toward the wall, managing to stop their fall.

"I know it hurts, but try not to move too much!" Sasha yelled to Samuel, seeing him regain consciousness.

"Nice work Sasha." Eren called. Looking back up toward the top of the wall, he saw giant steaming red fingers grasping the edge. 'It's him!' he thought angrily.

"Look, the wall!" Thomas cried pointing at the wall's entrance.

Everyone turned and saw a gaping hole. "Oh no, the titans will be able to come through!" shouted Connie.

Thoughts of his hometown entered Eren's mind. How the titans entered and began eating everyone. How his mother was killed by a titan that had such a sinister grin on its face. That smile, it was almost as if it was mocking his pain.

"Not this time." Eren said to himself. Not wasting another second, he propelled himself up the wall. "Eren wait!" he heard Thomas call, but he already made it back near the top, eyeing down the one who started the siege on Shiganshina.

As he landed and drew his blades, his opponent's eyes moved in his direction. However, Eren was not intimidated in the least.

"You're not getting away this time, Colossal Titan!"

Rushing toward his target, Eren noticed the Colossal bringing its arm back in a motion to swat him off the wall. Quickly, Eren jumped toward him and fired a hook into its massive shoulder, just in time to avoid the blow.

Swinging around to the Colossal's side, he got a good look at the destruction left in the wake of his strike. All the canons were wiped off the wall. 'Was he aiming for them from the beginning?' Eren pondered. 'If that's the case, then it's not by accident. This titan has intellect!'

Turning toward Eren, the Colossal reached out for him.

"Oh no you don't!" Eren said gritting his teeth. Firing a hook into his large hand, Eren swung beneath and around the wrist, landing on top of the Colossal's arm.

"If I get rid of you, your kind will lose an incredible advantage in breaking through the walls!"

Eren charged up the arm, heading toward its weak point at the nape of the neck. The Colossal moved its shoulder in an attempt to shake him off, but Eren fired a hook and launched himself toward the back of the neck.

Firing a second into the neck, Eren reeled himself in and prepared to strike with his blades. "This is for the lives you've taken!" he yelled.

Coming within inches of slicing through his target point, a huge jet of steam and air pressure shot out of the Colossal's body, forcing Eren away from him. He struggled to keep his hook attached to its neck.

Able to find the trigger on his gear, he burned as much fuel as he could to reel himself back in to finish the job.

"DIE!"

Eren made a clean swipe with his swords, hitting nothing but air.

"What the…" he started to say, but he began to fall toward the ground. Firing a hook into the wall, he regained his footing alongside it. Taking a moment to gather his surroundings, Eren realized the Colossal Titan managed to escape his attack.

"Eren!" he heard someone call from the top of the wall. Looking up, he saw Thomas. "Eren are you alright?" he called out again.

"Yeah I'm good, but the Colossal Titan vanished out of thin air. I couldn't bring him down." Eren voiced.

"Forget about that." Thomas said, "The others have already headed back to HQ to let them know what happened here. If something isn't done about the hole in the entrance, the titans will come through. So let's go."

Eren nodded and said, "I'm right behind you."

…

All throughout the city, the ringing of tower bells could be heard. Citizens were packed along the streets as they began to evacuate.

"Everyone make haste but remain calm!" a Garrison officer yelled over the crowd of people.

Off in the distance, sounds of explosions could be heard near the outer gate. The 1st Division Elite Force steadily kept the titans at bay as they began to enter through the opening created by the Colossal Titan.

"Ready, FIRE!"

The shot hit an 8 meter titan squarely in the chest, exploding on impact. It fell to the ground, but took no serious damage as it began to regenerate.

The captain turned to his squad and bellowed, "Continue firing towards the entrance to keep them huddled up! If they break through, we won't be able make it back in one piece."

"Mmmrrruuggh" groaned a titan as it took a direct hit.

…

Later that morning, Captain Kitts Woerman broke the 104th into teams of 6 and addressed them on their duties.

"We've received reports from our scouts that a large group of titans have stormed through the hole at the entrance." he said, fear clearly in his throat. "The 1st Division Elite Force has been completely wiped out, and the titans are now moving into the city."

The captain's fear was spreading throughout the group of newly inducted soldiers. Some visibly started shaking.

"I've assigned each group a section of the city to defend. You'll receive your locations from our officers in the main hall. Your mission is to assure all citizens within Trost are evacuated. Once they are safe, we will signal for you to retreat over the wall of the inner gate. Those are your orders. Fuel up and be prepared to risk your lives for the sake of the people."

Everyone scrambled to equip their maneuver gear and fill their tanks. After Eren finished fueling his, he went over to check on Armin.

"Armin, you ready to fight?" asked Eren.

Armin's eyes were steady on the nozzle of the fuel tank as he pumped gas into his 3DMG. "Yeah." he responded, "I'm ready as I'll ever be."

Eren could feel the nervousness in his friend's voice. Interestingly enough, he and Armin were assigned to the same group. "Hey Armin, we'll be alright and so will everyone else." he told him, "The evacuations have been going on for a while now, so we shouldn't have to hold the titans off for long. We can do this!"

Armin smiled and gave Eren a reassuring look.

"Alright" Eren said, "I'll meet you outside when you're done. I'll go and check on everyone else."

Watching Eren run toward the courtyard, Armin couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen to them. Looking back down toward the fuel pump and gear, his hands began to shake, making it a little difficult to continue filling it.

Outside, Eren quickly searched the area for the rest of his group and friends. 'Mikasa, Annie, where is everyone?' he mused. Unfortunately due to not looking in the direction he was walking, he ran into someone who also wasn't looking where he was going.

"I'm sorry about that, I…"

Before Eren could finish, he noticed the one he ran into was none other than Jean.

"Oh great, it's you." Jean spat, "I'm sure you're thrilled about this turn of events. Damn titans. If only they could have waited a day, I would already be heading toward the interior. Now I'm just going to die pointlessly along with everyone else."

Eren was becoming irritated with his pessimistic outlook. "Listen Jean, no one is going to die. All we have to do is hold them off long enough for the evacuation to complete."

"There you go again with your feigned confidence." Jean returned, "Didn't you hear Woerman? The first response team was wiped out. We are about to meet that same fate! Of course I'm sure that doesn't bother you in the least."

With anger overtaking him, Eren grabbed Jean by his uniform and pinned him to the wall. "We were trained for this!" he yelled, "I hate what happened to the 1st Division Elite, but we also have to factor in the military outside of the Survey Corps are still too lax in terms of preparation in fighting titans. As far as I'm concerned, the 104th right now are the best group to handle this assault."

Eren loosened his grip and said, "Just do your job. You'll still have your opportunity to join the Military Police afterwards. If you're really angry, then take it out on the titans."

Before Jean could respond, he noticed Mikasa a short distance away looking at them. He suddenly remembered their conversation the other night and knew she was probably still mad at him. Cursing under his breath, Jean shook Eren off and began walking toward his assigned group in preparation to leave.

Mikasa came over to Eren and asked, "Are you alright?"

He nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Eren" she stated, "I'm a little worried about all this."

He looked a little confused and said, "Mikasa you're our best soldier, you have more than enough ability to hold your own."

"Not so much about myself." she said, "yet I'm worried for everyone else, and you. Don't do anything crazy out there." Eren looked the other way and said, "Stop worrying Mikasa. All of us will be fine."

Sensing that he didn't fully understand her plea, she continued, "Eren listen to me. If the worst should happen, don't be a hero. Even if you have to abandon the mission or…"

"What?" Eren asked, astonished at the suggestion. Mikasa stopped, fearing that would be his response. "I'm not going to abandon the mission or my comrades Mikasa!"

"Ackerman" they heard someone call.

Turning to the side they saw a veteran soldier of the Garrison, Ian Dietrich. "Captain Woerman just assigned you to the rear guard." he told Mikasa, "Follow me."

"Wait a minute Sir." she began to protest, "I'm a recently graduated cadet. Shouldn't I be among the rest of my class in the middle guard? I don't want to slow the experienced guys down."

Ian shook his head and said, "This isn't up for debate. Let's go."

As he started to walk away, Mikasa again tried to complain against this decision, but Eren stopped her. "Hey!" he said, grabbing her by the shoulders. "There's no time for arguing. You've been assigned your post so move along!"

She sighed and reluctantly gave in. Yet before Eren walked off toward his own group, she grabbed his sleeve and said, "Eren, I'll do my task but just promise me one thing. Promise me you'll stay alive."

Upon gazing in her heartfelt eyes, Eren nodded and said, "I will, and I'm sorry for yelling at you."

…

"This place looks like a ghost town all of a sudden." remarked Thomas.

While waiting for their orders, Eren's group, consisting of Armin Arlet, Mina Carolina, Thomas Wagner, Nac Tius, and Mylius Zeramuski, watched for any movement of the titans from the rooftops of the surrounding buildings.

"Yeah" Nac stated, "It looks pretty scary. Hopefully the evacuations are almost complete so we can get out of here ourselves."

Mina turned toward Armin, seeing him looking off in the distance toward the smoke rising near the outer gate. "Armin." she said, catching his attention.

"Yeah Mina?" he smiled at her.

"Are you worried? I was there with Eren when the Colossal appeared, and I'll be the first to admit he was pretty intimidating to behold." she said, "However, we all survived that encounter, and Eren even stood his ground against him."

Eren chimed in and said, "Yeah, it's just unfortunate he was able to get away. I almost had him."

Armin chuckled at his friend, "Nothing scares you Eren."

Mina reached into her coat pocket. "Armin" she said, "I made this for you."

She pulled out a small bracelet made of smooth pebbles and handed it to him. "The pebbles came from the same stream I went fishing in on our survival exercise." Mina elaborated. "I finished it last night, so it's not my best work. Originally I was going to give it to you once we joined the Survey Corps, but I want you to have it now, as a reminder of your success of that mission. I hope you like it."

Armin shook his head, looking over the fine piece. "No, I love it. Thanks Mina. I only wish I had something to give you in return."

Mina gave a big grin and said, "Oh, I can think of something you can give me in return."

Oblivious, Armin asked, "What's that?" Without warning, Mina wrapped her arms around his neck and planted her lips on his.

Several blushes appeared across the group's faces at the sight. Nac commented, "Get a room." Mina pulled away and looked in his direction. Smiling she said, "Ah, there's no need to be jealous. Perhaps one day you will learn to be as romantic as Armin, and have a girl fall for you."

Everyone laughed as Armin and Nac blushed with embarrassment for differing reasons.

At that point, an interesting idea crossed Eren's mind. "Hey Armin, speaking of that survival exercise how about you lead us in this mission?"

"What" Armin stated in surprise.

"Yeah" Eren encouraged, "The biggest reason we were able to save Krista was due to your planning. I feel we will also have a good chance in succeeding today with your guidance. What do the rest you guys say?"

"I'm for it." Thomas remarked, "I could be your second in command."

"I'm down as well." Nac smirked, "What about you Mylius?"

"Suits me just fine, after all, he is the brains of the 104th." he answered.

Eren smiled and turned back toward Armin. "So what do you say buddy? This could be our chance to gain recognition before entering the Survey Corps."

He looked at Eren and then toward Mina, still wrapped around him. He nodded and placed the bracelet around his wrist. "Definitely, I won't fail you guys."

Over on another rooftop, an officer of the Garrison called to them, "Squad 34, a group of titans have broken through the frontlines, you're up!"

Eren clenched his fist and said, "Alright its game time. Armin?"

Armin nodded. Letting go of Mina and addressing his group, "It's time everyone. I'll take the lead to direct from the front. Thomas, you take the rear and warn us if any titans come from behind. Let's head out!"

Drawing their blades, they took off in the direction toward the break in the front lines. Armin could see quite a few titans moving inward toward their section within the middle guard. "It looks like there are more titans than I expected." he mused, "I think it's safe to say not many of them were taken out by the Garrison teams."

"Argh" Eren fumed, "The military should have been more organized for an attack. It's almost as if there was no preparation since Shiganshina."

"I wouldn't go that far" Armin stated, "At least they were better with evacuations. So far there have been no civilian casualties." Eren silently nodded.

"Alright this is what we will do." Armin addressed to the group, "Looking at the number of titans, the natural instinct would be to fight and take out as many as we can one-on-one. Yet I believe the best thing we can do is fight together against one titan at a time, four of us to distract it, and two of us to strike its weak point. We will stand a better chance that way."

"Right!" they shouted as one.

Armin looked toward his right and said, "We'll start with the 15 meter class titan over the-"

Stopping his sentence, he caught a glimpse of a titan to his left, crouched on a rooftop ready to pounce at them. "AN ABNORMAL TITAN TO OUR LEFT, PULL BACK!" Armin commanded.

The 10 meter titan lunged toward them with unbelievable range and speed. They used their propulsion gear to narrowly escape around its reach, landing safely on a nearby rooftop.

"That was a close one." Armin breathed, "I almost didn't catch it in time. Is everyone alright?" Upon looking around, he saw the group's eyes were fixed on the titan that attacked them, now clinging onto a clock tower. Turning to find out what had them gazing, Armin was horrified to see what was in the titan's mouth. "THOMAS!" he cried.

Thomas' legs were crushed firmly between the titan's teeth, while his upper half hung from his mouth. "G-g-guy-s." he stuttered, clearly in shock. Before the group could react, the titan held its head back and swallowed Thomas whole.

Their breath was taken away from them at the sight. The titan then jumped down on the ground, and began to walk away.

As he watched it leaving, Eren's anger began welling inside him. His friend, Thomas, taken away from them right before their very eyes, and the titan walked away as if it were nothing.

*"Thomas" Eren said, "I want to apologize for what I said the other day. I had no right to demean you like I did."

Thomas shook his head and said, "No Eren, you were right in what you said. In fact just like Connie, I too am joining the Survey Corps. We're brothers in arms, and I want to fight by your side."

"Thomas!" Eren said beaming with pride.*

"Damn you." Eren said under his breath. Armin turned toward his friend with a worried expression.

"Eren" he called to him

"DAMN YOU TITANS TO HELL!" Eren shouted, taking off after it with unbridled fury.

"Eren wait! We have to stick together!" Armin yelled, but Eren was already too far gone. Turning toward the rest he said, "This is my fault, I didn't see that abnormal titan quick enough."

Mina calmed him down and said, "It's not your fault Armin. Yet right now we have to go after Eren before he gets himself killed."

"You're right." Armin agreed, "Let's go." The four of them took off after Eren. Armin thought to himself this was exactly what Shadis warned them about. Not letting their emotions take over. 'Eren don't die!'

Exploding forward from rooftop to rooftop and jetting through the air, Eren quickly closed the gap between him and Thomas' killer. "You think you can just kill my friend and not account for it?" he seethed, "BASTARD I'LL END YOU!"

With his target in range, Eren reeled his blades back for the critical strike toward the neck. Unexpectedly, a smaller titan appearing from below, jumped and bit off Eren's left leg to his kneecap. The force sent him flipping in the air, landing violently on a nearby rooftop.

"EREN!" cried Armin. He and the others exhausted extra fuel to reach Eren before a titan could get to his motionless form when suddenly, a huge hand swatted at the group, hitting Nac, killing him instantly.

Armin looked back in horror, realizing he lost all vision as to where the titans were around them. The three of them landed next to Eren, but before Mina could unhook her wire from her maneuver gear, a 3 meter class titan grabbed it, pulling her down to street level.

"Oh no, a titan has Mina!" said Mylius upon hearing her scream for help. Turning around, Armin froze at the sight of her in the hands of the titan.

Mylius looked back at Armin and said, "Come on, we have to help her."

"I…I…" Armin stammered out, but failed to speak.

"Help, it's squeezing me! I can't breathe!" Mina forced out as the titan's clutches became tighter around her.

Seeing Armin continuing to stand in place, Mylius jumped and launched himself toward the titan. It noticed his advance. Taking one hand off around Mina, it swiped at him, missing as Mylius propelled himself to the left. Taking another swat at him, he managed to evade and circle around. "Now's my chance!" he believed.

Before he could sink his hook into the titan's neck, Mylius felt something strong grab his leg. He failed to notice another 3-6 meter class got behind him, and now he was caught. "Ah, let go of me!" he yelled in anger. Taking his blades, he stabbed at the titan's hand, but the effort was futile. Using its other hand, the titan wrapped his fist around Mylius' upper body, silencing his screams as it ripped him in two.

Mina watched helplessly, seeing Mylius' blood splatter everywhere. With tears in her eyes, she turned back to Armin on the roof. "Armin!" she cried.

His eyes never left her. 'Move, why can't I move?' he berated himself. 'She needs me, so why, why won't my legs move!'

The titan holding Mina once again put its focus on her, bringing both its hands around her and began to clench. "Urgh" Mina coughed up blood, no longer being able to draw in enough air to speak. Bringing her up to eye level, the titan opened its mouth, inching her close enough to bite down. With all the strength she could muster, she turned toward Armin and mouthed the words 'I love you'.

He watched as the titan bit Mina's head off her body.

Losing the strength in his legs, he fell to his knees and dropped his swords, which tumbled toward the ground. Looking at his hands, he spoke to a semi-conscious Eren laying several inches away from him.

"I…I'm a coward." he said, "I led all of you to your deaths, and I did nothing. Eren, I let her…"

Continuing to gain his senses, a bloodied Eren heard loud footsteps coming closer to their position. "A…Ar-min" he said, coming out closer to a whisper, "You have…to go."

Eren struggled to lift his head up, and saw Armin with a spaced out look on his face. "Armin" he said a little louder, trying to catch his attention. To his dismay, a giant bearded face appeared in front of Armin.

Still dazed, Armin was picked up by his uniform jacket, and dangled just above the titan's mouth. Suddenly realizing his predicament, Armin began to scream as he was dropped onto its tongue and began to slide down its throat.

Hearing his friend's cry, Eren's mind kicked into overdrive. Quickly he force himself up on his hands and right leg, then fired two hooks into the face of the creature, reeling himself in toward its mouth. Jamming his sword into the upper row of teeth and keeping its mouth open with his leg; Eren reached and caught Armin's hand just before he was swallowed.

"Eren!" Armin stated in surprise.

"I'm not going to let you die Armin."

Gritting his teeth, Eren pulled Armin up and slung him out of the titan's mouth, back onto the rooftop. Armin looked back on his friend, surprised he still had the strength to move.

"Eren you…"

"Listen Armin" Eren began, using all his strength to open the titan's jaw further. "We promised each other we would explore the world beyond these walls."

Eren reached his hand out toward him, blood flowing down his face like tears.

"Eren" Armin uttered, remembering their dream as kids to see what the world was like on the outside. They wanted to see the large bodies of water called the "seas", and climb over peaks that was said to reach the clouds.

"Armin, we're still going right? One day."

Finding new resolve to carry on, Armin got up and reached for Eren's hand to pull him out. "Right" Armin stated clasping onto his arm, "We will travel the world one day!"

Eren smiled as Armin began to pull him out when instantly, the strength of the titan's jaws snapped Eren's blade and clamped shut, swallowing him whole.

Armin fell backward on the roof. Looking down at his right hand, he saw Eren's arm still clasped around his own. Holding it up and watching the blood drip down from the end, he finally broke down.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

…

"Huh, you heard that? It sounded like a scream." Marco asked his squad mate Hannah Diamant. Traveling around the city with their gear, they were off to find any surviving squads from the breach in the Middle Guard.

"Yeah" she said pointing toward a large titan in the distance, "It certainly came from over there."

"Right, someone is in danger. We have to hurry!" he responded. Not sparing a second thought, they blasted off toward the one in peril.

…

"Eren! No!" Armin yelled. Throwing away Eren's arm, Armin doubled over and began banging his head against the roof. "No, this isn't real! Wake up, wake up Armin!"

The bearded titan took notice, and began to reach out once more for him. Armin looked up, cuts and bruises all over his face, and yelled out, "WAKE UP!"

As the titan clenched for his prey, a streaking figure tackled Armin to the side in a narrow escape.

"Come on Armin, we have to go!" The figure told him. Looking up, he saw Marco staring at him with a worried expression.

Off to the side, the sound of maneuver gear hovered around the titan's head. Marco turned and yelled, "Forget about downing that titan Hannah! We can't afford any more casualties." She nodded and swung off in their direction.

"Armin" Marco asked, "Can you move on your own?"

"Ye…yeah" he answered, voice full of despondency.

Fearing to ask what happened to his squad, Marco nodded and said, "Then we can't waste anymore time here. I'm sure everyone is running low on fuel, so it's best if we regroup at HQ if it's still standing. Let's go."

Marco and Hannah took off, while Armin took one last look at the surrounding titans that killed his squad. With tears in his eyes, he took off behind them.

…

Within center section of the rear guard, a lone 8-14 meter class stumbled back and forth down the street as if drunk. It suddenly stopped and scratched its head, appearing to be in deep thought. Holding up one finger in "ah ha!" fashion, it then fell face first to the ground and started to disintegrate.

Standing on the back of its crumbling form was Mikasa, a certain calm gracing her face.

Firing her hooking cables to tops of the surrounding buildings, she reeled herself in to rejoin her superior officers.

"Great work Mikasa" said Ian, "That's your 11th kill today. You are certainly a credit to your regiment, and a valuable soldier to the military."

"Thank you Sir." she responded. Her gaze traveled toward the direction of the middle guard, fearing for her comrades' safety.

Ian studied her features thinking 'She most certainly is no ordinary soldier. Even for a number one ranking, her skills are clearly once in a generation.' With a smile crossing his face, he thought 'If I were a few years younger, I'd ask her to marry me.'

"Sir?" Mikasa asked him as she turned to meet his eyes.

"No I wasn't staring! I mean uh…ahem, yes, what is it?" he asked in embarrassment.

Turning again toward the area of the middle guard she asked, "Why was I specially assigned to protect the rear guard with the elites?"

"Ah, you're worried about your friends." Ian assumed, "Yes, I asked that question myself. It wasn't until I saw your skills today that I finally got the answer. With the Colossal Titan showing up, many of our elites and captains feared the Armored Titan wouldn't be far behind. If he were to break through the inner gate, it wouldn't be long after that the titans would be knocking on the doorstep of Wall Sina."

Walking near the roof's edge, Ian got a view of the city and continued, "I believe they felt like you could possibly take on the Armored Titan. To be quite honest, I believe you are the strongest fighter we have."

Her eyebrows rose at this suggestion and simply stated, "I see."

Laughing, Ian told her, "I wouldn't worry too much about your friends, especially if they have even a measure of your ability. However, I will admit the evacuation should have been done by now."

"AN ABNORMAL HAS BROKEN THROUGH THE RIGHT SECTION OF THE REAR GUARD! IT'S HEADING TOWARD THE LAST GROUP OF CIVILIANS CAUGHT JUST OUTSIDE THE INNER GATE!"

Upon hearing the shout, Ian told his team to move.

Running at a steady pace, a large 15 meter titan turned a corner leading directly to the inner gate. With a line of people in sight, it began to move forward.

"It's heading for us!" shouted some in the crowd. A merchant with a large shipment of supplies struggled to get them through the narrow gate, blocking the path for everyone else to get through. "Come on, move your merchandise, or else we are going die."

The trader turned toward the crowd and shouted, "Good riddance then! These goods are worth more than all of you combined. So do me a favor and distract that titan."

Turning back to his employees, he urged them to hurry and push his large cart of goods through the gate.

Gaining speed, the 15 meter was seconds away from being right on top of them. However, members of the military caught up with the beast from behind.

Mikasa, beating her seniors to the punch, enclosed on the nape, making a precision cut to bring it down for the count. Landing back on the ground, she released her blades from their mechanical hilt, seeing they have become dull after her 12th kill.

Looking over toward the host of civilians, she went over to them with a question on her mind.

"Why are there so many of you still not evacuated to the other side?" Mikasa asked a woman.

Pointing toward the gate she answered, "There's a dealer blocking the entrance with his wagon. It appears too large to fit through."

Looking ahead toward the gate, Mikasa made her way to the merchant. Addressing him she spoke, "You have to move your wagon Sir. Time is of the essence to complete the evacuation."

"I'm not moving anything." he said, "What you need to do is address everyone to help me get my goods on the other side of this gate. Once that is accomplished, everyone can move along."

Becoming irritated, Mikasa spoke again saying, "Sir, soldiers are laying down their lives fighting the titans, to give the people of Trost time to escape. Your cart is holding up the process, and more lives will be lost if you don't move it."

"Good for them." he replied arrogantly, "It's about time those lazy bastards actually did their job instead of living an easy life on tax payers' money. Now I suggest you do your job, and help me get my goods through the gate!"

Having heard enough, Mikasa walked over toward the wagon. The merchant smirked, thinking he convinced her to help him. Instead, Mikasa connected two fresh blades from her maneuver gear, and slashed at the ropes holding down the boxes of goods on the wagon. She made another strike to one of the crates, causing fresh fruits to fall to the ground.

"Just what the hell are you doing!" the merchant shouted. Some of the poorer among the civilians rushed in to take up the fallen fruit for themselves.

Mikasa turned toward him and said, "I am doing what you asked of me. I'm helping you get your goods to the other side. Though, they may also be in these good people's stomachs as well."

Raising her blade to make another strike, the merchant cried for her to stop. Turning back to him she stated, "You have two choices. Either you move this wagon to the side and let the people through, or I will destroy it and let them take what they want as they go through. Either way, they will get through."

"You insolent wench, I have connections with your superiors within the Garrison. I'll make sure they hear of your actions and are punished." he spat.

Mikasa slowly walked over to him and lifted her blade to his neck. "That's strange" she said, "I didn't know a corpse could talk."

Shrinking away in fear for his life he ordered his workers to move the cart off to the side, in saying to Mikasa, "I…I'm sorry, I misspoke. I'll move the cart right away!"

As the cart was being moved, Ian caught up with Mikasa. Before she could explain her actions, he held up a hand and said, "It's alright. You did the right thing. I'm very proud of you for having the guts to take a stand for the people."

Just as he finished talking, a small girl with her mother behind her came up to Mikasa.

"Thank you big sis!" the girl said glowing at her, "You're my hero!"

She then gave Mikasa an apple that came from the wagon, causing her to smile. The woman took her daughter into her arms, bowed in respect and headed for the now open gate.

With the last of the residents of Trost evacuated, the Garrison rung the overhead bells, signaling for those on the battlefield to retreat over the walls of the inner gate. Having new resolve, Mikasa handed the apple to Ian, and began moving toward the city.

"Hey wait Ackerman, where are you going?" Ian called.

She turned and said, "I'm going to help my fellow soldiers."

"They can hear the bells. There's no need for you to go to them as they will be heading this way. Besides, you're still assigned to the rear guard. There's a chance the Armored Titan could appear."

Looking down at her blades, she said, "I'm sorry Sir. I just have to know if they are alright. I can't stand by waiting. There are those I care about deeply, that I must protect."

Sighing, Ian took a bite out of the apple and told her, "Alright then. I'll just tell the commander that I lost sight of you during a struggle with the titans. Try to hurry back, or else we'll be in a lot of trouble if the Armored Titan shows up and I have to fight it."

She smiled and replied, "Thank you Sir."

Nodding his approval, Mikasa took off toward the middle guard.

…

Gathered on the rooftops of a titan-less segment of the city were the remaining survivors of the former 104th regiment. All having a look of despair on their faces at the horrors they've witnessed.

Jean looked off in the distance toward the inner gate, hearing the retreat signal. "So, the evacuation is finally complete. Ah, I guess it's our luck that it doesn't matter now, not having enough fuel to make it to the wall."

Marco came up beside his friend and patted him on the shoulder. "I hear you." he said, "I wonder what happened to the refueling squad?"

"Isn't it obvious Marco? By now the titans have overtaken HQ. I wouldn't be surprise if everyone there ran for the hills."

Connie joined in and exclaimed, "If that's the case, why don't we head toward HQ and refuel ourselves? If there is no one there, the titans would have gone past it and thus headquarters should be empty of enemy presence."

Jean heaved a sigh and stated, "In theory that sounds good, but that would only be the case for normal titans. For some reason this bunch that entered the city have many aberrant types. We simply can't predict their behavior." Both Marco and Connie also exhaled at this realization.

Over a short distance away, Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie were looking at the wake of destruction the titans caused. Annie was set on fulfilling her mission at all cost, but for some reason, Reiner was stalling. The more he stalled, the more her thoughts traveled toward Eren.

"Reiner" she finally spoke, "What are you waiting on; let's finish what we came to do?"

He shook his head and said, "Not yet. Let them continue to pour into the city before the inner gate is taken out. That way you'll have a full army to direct toward the interior."

She scowled at his suggestion, knowing he was just caught up playing soldier. Turning, Annie over heard Hannah asking Tom a question about one of their fellow soldiers.

"Tom wasn't Franz in your group? Where is he?" Hannah asked, anxious to hear he is okay.

He grimaced and said, "I'm sorry to tell you this Hannah, but he died trying to save our friends. We left his body near the cathedral a few blocks from here as we retreated."

"No" she said, on the verge of tears. "You're lying. He can't be…"

"I'm sorry, but it's true Hannah." Tom continued, "I know you love him, but he's gone. There was nothing we could do when the titans grabbed him. He-"

Before he could finish, Hannah took off toward the cathedral. "Wait Hannah, it's not safe to go out there!" Tom called, but it was too late.

Annie felt guilt pierce through her heart, once again thinking on her own lover. Just by watching Armin's horrified face earlier when he arrived, she knew something happened to Eren. Yet she couldn't bring herself to ask him. It was better not to know, or at least not to have confirmation.

After 15 minutes passed, the 104th heard the sound of maneuver gear heading in their direction. They assumed it was Hannah returning to them, but instead it turned out to be someone else.

"Mikasa!" Connie yelled out. Catching her attention, she turned toward them and landed. Her comrades huddled together to greet their best soldier.

Jean also got up and moved toward her. "Mikasa what are you doing here, aren't you supposed to be in the rear guard?" he asked. Jean was happy that at least she would be able to escape from the city, but now here she was with the rest of them.

Ignoring him, she looked around for Eren. Spotting Annie, she moved toward her, knowing her and Eren were close and might know where he was.

"Annie" she called.

Annie turned toward her with a questioning gaze.

Mikasa spoke, "I know we've had our differences in the past, but that doesn't matter right now. Tell me, have you seen Eren around?"

Jean clenched his fists, knowing it was because of Eren she had come here to risk her life.

Turning away, Annie told her, "I haven't seen anyone among his group arrive to this point."

"What are you talking about Annie?" Reiner joined in, "You forgot Armin was in his group? He's over there Mikasa."

Looking over to see Armin sitting against the wall of a taller builder, she replied, "Thanks."

Annie knew Mikasa would ask Armin about Eren's whereabouts, and now she would hear the details of how he died. Closing her eyes, she silently cursed Reiner for getting her involved with Eren that day during training, so long ago.

Armin sat off to the side by himself, holding the bracelet Mina made him. All he could think about was her pained expressions before she died, and how he couldn't move to save her.

"Armin"

Looking up toward the voice, he saw Mikasa staring at him with concern. 'Oh no' he thought. 'Mikasa will never forgive me for letting Eren die.' Armin turned away from her, tears starting to form in his eyes.

Mikasa, now extremely worried, began to ask, "Armin, what's wrong?" She received no response, as Armin continued to hide his face from her.

By now, many of the 104th gathered closer to the two, also wanting to know what happened to Armin's crew. Jean knew given Eren's pedigree, he most likely got himself killed. Eren wasn't one who hesitated when a challenge presented itself to him.

"Armin" Mikasa tried again, some hesitancy in her voice, "Armin its okay. Please, look at me. T-tell me, what happened. Where is Erern?"

Armin finally met Mikasa's gaze, and his look terrified her. He then spoke saying, "Team members of Squad 34: Thomas Wagner, Nac Tius, Mylius Zeramuski, Mina Carolina, and Eren Yeager, all gave their lives to protect the citizens of Trost. They fought valiantly and their memory will be forever etched in my heart."

Mikasa stood speechless, trying to comprehend everything she heard. The rest of the 104th had similar reactions.

Krista silently shed tears as Connie comforted her. Ymir looked off toward the distance. She always had a silent respect for Yeager, knowing he could be just as feisty as her.

Sasha dropped to her knees in disbelief, hearing her friends she spent so much time with were now gone forever.

Annie remained composed on the outside, but on the inside she wept for Mina and Eren, two of the few who saw her as more than another individual.

"So, even Eren fell to these monsters." Jean muttered to himself. "I tried to tell him we can't win against them, but in the end, he now knows it."

Mikasa heard him and she bit her lip. 'I hate you with every fiber of my being Jean' she thought angrily. Armin saw her angered expression and said, "Mikasa I'm sorry. I led them to their deaths and I couldn't do anything about it. I've should have died as well, I'm such a coward!"

"Armin, you have to compose yourself." She stated to him calmly.

Looking into her eyes, he noticed her appearance changed from a second ago. "Mikasa?" he questioned.

"Come on" she said, helping him to his feet. "We have to make it over the wall of the inner gate."

Turning around, she began walking over to Marco. "I assume everyone here is low on fuel, am I correct?" Marco nodded.

Turning to address the group she spoke.

"Listen up everyone. We will use what fuel we have left to make it to HQ. There, we can resupply and finally head toward the inner gate."

"Wait a minute Mikasa." Jean responded, "We don't know how many titans there are blocking our path. Who's to say we can even make it?"

She shot Jean an intense glare, causing him to catch his breath. "Perhaps you are frightened, but I can take out any titan blocking our path." Walking toward the edge of the building, she turned and spoke to them again.

"All of you are weak. You've fought and had to abandon your comrades because you couldn't kill the titans. Yet I am strong. I will kill each and every titan we come across, and no one else has to die."

Drawing her blades, she jumped off the roof and began toward HQ.

They stood there for a minute, wondering if they should follow her, or simply wait out their demise. Jean then chuckled and said to himself, "I blame all this on you Yeager, but I'll be damned if I let her fight alone." Drawing his own blades, he jumped off after her.

Marco smiled and yelled to them, "Well, what are we waiting for, an invitation? Let's go after them. We have a winning chance with Mikasa on our side."

"That's right!" Sasha piped up, "Come on you bunch of wimps. We are the 104th, let's kick some ass!"

The group roared a battle cry, and they began taking off one by one. Reiner smiled, taking off saying, "This should be interesting."

Annie gave a questioning look to Bertolt. He shrugged his shoulders and followed Reiner. Sighing, she also followed.

Traveling among the others, Armin sped up a little to keep pace with Mikasa. One after another, Mikasa meticulously cut down each titan that fell in their path. The others watched in awe as she went along with ease.

"Wow" Connie exclaimed, "She wasn't kidding about being strong enough to take on the titans. She is single handedly taking them out, even the aberrant types, and doing it with such speed."

Armin observed Mikasa's maneuver gear as she went, and noticed something was off. "Oh no, she's using too much fuel." he said. "At this rate, she'll run out before reaching headquarters."

"What" Jean stated, worry evident on his face.

"Yeah" Armin replied, "I thought it was weird how she remained composed after hearing Eren's death. It was just a mask. She's trying to be strong for everyone, but in reality she's recklessly killing every titan in sight. Once her fuel runs dry, she will be a sitting duck."

As if on queue, the propulsion in Mikasa's gear disappeared, and she began to fall toward street level.

"Mikasa!" Armin screamed. He quickly turned to search where she fell. Jean also started to turn, but Connie stopped him and said, "Jean, you lead the others to HQ. I'll go after Mikasa and Armin."

"But"

"There's no time to argue Jean, just do it!"

With that, Connie went after them. Gritting his teeth, Jean yelled to the others to follow him and pushed on toward HQ.

…

Having no more fuel to propel herself through the air, Mikasa hung from her cable hooks, her body a few inches away from the ground. Realizing her situation, she detached her blades and cables, dropping to the ground.

With all her adrenaline and emotion gone, all she could feel was deep sadness. 'Why do everyone I love always get taken away from me? Haven't I suffered enough?' she thought. In that moment, a light rain began to shower down. It was cloudy all day, but only now did heaven allow its dew to fall.

Looking up toward the sky, she couldn't tell if she were crying or if it were simply raindrops running down her face. She silently acknowledged this was a cruel world.

BOOM…BOOM…BOOM…BOOM!

Mikasa turned her attention toward the noise, and saw a 15 meter titan staring directly at her. Continuing its approach, Mikasa bowed her head and closed her eyes. "Eren" she said, "I will be joining you soon."

The titan stood before her, and reached down to pick her up. It was almost as if it could sense her willingness to be eaten.

'FIGHT!'

Her eyes snapped open just in time to see the gigantic hand a couple of feet in front of her face. Jumping away from the titans' hand as it clenched it; Mikasa felt a new surge of energy flow through her body. "What is this feeling?" She asked herself.

The titan looked at her as if it was agitated by the sudden movement, and this time lunged for her. With a running start, she leapt out of the way, allowing it to impact the wall to her side.

"Why am I running? What else is there to live for?" she kept asking herself. Suddenly her memories flashed before her eyes, and she saw Eren fighting off the kidnappers who killed her parents.

*"You have to fight! The only way to live is to FIGHT!"*

"Eren" Mikasa whispered

The titan pulled himself from the indentation it made in the wall, and stood up once more. She backed away, only to hear another set of large footsteps behind her. Looking back, she saw another 15 meter titan.

Attaching another set of blades from her gear, she stated out loud, "I'm sorry Eren. You taught me how to live and I almost trounced your memory by giving up. This is a cruel world, and yet, you made it so beautiful."

Both titans began to zero in on her location. "I'll fight to the very end!" she cried, charging toward the titan in front of her. Just as she took off, the titan behind her also charged in. With a powerful planted step into the ground that lifted Mikasa in the air, this titan threw it's upper body weight into a heavy blow to the head of the other titan, causing it to fly a couple of kilometers into the distance.

"What was that?" Mikasa questioned, regaining her composure and looking at the path of damaged buildings before her. Looking back up, she saw the titan that was behind her, looking ahead to where the other one fell, ignoring her completely. Seeing this titan with flowing brown hair and determined green eyes, she felt a great sense of comfort in his presence.

Off in the distance, another titan appeared from behind the rubble, turning its attention to the one who caused it.

"GGGRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Mikasa covered her ears at the piercing roar from the titan beside her. With that, it began to run toward the other titan.

"Mikasa!"

She turned upward to see Armin and Connie swinging down toward her. Armin scooped her up, and the three landed on a nearby rooftop.

"Are you alright?" Armin asked her, relieved to see she's still alive.

"I'm fine, thanks to that titan." she said, pointing a finger toward the two titans having a standoff with each other.

"Huh?" Connie and Armin echoed one another.

The two titans began roaring at each other, before the one that saved Mikasa got into a fighting stance, raising its arms to chest level and clenching its fists.

"That stance" Mikasa remarked, "I can't place my finger on it but I feel like I've seen it before."

"Are you kidding me?" Connie said, "A titan preparing to do hand-to-hand combat is beyond belief. I thought they were mindless freaks. Even the abnormals don't have that much coordination."

Armin silently agreed as they continued to watch the anomaly.

The regular titan rushed in head first, attacking in blind rage. With neck breaking speed, the strange titan stepped up and swung a fierce right kick to the head. It connected, knocking its head clean off the body and flying several kilometers before crashing into a clock tower in the distance.

The body of the normal titan fell. While its head started to regenerate, the strange titan walked over, and crushed the nape of the neck, finishing his opponent off for good. He did the same with the other he sent flying moments ago.

"RRRRRROOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!" it bellowed in victory.

The three soldiers watching from afar were stunned. Armin suggested, "It knows the weak point as well."

"Yeah" Mikasa responded.

"Well guys, I think it's best if we get going." Connie interrupted their thoughts, "Who knows if that titan won't turn around and attack us? Besides, we have to catch up with the others at HQ before our fuel run out."

Turning to go, Armin called out to him and said, "Wait, remember Mikasa is already out."

"Oh yeah, I forgot!" Connie exclaimed, slapping his forehead.

Wasting no time, Armin took out Mikasa's fuel tanks, and switched them with his own. "There" he said, "That should be enough to get you to headquarters."

"Wait a minute Armin, what about you?" Connie asked.

Armin avoided eye contact with them and said, "Don't worry about me guys. I'll only slow everyone down. Leave me to my fate here."

Hooking a blade from his gear and turning it around toward himself, he said, "After you two leave, I'll end my suffering. I guess I prefer it this way than to be eaten."

"Armin" Connie gasped.

Mikasa walked over to Armin, and touched his hand, grasping the blade. She then took it from him and threw it toward the street below.

"Mikasa why?" Armin questioned, but then he realized something. With eyes cast down he said, "I understand. I deserve to die the same way they did. You're right."

She shook her head and told him, "Armin, you're not going to die and I refuse to leave you. Eren lives on in us, as well as all our comrades who died fighting today. Ask yourself, would Mina want you to die here?"

Looking up at her, fresh tears threatened to fall from his face, but he wiped them away. Mikasa smiled and said, "Come on Armin, let's go."

Without warning, Connie picked up Armin and threw him over his shoulder. "Alright, Mikasa you lead the way. You're better than me should we have to face any titans along the way. We'll need your hands to be free to fight."

Nodding, Mikasa lead the way as the three started running toward the edge of the roof. Armin had no choice but to be unceremoniously carried. Looking back, he saw the strange titan still roaring, and suddenly he thought of something crazy.

"Wait a minute guys, stop for a second!" he shouted, almost causing Connie to stumble off the edge of the roof.

"Hey what's the deal Armin, we can't waste anymore time!" Connie berated.

"I understand." answered Armin, "Just put me down for a second and let me explain."

Connie did as instructed, and he waited for Armin to tell them what's on his mind.

"Listen guys, I know this is going to sound crazy." he began, "However, I think we might be able to use that titan to our advantage."

Connie was taken aback. "What! Have you gone off the deep end!" he expressed. If he had much hair, he would be pulling it out right now. Mikasa looked at Armin to see if he did hit his head or suffering from trauma. She noticed there were bruises and scratches on his forehead.

Sensing her apprehension, Armin spoke up saying, "I'm not being delusional here. Mikasa, you said that titan helped you right?" She nodded, so he continued. "There's a chance that even if we were to make it to HQ with the others, over half of us will die before we make it to the safe zone behind the inner gate. Yet if we can get that titan to continue to fight for us, our chances of everyone making it out of here will increase ten fold."

Shaking his head, Connie stated, "I don't know Armin. No doubt he would be a powerful ally, but how do you expect him to even cooperate? It's not like we can walk up to it and ask for help."

"It reacted to my movements when I charged toward the titan that originally attacked me." said Mikasa. Armin nodded and said, "Then that's how we will get it to fight. We'll let it see Mikasa take down a titan, and it should join in and fight those surrounding the area."

Mikasa smiled and Connie knew he had no choice but to follow their plan. After all, it was better to stay around her to increase his chance for survival.

"Alright, let's do it." Armin channeled.

This time Armin piggybacked Connie, and the group began to run toward the strange titan. Mikasa looked around for other titans in the area, and spotted one to her liking. Taking off, she quickly swung toward it and struck its weak point. The strange titan caught eye of the activity, and followed Mikasa's form heading toward another titan. Giving off a loud roar, it began to follow her, running toward a group of titans blocking her path.

"It looks like your plan is working." said Connie. He kept a moderate distance from the action so as not to distract.

Armin nodded; thankful he's done something right today.

…

"Everyone, we're almost there, keep pushing forward!" Jean shouted to his teammates.

A couple of titans noticed their approach, and attempted to swat as many as they could out of the air. They dodged up and under the massive arms, and pressed on.

By now, Jean got a clear look at HQ, and there were quite a few titans swarming the building. 'Well that's just great.' he thought.

"I need help!" someone suddenly called out.

Jean turned and landed on a rooftop. The others followed right next to him, and they saw Tom on the ground. "Hey, what are you doing, get up here now!" Jean yelled.

"I…I can't. I've run out of fuel!" Tom cried.

"What?" Jean spoke. Before he could move a finger, Tom was immediately surrounded by titans, and picked up off the ground.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!" he screamed.

Jean stood motionless, but a couple of others jumped out in an attempt to rescue Tom. They were quickly caught by their cables, and stuck in the clutches of other titans. Sasha and Marco started to move to help, but Jean stopped them saying, "Wait!"

Before they knew it, a few more titans zeroed in on their location, and they began to fight over their captive victims. The former soldiers of the 104th watched as their friends were tossed around like rag dolls.

Jean grimaced and said, "We'll use this opportunity to make a break for HQ, while their preoccupied."

"What!" Sasha said, horrified at his suggestion.

"Listen" he stated, "They were already dead as soon as the titans grabbed them. Let's not waste this chance to face minimal resistance. If we stop now, we're all dead. So let's go!"

Making a break for it, Jean took off. The others reluctantly followed. Reiner spared one last glance at the bodies of his teammates being devoured, before moving on. A feeling of pain came across him that he attempted to shake off. Bertolt caught it, and began to wonder about him.

Charging ahead, the group was now only a short distance away from their destination. 'Almost home free' Jean said within himself.

"Jean, watch out!" Sasha screamed.

Jean snapped from his thoughts and saw a titan coming straight at him and made a sudden grab in his direction.

"Damn titans!" he shouted in anger. Adding force through his propulsion, Jean rotated his body, and sliced clean through the titan's wrist with his blades, causing its hand to fall off. Marco swerved around it, and took out the nape.

Looking ahead once more, Jean led the group to the back of HQ, where fewer titans were crawling around the building. "Everyone, brace for impact!" he commanded. Going full speed, Jean burst through the glass window and landed in a large office area. The other crashed through as well, landing safely at around the office.

Ymir stood up and went over to Krista, and saw that she was alright. "It looks like we've made it. Nice going sweetness." she told Jean.

Jean shook off her comment and began looking around the room. That's when he noticed a few soldiers hiding under desks. "Hey, you two." he said, "What happened here? Where was the support team that was supposed to re-fuel us out there and where is Captain Woerman?"

They looked at Jean with fear clearly on their faces. One of them spoke and said, "Captain Woerman left toward the inner gate and once the titans enclosed on our position, all of us barricaded ourselves in."

Jean shook his head in disgust. "He left huh? More like fled. I can't believe that guy. What was all crap he was spewing earlier about laying down our lives for the people?"

Marco walked up to him and said, "We can worry about that later. Right now we need to get to the supply room and refuel our gear."

"That's impossible!" screeched one of the soldiers hiding under the desk. "With it being on the lower level, a bunch of 3 meter class titans breached that room and currently occupy it. That's why the supply team couldn't come out to you guys."

"What? So all of this has been for nothing?" Jean spoke, defeat in voice

A loud crash abruptly filled the office area, sending soldiers scrambling into the hallway. Dust filled the room and as it began to settle, Jean looked up and saw two titans looking directly at him through a large hole in the wall.

Frozen in place, Jean said to himself, "It was foolish Yeager. To think we could beat something so huge."

Resigning himself to his fate, Jean waited for a moment that would not come. In that instance, the two faces he was looking at were replaced by the flash of a gigantic fist knocking them out of the way.

"What the!" Jean stated in shock.

Running toward the hole in the wall, he saw the titans crumpled to the ground off to the side, with the one who struck them standing before him.

Everyone gathered around to see the sight. Above them, Mikasa, Connie and Armin came through the open windows.

"Mikasa, you're alright." Jean ran to her in relief.

"Yeah I'm fine. That titan helped us here." she replied, pointing to the one before them.

"What, you can't be serious?" Jean questioned. The other soldiers were also confused by her words.

Connie shook his head. Letting Armin down he spoke, "No, she's definitely serious. That titan standing before you has officially gone rogue!"

"A rogue titan?" Ymir laughed, "This I got to see."

Everyone turned their attention back outside toward the battle. Three titans moved in and surrounded the strange one, ready to leap and devour it. It readied itself, landing a swift punch to the titan on its left. The titan in front suddenly made an attempt to bite at the Rogue's leg. In an instant, the Rogue Titan hit it with its knee, causing the head of the titan to explode on impact, along with its nape. The third tried to grab him, but the rogue caught his arm and brought it to the ground with a swift kick. The Rogue Titan tore off the other titan's arm and stomped on its nape.

As she continued to watch the battle, Annie's eyes widened.

Reiner asked her, "You saw that?"

"Yeah" she answered. Silently contemplating the situation, she thought 'That titan is using my fighting style.'

The soldiers viewing the battle began to cheer after the Rogue Titan brought down his fourth victim. "Hey Everyone" Armin called to their attention. "I know this is interesting to watch, but we should use this opportunity to re-fuel our gear and retreat behind the inner gate."

Jean turned and said, "We won't be able to do that. Three meter class titans have infiltrated the supply room."

Armin thought for a second saying, "We have to find a way to get rid of them. The titans on the outside have their hands full, so we should be able to get rid of the ones on the inside. I suggest our most skilled soldiers take them out with the little fuel they currently have."

Looking over at a row of muskets on the far wall, Marco declared, "Wait Armin. I might have an idea to get rid of all the titans in the supply room in one go."

"Really" Armin inquired.

Marco nodded and explained, "The supply room has a lift that runs down the center. A bunch of us could be lowered down and serve as a distraction to draw them all in. At the same time a few of us will wait in the shadows, blades drawn. Once the titans are drawn in, those few will make the decisive strike to finish them off."

"That sounds like an excellent plan." commended Armin.

Marco smiled and said, "Just for extra precaution, those of us who are on the lift will use those rifles over there, to blind the eyes of the titans when they come close enough. That should also give an extra advantage for the strike team."

Jean grinned at his friend. "Yep, that sounds like a fool proof plan to me. Nice thinking guys."

The group quickly gathered the firearms along the wall, and loaded them up. Off down the hallway, one soldier was slightly lowered into the supply room to count the number of titans walking about. Pulling her back up, she told them she counted seven.

"Alright, we'll need seven volunteers to take out the titans." Armin addressed.

Mikasa spoke and said, "I elect myself to take out one of the titans."

Ymir chuckled, "Now we can't let you have all the fun Mikasa. I guess I'll also help with the strike force. I'm tired of being in this god forsaken city. The sooner we can leave the better."

Bertolt raised his hand and said, "Put me down as well."

Reiner looked at him and acknowledged, "That's admirable Bert. I'll join you." Turning towards Annie, he teased, "Hey, what about you Annie? You are one of our best fighters here?"

She sucked her teeth at his annoying question and chided, "You think this is a game? Shove off."

Reiner laughed and said, "Annie's in! That makes five, so we only need two more volunteers."

Armin peered around and saw Sasha and Connie standing off to the side. "What about you two?" he suggested, "Both of you were particularly exceptional with maneuver gear in a unique way during training."

Sasha shrunk away saying, "No, not me Armin. I think Jean might be better able for this job than me."

Snickering, Connie coaxed her and said, "Come on Sash, you should be able to do this. Once their eyes are taken out from them, they should be helpless." Armin nodded in agreement. She heaved a sigh and agreed to help.

"Okay" said Marco, "We have twenty rifles in all, so twenty of us will go on the lift. Twenty shots are more than enough to shoot out 14 eyes. Now once we are lowered and have drawn the titans' attention, you guys on the strike team will sneak through the doors leading into the supply room and get into position. Once we fire, that will be your signal to act. The rest of you wait here."

Having their instruction, the two groups moved out. Sasha started biting her nails as the strike team walked down the stairs toward the entrance of the supply room. Noticing her apprehension, Connie tried to comfort her again.

"Don't over think it Sasha. All you have to do is strike its weak point at the nape and it will be over before you know it."

Reiner laughed while examining the sharpness of his blade. "Of course if that doesn't work, you could also stab it at its second weak point in the ass." he teased.

"There's another weak point?" Sasha squeaked! "Thanks for telling me. I must have fallen asleep in class when they went over that."

Connie slapped his face and told her, "He's just playing with you Sash."

"Yeah, because we all know the titans have at least five weak points." Ymir added.

"Five weak points!" Sasha yelled out, bringing her hands to her head in frustration.

Ymir and Reiner snickered at Sasha's anxiety. Once they reached the entranced, Mikasa signaled for them to be quiet. Peeking in, she saw the titans walking around aimlessly. Turning back to the group she whispered, "We'll wait here until the lift is brought down and the titans are distracted. Sasha, simply focus on cutting through the nape."

Sasha nodded and Mikasa turned back toward the room, waiting for the opportunity for them to sneak in.

Up above, the lift began to lower down the center of the room, loaded down with soldiers holding rifles. Once they reached about halfway down, Marco called for the lift to stop. The noise caught the titans' attention.

Slowly, they began to walk towards them. Mikasa and the others silently entered the room, and swung up towards the beams. They each landed on one directly behind their targeted titan.

As the titan's continued to move toward the dangling lift, some of the soldiers started getting apprehensive. "Hold your positions everyone." Marco ordered, "Let them get a little closer. We only got one shot each and I doubt we are best marksmen in the world."

Jean smiled in agreement with his friend. As the titans moved closer toward the light pouring from the opening at the top, Armin noticed the titan coming directly toward him was the same titan that killed Mina.

A mix of fear and anger rose within him, causing his hands to shake. Jean whispered to him, "Armin steady." He could see Armin's eyes were wide and unfocused.

"Jean" Armin said, "We've lost a lot of love ones to these titans. Before today we were all happy and content. Even though I lost my grandfather years ago to them, I still managed to find happiness in my friends. Yet after today, I once again realize how fleeting life can be with these monsters prowling around."

Jean focused in on the titan he was facing, listening to Armin's words.

"I hate them." Armin continued, feeling anger starting to over take his mind. "I won't let them get away with all those they've taken away from me!"

Armin's eyes zeroed in on Mina's killer left eye. The titans' inched another step closer, completely enclosing the lift.

"Fire!" Marco shouted.

Flashes of light flared out as the soldier fired their guns. Armin shot his titan square in the eye, sending it staggering back as its eye socket began to steam. The others had their eyes taken out, but some soldiers missed their mark. Leaving one titan without injury and Armin's titan avoided having its right eye shot out.

The strike team immediately leapt from their spots, and soared in for the critical blow. Mikasa, Annie, Ymir, Reiner, and Bertolt successfully brought down their targets. Sasha missed her mark at the nape by a few inches, while Connie came in a couple of seconds too late, his titan having both it's eyes, catching notice of him before he had a chance to move in for the kill.

The one eyed titan turned around to see Sasha cowering behind it. "Uh, I'm sorry, did I attack you there hehe?" Sasha quivered. Without warning the titan lunged for her. She leapt out of the way in absolute panic. Yet before the titan could get back up, Mikasa soared in and finished it off. Annie then made light work of Connie's titan, making the supply room accessible again.

"Thanks Annie. Looks like that one got away from me." Connie laughed.

"Don't mention it." she said.

Over to the side, Sasha attempted to hug Mikasa, but she was kept at arm's length. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Mikasa!" she cried.

"Sasha you have to get a grip of yourself." Mikasa urged, "We're still not out of the woods yet." Sasha nodded, wiping away the tears in her eyes.

Looking up, Marco called to the soldiers above to lower the lift to the ground, and for the rest to join them to re-fuel their gear.

So everyone began filling up their tanks, discussing some of the things they've seen as they waited. "You did a good job getting us here." Marco told Jean as he filled his fuel tank. "We wouldn't have made it if it were not for your leadership."

Jean frowned and said, "Stop it Marco. The only thing I did was run. The rest of you simply followed."

"That's not true. If it weren't for you, we all might have died fighting to save a couple of us who were caught by the titans. It must have been difficult to make that decision, but the safety of the group was on your shoulders and you made the right choice."

A sad smile crossed Jean's face. "So tell me Marco, what you think about all this?" he asked. Marco gave him a puzzled look, so he continued, "About fighting the titans? You told me you were thinking about joining the Survey Corps. Now that you know what you're up against, are you still considering joining?"

"The titans are certainly imposing." Marco began. Tightening the nozzle on his fuel tank as he finished filling it, he looked at Jean and continued, "To answer your question, I'm leaning toward joining more than ever. I think today showed us that it's only a matter of time before all the walls are broken through. I suppose humanity can no longer relax like we did the last 100 years."

Jean laughed and replied, "Yeah, but it sucks the end of the world had to happen in our lifetime."

"I hear you." Marco grinned. After standing up he spoke, "Eren wanted to fight them, encouraging everyone to stand up for their freedom. I want to honor his memory, and fight in his place."

Jean finished filling his gear and turned toward the Marco. "I respect that Marco. I think looking back on our training days I was a little rough on Eren's dreams. Yet he never went back on his word, and he was certainly a braver soul than me. It takes a lot of courage to fight the titans but Marco, try not to die out there will ya."

Marco smiled and said, "I'll try."

Once everyone finished filling their gear, they headed back to the office and out the opening that was made earlier by the titans. Armin addressed them saying, "Alright everyone, once we head out toward the inner gate, make sure to take a route where there is not much titan activity. Avoid them at all cost as we are in full retreat."

They nodded in agreement, and began to head out. Mikasa however moved further up to another point around headquarters. She stopped a short distance up, and stared toward the east.

"Mikasa" Armin called, "We need to keep up with the others, let's go."

She remained still. "Mikasa!" Armin called again.

"The titan who helped us is in trouble." was all she stated in response.

Armin gave her a thoughtful look but before he could respond, more of his teammates moved up to take a look for themselves, so he decided to follow. What they saw stunned them. The Rogue Titan was surrounded by several other titans, and they were currently eating him. Finished with eating away his arms, they began feasting on his legs and upper body. It helplessly roared in seeming pain.

Jean remarked, "Well that's a heck of a way to go. To be eaten by your own kind. Oh well, we better get out of here while their distracted."

As he begun to move away, he noticed his companions still watching the sight. "Come on guys." he said, "Even though it gave us a break, its still a titan at the end of the day. No one can predict the actions of an abnormal, but every titan is potentially a danger to us."

"I think we should help it." Mikasa stated, almost causing Jean to stumble forward.

"What, absolutely not Mikasa!" Jean contended. "Why risk our lives for a titan of all creatures? No, that's not happening."

Before Mikasa could argue, Annie interrupted and said, "I agree with Mikasa."

"Annie" Mikasa turned to her surprised.

Reiner stepped up as well saying, "That titan could prove to be a powerful weapon. We saw what it did a while ago, so he's useful. Besides that, perhaps we could learn something from him"

Shaking his head, Jean told them, "You're all crazy. This doesn't make sense."

"You stay here." asserted Annie, "The three of us are more than capable of handling those titans around it."

Suddenly, another titan came walking toward the feast. Recognizing it, Armin spoke and said, "That's the same abnormal that ate Thomas!"

The Rogue Titan caught a glimpse of the newcomer, and it began to roar with incredible rage. Escaping the hold of the titans around it, it surged toward Thomas' killer and sunk its teeth into the neck.

The other titans ran to attack, but were knocked back into the buildings as the Rogue Titan hit them by swinging the body of the incapacitated titan in his mouth. Jumping on each of the titans' napes along the ground, it finally crushed the nape of Thomas' killer, bringing the battle to an end.

"GRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

"I guess it didn't need our help after all." Reiner concluded.

Continuing to roar, it finally dropped to its knees and fell head first in exhaustion. "That's weird for a titan, to become tired." Jean spoke, "In any case it doesn't look like he will be useful now. Let's just get out of here and call it a day."

Again Jean turned to move away, and yet again he noticed his teammates were still transfixed on the strange titan. "Hey guys we should really…" Jean started to say, but stopped as he glimpsed at what was happening.

The body of the Rogue Titan began to steam away.

"That's strange." Armin said, "Its nape wasn't harmed so why is it dissipating?"

Just as Armin mentioned it, something started to emerge out of the nape of the Rogue's neck. As the steam began to die down, the group noticed it was the figure of a human that appeared.

"No, it can't be." Armin said. His mind was completely confused at what his eyes were taking in. "Is that, Eren?"

Mikasa immediately jumped down and propelled herself toward him. Once he fully emerged, she embraced him, wondering if he was really there. Fear then etched its way into her as she noticed he was unresponsive. Bringing her head to his chest, she heard the heavenly sound of a heartbeat, and broke down in joy.

"Eren!" she sobbed, tightening her embrace on him even more.

Back on the roof along HQ, the group stood completely dumbfounded at what they were seeing. "What in the world?" Jean managed to say, "Did…did he just…come out of that thing?"

"Well I'll be damned." Reiner smirked.

Annie's eyes were glued open. She couldn't believe this turn of events. Yet even more than that, she was overwhelmed with a feeling she didn't know how to express. "He's…he's alive." she whispered to herself. Bertolt heard it, wondering why she was only focusing on him being alive.

Armin move to swing down next to Mikasa. "Armin!" Jean called out.

Arriving on the scene, Armin first noticed Eren's left arm. The last time he saw it, he was holding it in his hand. However, here Eren was, with his left arm attached to his body, as though it was never cut off. Not only that, but his leg was also attached to his body.

"This is crazy; I thought I saw you being swallowed whole." Armin remarked, touching Eren's hand and feeling its warmth.

Jean swung down to them, still finding it hard to believe Eren just came out of a titan's body. "Guys" he said, "We have to move before more titans come." Looking at Mikasa's weeping form, Jean gently said, "We have to go Mikasa. Come on, I'll carry Eren with us."

Wiping away her tears, she looked at him and said, "That's okay, I can carry him." She didn't want to let him go after just finding out he is alive. Placing him gently over her shoulder, she shot back up toward the rest of the group. Jean and Armin followed.

Not stopping as they passed, Jean yelled to the others, "Come on, we're getting out of here!" Without another word, they took off behind them. Annie's eyes were transfixed on Eren's still form. 'He can change into a titan.' she thought. 'Does that mean he's…?'

…

*"Where am I, it's so hot!"

Eren's eyes began to adjust to the darkness, with the only light seemingly being produce from the faint glow of the liquid he was standing in. Bringing up his hands to wipe away what he thought was sweat, he noticed his left hand never touched his face. Looking down, he saw his left arm was gone, and his right was covered in blood.

"Aaaaahhhh!" he screamed.

Backing away in disbelief, he bumped into something floating in the liquid. Turning around, he picked it up and examined the object closely. To his horror, it was the head of a person. He dropped it in pure panic, beginning to notice all the body parts floating around him.

"Did I die fighting the titans? I'm in Hell!" he stated, starting to lose control.

"Help…me."

"Is someone there?" Eren called. He started moving closer to the one speaking. When he was close enough, he was able to make out the form of a soldier. Her eyes were dazed as she looked up toward the darkness.

"Someone, help me. It has me…the titan…" she whispered.

"The titan" Eren questioned. It was all starting to become clear now. All the body parts floating in this strange liquid, he wasn't dead, he was still alive, inside a titan, yet probably not for long.

"No" he said, tears starting to form in his eyes. "It wasn't supposed to happen this way. I was ready to fight them, we were all ready!" His thoughts traveled to the promise he and Armin made to see the world. Then he thought about the promise he made to Mikasa. How he told her he would stay alive. Finally how he promised Annie he would return to her and start a family.

"I've failed them!" he cried.

The soldier reacted to his cries and called out, "Mom, where are you? It's so hot, I want my mom…" and with that, her form began to sink under the liquid in exhaustion.

"Mom" Eren said to himself. He remembered how much the titans had taken away from him, how much they have taken away from all their lives.

"I can't die here." he said, tears of anger flowing out. "You haven't won. I swear I'll kill you all!"

Raising his right arm into the air and clenching it into a fist he cried, "You hear me! You haven't defeated me. I'll kill all of you!"*

"I'll kill you all."

Mikasa looked down in her arms and saw Eren waking up, a slight grin on his face.

"Aim you rifles at him men, you heard what he said!" Kitts Woerman shouted.

Waking up and gaining his senses, he leaned up on his own and looked around. "I was having another bad dream? Uh, Mikasa, Annie, everyone?" he questioned. Then he noticed the large group of soldiers pointing their rifles at them. "What's going on?"

"You don't remember?" Mikasa asked him. He shook his head no in response.

"Apparently word has spread concerning what you do in your spare time." Jean asserted with a hint of sarcasm.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Eren responded.

Captain Woerman raised his voice again and said, "I want you to stop deliberating among yourselves immediately. You are one false step away from being executed on the spot!"

After making it on the other side of the inner gate, the group discussed what to make of Eren. Yet once word spread concerning his transformation, Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Annie, Bertolt, Reiner, and Eren were surrounded by the Garrison. Woerman ordered he be put under observation. Yet after hearing Eren's comments upon waking up, he's now more frightened than ever.

"Soldier Eren Yeager, we have reason to believe you have a very strange ability, one that could serve to destroy humanity as we know it. I don't know what to make of these reports, but let's here it from your own mouth. Are you a titan or are you human?"

'What, what kind of question is that?' Eren wondered. "I'm sorry Sir; I don't understand what you're saying?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" Kitts howled, "Some soldiers from your own former squad said they saw you coming out of the body of a fallen titan. We don't fully comprehend what the titans are, so if you're simply a titan who can disguise himself as a human just to infiltrate our territory from the inside, I swear I won't hesitate to blow you to pieces for the sake of humanity."

Jean laughed and said, "That's funny. The last time I heard you telling us about doing something for the sake of humanity, you were no where to be found. I would say anything you do, is clearly for your own sake."

"How dare you!" Kitts began, but he noticed Mikasa drawing her blades from her gear, and stepping out in front of the group.

"If you attempt to harm Eren, I will make sure none of you survive the experience." she warned.

"Mikasa" Eren called. He then noticed Annie drawing her own blades and moving next to her.

"That goes for me as well." she declared. Mikasa glanced at her, wondering just how close she was to Eren, that she'd fight an army for him. Reiner and the rest of the guys nodded, and protectively surrounded Eren.

Standing up, Eren put his hands on Jean and Reiner's shoulders to get them to relax. He then walked to Mikasa and Annie. "Wait a minute Mikasa, Annie. We shouldn't be fighting each other. We're all on the same team." They looked at Eren and then toward each other, hesitant to drop their guard.

To Woerman's side, Ian Dietrich made his presence known and he argued for them to stand down. "Sir, one of the soldiers standing before you is Mikasa Ackerman. You assigned her to the rear guard due to her abilities. I've personally seen her in action and Sir; her skills are almost on par with Levi's. We can't afford to lose someone as valuable as her here."

Woerman began to relax a little, but his fear of Eren was still very evident. "Soldier Eren Yeager, this is your last chance to answer my question. Are you a titan or are you a human?"

Eren thought long and hard on his answer, knowing his friends won't hesitate to protect him. Their lives were on the line as well. "Make no mistake about it Sir, I'm a human being!"

Ian smiled at his answer, but it quickly turned upside down as he heard Woerman's response.

"You'll just have to forgive me then, that I have a hard time believing you." he said.

Turning upward toward the wall, he raised his hand to give the alert signal. Everyone followed Woerman's gaze, and they saw a cannon aimed directly at them.

Not wasting any time, Mikasa dropped her blades and grabbed Eren. Turning to Annie she said, "We have to go back over the wall!"

As they ran to warn the others as well, Eren's key slipped from under shirt. Looking upon it dangling from his neck, memories of his father began to flash in his mind.

*"This is our custom, and I've failed to change things."*

'Our custom?'

*"They are coming to destroy what's left of humanity, so use this power to stop them!"*

'Dad what were you trying to say. What power are you talking about?'

Then it hit him, everything Woerman had been saying. 'So that dream I had about dad. It wasn't just a dream. You did something to me.' he realized. At that moment, flashes of memories came to his mind. Memories of him transforming and bursting out from titan that swallowed him and the subsequent rampage he went on. An instinctive feeling began to take over his mind.

Wrestling away from Mikasa's grip, he took her and Annie's hands, then called for everyone to huddle up.

Woerman brought his hand down to signal to fire. A loud blast went out as the cannon ball rocketed out toward the group. Eren brought his hand to his mouth and bit it, drawing blood. The next thing anyone knew, the upper body of a large skeletal structure with partial muscle mass formed around the group, and the cannon ball struck its outstretched arm, causing an explosion.

"Ugh, it looks like we got them." Woerman stated, holding his arms up as dust kicked up from the explosion.

As it began to settle, a looming figure came into focus. Woerman and the soldiers around him stood petrified as they laid eyes on the large skeletal figure before them.

"The reports are true! He's a monster!" they cried.

Mikasa and the others were protected within the rib cage, each unsure of what action they should take. "Where's Eren?" Mikasa asked. Bertolt looked at Reiner and Annie, to see if they were thinking the same thing.

"Eren!" Jean called.

"Eren where are you?" Armin followed, leaving the rib cage to look around the area.

The eyes in the skeletal structure began to move toward Armin. At that point Eren woke up to find himself firmly attached to the muscle within the back of the neck of the large form. Breaking himself away and out of the neck, he rolled onto the ground.

"There he is." Jean pointed out, as they ran to see if he was alright.

As soon as he left the nape of the neck, his partial titan form began to crumble, creating more dust around them.

Leaning up, Eren looked at his teammates, and with ragged breath he said, "I guess their reason for fearing me wasn't without merit. I am a monster."

"You're not a monster." Mikasa stated, "We don't know what's fully going on but you're still human."

Eren looked at her and smiled saying, "Actually, I may know a little about what's happened to me, but my memory is still hazy. I think my dad may have something to do with this."

Reiner raised his eyebrows. "Your dad?" he asked.

Eren nodded. "Yeah, you see he did some research concerning the titans' ability to regenerate. Of course, I would have never thought he had the knowledge to turn someone into a titan, much of all, his own son."

Thoughtful looks crossed the group's minds before Jean broke the silence and said, "Well this is some weird stuff you got us into Yeager. I'm willing to bet Woerman wants to kill you now more than ever."

"You're right about that." Eren agreed, "That's why I plan on escaping."

The group became alarmed at this. Annie stepped in front of him. Kneeling down she asked, "Where do you plan on going?"

He looked her in the eyes and then to everyone else. He knew if he told them, Mikasa and her would likely follow. 'Of course they would follow me regardless, but I can't let them put their lives in danger for my sake' he thought.

Eren spoke as said, "Listen everyone; I don't want you to put your lives in jeopardy. They only want me, so they should let you all go without a problem."

"I'm definitely not going to let you face this on your own." Mikasa interjected, "I thought I lost you once. There's no way I'm leaving you again."

Reiner chuckled and said, "As for me, I think I'll also tag along. Remember the titans crushed our home as they did yours. The military isn't doing anything about it and I have the feeling following you will do more to fend off the titans than continuing to be here."

"That goes for me to." Annie remarked in a rare soft tone. Eren looked around and saw Bertolt nodding in agreement. Jean looked a bit annoyed, not sure why he was even there. Then he turned to Armin who looked a little worried, but had a hint of confidence as well.

"Wait sec guys." Eren told them, "I think I have another idea that would turn out better for everyone. It's going to require your expertise Armin."

"What, me?" he replied.

"Yeah, I don't want to be at ends with the military. I'm not an enemy to humanity. As you know I always wanted to help free us from the titans and join the Survey Corps. If you can convince Captain Woerman I'm not a threat, there would be no need for me to run away."

Armin peered at him and said, "I can see your point, but what makes you think they will listen to me?"

"I don't know if they will listen." Eren said, "Yet you always had a way with words Armin. I believe you have the best chance of convincing them out of all of us. However in the off chance they don't listen, I'll continue with my first plan in running away."

The dust started to settle and they could hear Woerman calling for those on the wall to reload the cannon. With the vote of confidence from the group, Armin made his way toward Woerman.

Seeing him approach, Woerman ordered, "Stop right there. Take another step and you will be shot." The soldiers aimed their rifles at Armin for emphasis. Stopping, Armin began to address him…

"Sir my name is Armin Arlet, former cadet of the 104th Training Squad. I stand before you in hopes you'll hear me out concerning Soldier Eren Yeager. Earlier on the battlefield, my fellow soldiers and I saw the power he wields in his transformed state. Yet instead of using that power as a threat, he fought off the titans and allowed us all to escape behind the inner gate. If it's true you heard the reports concerning him, then you know he used that power to destroy the titans. He is not our enemy!"

Some of the Garrison looked at each in agreement, and began to lower their weapons. However, Woerman insisted they keep them up. "Don't listen to him!" he yelled, "He's trying to lower your guard to strike at the proper moment."

"That's not true at all Sir." Armin pleaded.

"Is that so?" Woerman countered, "You know what I believe? I believe you all might be titan spies attempting to wipe us all out from the inside! Well I can tell you right now, that is not happening under my watch!"

'I don't believe this.' Armin thought to himself. 'He's completely lost it because of his fear. I don't think he's willing to listen to reason.'

Armin turned to look toward the group. They looked at each other apprehensively, but Eren gave him a nod of assurance. Armin turned back to Woerman with anger, and performed a strong salute.

"My friends and I have dedicated our lives for the people. We've fought the titans and lost many of our loves ones. I'm sorry Sir, but to call us spies or indicate Eren as an enemy is utterly ridiculous and quite frankly absurd!"

Kitts Woerman clenched his teeth at the brashness of Armin's words. Armin continued by saying, "I believe we can use Eren's power for the good of mankind, even to take back Trost. I'm willing to bet my life on the hope that he brings us!"

Woerman became speechless before the young man. Ian moved up to him and said, "Sir I don't think these soldiers are our enemy. What he said made a lot of sense. Perhaps we can use this power to our advantage."

"Shut up this instance!" Woerman shouted. Turning to Armin he declared, "I refuse to fall for your false bravado. I'm ending this right now!"

He raised his hand, giving the signal to prepare for another cannon shot. Eren cursed under his breath, looking at his hand, preparing once again to initiate his transformation.

Unbeknownst to everyone else except Bertolt, Annie brought her hand to her mouth. He thought 'Annie, are you going to…'

Just as Woerman started to give the signal to fire, someone caught his hand from behind. "What the hell…" he began to say but suddenly caught himself as he turned and recognized who stopped him. "Commander Dot Pixis!"

"Now, now, don't you think you're being a little dramatic captain?" Pixis commented.

"Forgive me Sir, but I'm only doing what I have to. The one they are protecting have the power to destroy us all."

Pixis released his arm and reached into his coat pocket. Pulling out a flask, he took a big sip of what could only be assumed to be alcohol from the flushed look on his face.

"I'm well aware of the reports." Pixis said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "Yet if he were going to destroy us, why isn't he doing it right now? You know better than to let fear cloud your judgment when leading others."

Bowing his head in defeat, Woerman said, "Sorry Sir."

Laughing, Pixis walked up to Armin. "Well, well" he said, "Now that's a sincere salute. Would I be mistaken in guessing the man who trained your unit is Keith Shadis?"

Armin looked up at him and smiled, "You wouldn't be Sir."

Nodding Pixis went on to say, "Yes he certainly is a man of character. Never forgetting those he led in the Survey Corps and those who died in the line of duty. So heartbroken over those who died under his command, he vowed never to marry because he felt he didn't deserve a happy life. I can tell looking in your eyes that you have also lost loved ones today."

Armin broke away from his gaze, eyes landing on the bracelet on his wrist. "Yes Sir, I have."

"Hmmm, I can understand your pain." Pixis comforted.

Patting him on the shoulder, he motioned for Armin to follow him. They walked over toward Eren and the rest. Having his attention, Pixis stated to Eren, "You are certainly an interesting case are you not? Tell me, will you use this power to help mankind?"

Eren immediately responded saying, "There's no doubt I will Sir!"

"Good" Pixis affirmed, "I have an idea on how you might be of help right now. I want you two to follow me atop the wall."

"Can I come to Sir?" Mikasa interposed.

Pixis turned to her and smiled. "Certainly, I heard great things about you Soldier Mikasa Ackerman. We will need your skills for this operation." Looking at Jean, Bertolt, Reiner, and Annie he said, "I want the rest of you to go and rest with your squad mates. I will be calling your number soon."

"Sir!" they confirmed. Slowly they started to leave to join the other soldiers. Annie lingered for a second more, wondering if she should ask to come with them on the wall. Eren cupped her hand and reassured her they would be alright. For some reason the look they gave each other bothered Mikasa. 'What is with these two?' she thought to herself, 'and why is she so protective over Eren all of a sudden?'

"Take care of yourself." Annie told Eren.

"I will." he responded. Annie nodded to Mikasa and Armin, before following after the others.

Pixis stood before Eren and said, "It looks like you'll need 3DMG equipment."

Eren looked down at his gear and realized it was slightly damaged. 'Ah, it must be due to being swallowed by that titan earlier' he considered.

"Come on" said Pixis, "We have a few spare sets in storage. You can find one that best suits you for now, and worry about assembling another set specifically tailored to you later. You won't need to use it for battle in this operation."

Eren, Mikasa, and Armin shared looks with one another before following after Pixis.

…

In a town deep within the territory of Wall Maria, the Survey Corps were engaged in a battle, hoping to learn more about their enemy and gain ground.

"Captain, Major Hange and her team are currently tied down facing several titans to the south. Should we send back up?"

Levi directed his horse toward Hange's location. "That's not necessary Petra. I alone should be enough. Tell Eld to hold this position and to look after those who've been injured."

"Yes Sir!" she responded. Levi then took off toward Hange's group.

…

"MMMMMUUUURRRRGGGHHHHH"

A titan moved in and cornered Hange between three buildings. Smiling, Hange expressed, "Now, now, how would you like to be one of my latest test subjects? I haven't had much success keeping some of my recent subjects alive for long, but I promise I'll get it right this time!"

The 10 meter titan threw itself at her, narrowly missing her as she jumped and used propulsion from her gear to make her leap that much higher. Shooting her cables into the nearest wall, she swung toward the rooftops.

"Come on, play nice will ya!" she complained.

"MMMRRRROOOOOHHHHH!" it roared.

"Alright then, perhaps if I can cut off your limbs and the top of your head, I can find a way to restrain you before you regenerate."

Just as Hange was getting ready to act, a streak of light shining off metal came zooming by behind the titan's neck. The next thing she knew, her would-be test subject fell to the ground and began to disintegrate.

"No no no no no no no no noooo! Levi how could you? That titan potentially held the key to understanding their entire species, things we could only dream of, and you killed it!" Hange screamed.

Ignoring her dramatics, Levi stated, "There will be plenty of time to catch specimens, particularly those of lesser size. Come; let's rejoin the rest of your group. They told me you led a titan off by yourself in an attempt to trap it. One day if you're not careful, you'll end up titan feces."

Breaking out into a grin, she corrected, "Actually titans don't have a digestive system. Once they had their fill of human flesh, they simply regurgitate their innards and start all over again."

"Tch, like I needed to hear that." Levi scowled, wiping off the blood on his blades.

Heading out, the two eventually reached Hange's squad, and they rode together to join Levi's. As soon as they reached them, they saw Erwin Smith waiting for them.

"Hange, Levi" he stated, "Load up, we're heading home."

Their eyes widened at his order. "Sir" Levi spoke, "Our men are still strong. We can go on further into Maria territory."

Erwin nodded and said, "I know, but a messenger from Trost have reached us and the city is under attack. Another breach was made, similar to what happened five years ago. So prepare, we're heading out immediately."

"Yes Sir" Hange and Levi saluted.

…

Having a full view from atop the inner gate of Wall Rose, Eren looked out upon the city of Trost. He could see the figures of titans moving along the streets, looking for their next meal.

Off to his side, Armin, along with Pixis and three others were strategizing the Garrison's next move. Mikasa vaguely followed, before noticing Eren's distant gaze out over the wall. She walked over and joined him.

"It's hard to imagine such a panoramic view of the city could be tarnished." she said.

"Yeah" he chuckled, "Titans tend to be good at messing things up."

She smiled at his gloomy sense of humor. All things considered, things could have been much worse in her eyes.

"I'm sorry Mikasa."

Surprised, she turned to him with a questioning expression. "For what?" she asked.

He didn't answer right away. His eyes soften as he held up his left hand in front of his face. He then told her, "I promised you I would be alright today, but I almost died in battle. You were expecting me to survive and had I died, you would have found out about it later. I couldn't imagine knowing how you would have felt."

Reflecting on how she felt when she thought he died, Mikasa grew silent. Finding her words again she said, "You don't have to apologize to me Eren. You're a soldier, as am I. If anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I shouldn't have put such a burden on you when dying is always a possibility in this line of work."

"Mikasa-"

"Eren I want you to know" she added, "If you need me, you can always count on me."

After staring in her strong brown eyes, Eren smiled. She always knew how to give him comfort, even in the most difficult of times. "Thanks Mikasa."

She returned his smile before turning back toward the city. At that moment, something came to her attention, and it's sort of been bothering her for a bit.

"Eren" she called.

"Yep" he casually answered.

"I noticed Annie seemed to be particularly worried about you today. I'm starting to think she may be attracted to you."

Eren tried to keep his cool on the outside, but inside he was completely nervous about not slipping and revealing their relationship. He told himself he wouldn't say anything about it until she was comfortable to let it be known, most of all he was afraid of Mikasa finding out. He knows very well they have a bit of animosity toward each other. With her protective nature, she might attempt to slice Annie in two if she found out.

"I don't know about all that Mikasa." Eren responded, "I just think she tends to be a little protective over her only student. I guess now she doesn't have to worry so much, since I have this weird ability to turn into a titan haha."

Mikasa studied his laughing form and asked, "What about you?"

"Huh?"

Elaborating, Mikasa said, "How do you feel about her? Do you find her attractive?"

He really felt the heat on now. Eren knew Mikasa could tell if he was lying. They knew each other for too long to know the tell-tale signs. Continuing to smile he replied, "Well, I guess I do kind of find her tomboyish attitude kind of cute. Why do you ask?"

Mikasa clutched her scarf. Shaking her head she said, "Just curious."

A moment of silence passed between them.

"You know she broke your leg once."

"That was an accident. Besides, my leg wasn't broken."

"Or maybe it was, but it healed itself due to your abilities and we didn't know at the time."

"Eren Yeager"

Eren and Mikasa turned as Dot Pixis called his name. "Yes Sir" Eren answered, standing to attention.

Walking over to him, Pixis also peered out at the city. "Legend has it the titans were originally created as a ploy to bring mankind together. It was thought everyone would come together over a single cause to fight the new threat, putting aside petty differences."

Eren sighed, "It looks like that plan failed miserably.

"Yes" Pixis agreed, "Though from talking with your friend Arlert, perhaps the legend of the origin of the titans isn't so far off. He told me your father is the one that gave you your ability to become one, through experimentation. Is that correct?"

Nodding, he replied, "Although I'm not fully sure myself, I believe he had something to do with it, yes."

"Hmmm, very interesting indeed" acknowledged Pixis. "Grisha was certainly a very smart man. Well, that will be discussed further with the higher ups. Right now we have a plan for possibly re-taking the city of Trost."

"Very good Sir" Eren nodded.

Pixis lead Eren and Mikasa over to Armin and the other three soldiers. Upon seeing them, Armin began filling them on their strategy.

"As you both know, the Colossal Titan created a large opening at the entrance of the outer gate. The first responders in the Garrison Unit tried to reseal the hole shortly thereafter, but that cause became lost once a large group of titans suddenly showed up and overtook them. There was a thought about moving a large boulder just to the east of the entrance to seal it, but there simply wasn't enough time to find out a way to move it. This is where you come in Eren."

"Me?" he asked.

"Yeah" Armin continued, "You see this boulder is more than large enough to seal the hole, but short of mechanical engineering and time, there is no way for us to move it. With your strength in titan form, you should be able to move it without too much problem. Once the hole is sealed, we can then focus on slaying the remaining titans within the city, however long that will take."

Pixis stood before Eren and asked, "You think you can handle that young soldier?"

Eren's eyes were confident as ever as he answered, "I'll sure as hell try Sir. We've lost too much to them already. If there is a will, there is a way."

"Yahahaha! Now that's the spirit." Pixis congratulated. Turning to the three soldiers, he introduced them to Eren.

"These three are our most skilled soldiers in the southern territories of the Garrison Unit, and they will be leading this operation. Meet Ian Dietrich, Rico Brzenska, and Mitabi Jarnach."

Eren recognized Ian and Rico right away, as they were standing behind Woerman during their confrontation on the ground. While Ian tried to help them, Eren could tell by her scowl that Rico didn't trust him.

"Nice to meet you all" Eren greeted, "It will be an honor to work together on the battlefield."

"You might want to hold off on that for now." Rico told him. "I will be in charge with watching over you. If you even think about attacking us out there, I won't hesitate to give the order to strike you down."

"Now hold on there Rico." Ian interposed, seeing Mikasa's face harden toward her. "I have experience working with the former 104th. If Ackerman trusts Eren, there is no way he will let us down."

Eren smiled toward him and said, "Thank you Sir."

"With that said" Pixis announced, "I believe you will be the perfect leader to oversee the operations team Ian." Ian did a double take and asked, "Why me Sir?"

Closing his eyes as if in thought, Pixis responded, "You showed level headedness when Eren transformed before the Garrison. While Woerman and the others were filled with dread, you saw through the initial shock, and attempted save Eren's life. We will need that kind of thinking once this operation goes into effect. Anything can go wrong at this point, but just because it goes wrong, doesn't mean one should panic."

"I don't object" said Mitabi.

"I'm also fine with that." Rico agreed.

"Good" Pixis proclaimed, "With that settled, go alert the officers and have them prepare our soldiers for a state of address."

"Sir, yes Sir!" they resounded and moved to carry out their order.

Pixis turned back and looked at the three young soldiers before him. He said, "Humanity has never won a single battle against the titans. Yet if we succeed in taking back Trost, it will be a major step in the right direction. I believe in you three to accomplish this."

Eren clenched his fist and said, "You can count on us!"

Within a few minutes, soldiers began pouring in down below, waiting to be addressed.

"Hey Jean, you said you might know what the big announcement could be about. What do you think it is?" Marco asked him.

"Ah, well I'm not totally sure, but it will have something to do with Eren." Jean answered.

"Eren?"

"Yep, it's kind of hard to explain since you weren't there. Yet you've heard the rumors, and they are right. It seems our beloved suicidal maniac is more of a strange case than we first imagined."

Marco looked with intrigue, but instead of asking further, he decided to wait for the state of address. All throughout the crowd, mumblings were taking place. Some feared they might be called to face the titans again, others were worried there might have been a sighting of the Armored Titan. After everyone gathered, Commander Pixis cleared his throat and called for attention atop the wall.

"Everyone eyes front! In a few short minutes we are going to launch an operation in which we will take back the city of Trost!"

Normally there would be no outward reaction among troops as their commander addressed them, but fear was already running rampant and it couldn't be helped to hear many gasps and voices of panic.

"Yes, your ears have not deceived you!" Pixis added, "We will attempt to seal the hole created by the Colossal Titan. We've just uncovered a secret weapon made from cutting edge science that has the ability to form and manipulate the body of a titan. We will us this power to move a large boulder, and place it in front of the breach to seal it off. Your mission is to pave a clear road for the titan to walk."

Turning to his side and pointing out Eren, he exclaimed, "This young soldier, Eren Yeager, the son of the renowned doctor Grisha Yeager, has such ability."

Down below among the crowd, Connie was taken aback.

"What the hell? So Eren can control a titan?" airing his mind out loud. Then he thought back to the titan that helped them escape the city. 'That was Eren.'

"This is complete bull!" Daz cried out from the soldiers.

"Daz!" Marco tried to calm him down.

Daz shook him off and said, "Their not fooling me, I know this is nothing but a fool's errand to get us to sacrifice ourselves to the titans. I refuse to be manipulated like this."

An officer approached him threateningly, "Hold your tongue soldier, or I might be liable to hold it for you!"

"Do your worst!" Daz challenged, "It wouldn't compare to what the titans could do to me."

Marco tried to calm him down again speaking to him, "Stop it Daz, you have to regain your self control."

"No he's right!" an older soldier of the Garrison next to the commotion stated, "This is suicide mission. I have a daughter; I can't waste my life on something like this."

One after another, soldiers began walking away. Captain Kitts Woerman became enraged at their outright insubordination. Drawing a blade from his gear, he declared, "I will execute anyone who abandons their duty!"

However before he could take action, Pixis once again addressed the crowd.

"Anyone who decides not to cooperate in this mission will be pardoned and are free to go!"

This stunned Woerman and the other officers. Continuing Pixis stated, "This mission will require absolute focus and desire! It's not for those who already think it's a lost cause! All of you have loved ones, and you're free to go to them, spending your time where it matters most! However know this. With the titans continuing to advance on our territory, it's only a matter of time before they reach all of our families, and they will experience the fear many of us have already felt! It is your decision to go to them now, or take a stand and protect them from that situation!"

Upon hearing this, many soldiers reluctantly began to come back and stand before Pixis, deciding for themselves they would face the titans once more for the sake of their loves ones.

Seeing their determination, Pixis nodded and said to them, "As you know, years ago there was an attempt to retake the territory of Wall Maria! Many gave their lives in hopes they could regain what was taken from us! I'm here to tell you all, the government never intended any success to come from that undertaking! It was nothing more than a strategy of population control! The land couldn't support all the refugees from the territory of Maria, so imagine what would happen if we were to lose more territory? Today, we will take a stand! No matter how small it is, we actually have a chance to win this battle!"

Looking over to his side, Pixis noticed the fire in Eren's eyes as he looked at his fellow soldiers down below. 'His father always wanted to help as many people as possible' he mused. 'It seems that same desire was passed down.'

Turning back Pixis cried out, "Prepare yourselves! If you should die in service today, your death won't be in vain! Together, we can and we will win!"

"Sir!" everyone unanimously shouted in one accord.

…

Receiving their last instruction, Eren prepared his mind on what he had to do. His last time as a titan felt like a dream to him, and he couldn't fully remember all that he did. With this duty, he has to maintain his focus.

"Ackerman" Ian spoke.

Eren looked over in their direction, listening in on what Ian wanted.

"You're on the escort team." he told her, "Your skills will be much desired should we face opposition."

"Thank you Sir." Mikasa responded.

Ian smiled and turned toward Eren and his support team. "Alright, I've been informed most of the titans in the city have successfully been drawn toward the walls opposite the outer gate by the decoy teams. Let's head out toward the boulder!"

Given the order, they leapt and moved for their destination. Shortly thereafter, they reached the boulder and Eren landed next to it, while the others staked out on the rooftops. Rico took her flare gun and fired a green round, signaling they reached their destination.

Seeing the green smoke from a distance, Pixis noted internally 'It starts.'

Rubbing the boulder with his right hand, Eren peered up at his fellow soldiers and nodded. 'This is it!' he told himself. Bringing his hand to his to mouth, he bit down and drew blood. Immediately an explosion of light blinded those looking on, and out of smoke rose Eren's titan form.

"GGGRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Mikasa looked at his form and thought 'Even with his strength, I wonder if it's enough for him to pick up that giant rock, much less carry it to the gate. The good thing is it's not a long walk from here. I still can't believe it, why did your father do this to you Eren?'

Snapping from her thoughts, she saw Eren began to ignore the boulder and focused his attention on the soldiers opposite her along the rooftops. "Eren, what are you doing?" she voiced.

Suddenly, Eren threw a punch toward them. They barely avoided the blow as his fist slammed into the roof.

Rico gritted her teeth and said, "Dammit, I knew he couldn't be trusted."

"Wait a minute!" Mikasa urged, seeing Rico poised to attack Eren's nape. She quickly zipped over to the roof next to Eren's form.

"Eren" Mikasa yelled, getting his attention. "It's me, Mikasa! You have to control yourself!"

Eren turned toward her, his eyes burning a menacing green hue. He roared again and swept his arm across the rooftop to bat Mikasa away. She shot a hook into his forehead and reeled herself toward his face. "Look at me Eren!" she pleaded, grabbing the strands of his hair and staring straight into his eyes. "Don't forget who you are! Don't forget your mission!"

Mikasa turned just in time to see his fist flying directly toward her. She leapt out of the way, causing him to knock himself out. Part of his forehead went flying, steam pouring out from the wound.

Landing back on the roof, Mikasa noticed Eren's regeneration was taking a little longer than when he first fought in his titan form. 'Is that an effect of having transformed so many times in one day?'

Ian and the others landed next to Mikasa, asking if she was alright. She nodded in response. Rico once again pulled out her flare gun and loaded a red round. "Well it didn't take long for this mission to go to crap." she said as she fired it in the air.

Back atop the wall around the inner gate, a soldier notified through her scope that she saw red smoke.

"It looks like there is a problem Sir." she said, "Should we notify the decoy teams to pull out?"

Pixis closed his eyes and said, "Have some patience, I'm not giving up just yet. Though I do admit we seem to have the least luck in the world. Yet we're thinking creatures. Had we given up at the first problems our species ever faced, we wouldn't have lasted as long as we did."

"Very well Sir!" she agreed.

Out along the roofs within the vicinity of the opposite corner of the city from the outer gate, Armin also saw the smoke round. 'That's red smoke, which means they've ran into problems. Oh no, we can't lose now, we've just begun this operation!'

Armin took off toward the smoke, abandoning his post. An officer called out after him, but he wasn't going to turn back. 'Eren, I'm coming just hold on!'

As the operations team looked on Eren's titan form slowly regenerating itself, Rico urged Ian to abort the mission.

"It's been proven he can't control himself while in that form, and who knows if he didn't outright attack us." she argued.

Mikasa shot back and said, "He would never willingly attack his fellow soldiers. It's clear having used this power for the third time today is having an effect on his mind."

"Even so" Rico countered, "that just proves my point this mission is a failure and we should turn back before lives are lost for no reason."

Ian turned to know Mitabi's opinion. He shook his and said, "I have to agree with Rico. If Eren can't continue, then there's nothing we can do." This caused Mikasa to clench her teeth.

Rico adjusted her glasses and said, "So let's make it official Ian. Everyone get ready to head back. If Eren can't exit his titan form, we'll have to leave him behind."

"I'm not leaving him behind!" Mikasa shouted.

"Then stay here and die with him." she said coldly

Mikasa drew her blade and began to move toward Rico, but was stopped by Ian. "Put that blade down Ackerman, this isn't the time to be fighting one another."

Glaring at Rico, Mikasa lowered blade and turned back toward Eren. Ian then looked at Rico and said, "Also as squad leader of this mission, I've decided that we will wait for Eren to heal himself, and try to bring him to his senses."

"What!" Rico contended, "You're going to risk everyone's lives on the sake of these kids?"

"What is your plan to stop the titans Rico?" Ian chided, "As of now that boy is our best hope. Even if the mission is a complete failure, it's the closest we ever came within success on all of our missions combined."

Finding no counter arguments to his points, Rico consented to his point. At that moment, they heard the sound of large footsteps. Looking down the street, they saw two titans heading directly for Eren's unconscious form.

"Shit" Rico spat.

"Right" Ian voiced, thinking the same thing. "I want all of us to take down those two titans while they're still at that distance. It will be much harder to protect Eren if they get any closer."

All of them moved to face the approaching titans. Mikasa started to follow, but was stopped by Ian. "Ackerman I want you to stay here with your boyfriend. You'll be his last line of defense."

She blushed and said, "He's family Sir."

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry." Ian smiled as he went off with the rest.

Mikasa watched as they fought the two titans, turning back at Eren to see his forehead was nearly healed but he still lay unconscious.

"MIKASA!"

Caught off guard by the voice, she turned up to see Armin speeding his way over to her. "Armin, what are you doing here?" she questioned.

Landing next to her, he caught his breath and said, "I saw the red smoke. What happened to Eren?"

"When he transformed, he lost his senses and attacked us. I tried to calm him down, but he ended up hurting himself. Ever since then he's been on the ground, not moving at all."

Mikasa felt herself threatening to tear up, but she caught herself and remained focused on the task of protecting him.

The operation team finished off the two titans, but saw three more coming toward them. Armin looking at the predicament faced Eren and said to her, "I'll try to reach him. If Eren doesn't respond quickly, I'll attempt to cut him out of the nape!"

"Armin!"

"There's no time to argue!"

Pushing her fear aside, she nodded and Armin went toward the lower neck of Eren's titan.

Feeling out the neck, Armin could tell it must be pretty hot on the inside. "Hey Eren, can you hear me buddy?" he yelled. Receiving no response, Armin took out his blade and calculated the height and width of a titan's weak spot.

"I'm sorry about this Eren, but if accidently I cut off a limb, you'll be able to regenerate right?" he spoke to himself. Giving himself a margin of era, Armin took his blade and jammed it into the neck. On the inside, it pierced through the top of Eren's left arm, immediately causing him to awaken from the pain.

"MMMRRRAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHH" Eren's titan cried

"Eren, can you hear me?" Armin yelled, seeing he was now awake.

Eren's eyes fluttered, hearing his friend's voice. 'Armin'

Hoping Eren could hear him, Armin said, "Eren you have to get up and move that boulder. We are all counting you to do it!" Armin could hear Eren's titan form beginning to groan in response to his words. 'He is struggling to focus' Armin thought.

"Come on you're stronger than this!" Armin cheered, "Don't let the titan's urge consume you. Remember what you're fighting for. Remember all those we've lost. You recall their faces don't you? All the good times we've shared with them. Never forget those memories Eren!"

'You're…you're right Armin.' Eren struggled to think. 'The titans took away those we held dear. I can't let them continue to wreak havoc. I promised to rid the world of them. I won't give up on that promise!'

In that instance, Eren's titan began to move, pushing himself off the ground. Armin backed away, looking up at the massive figure before him. Mikasa looked on and saw Eren turn his head and stared down at Armin. She started to shout for Armin to move, but then she looked again and saw Eren nodding his head. His eyes were much softer than before. 'Did Armin reach him?'

Her question was answered as Eren walked over to the boulder and began to lift it. Armin shot his hooks into the surrounding buildings and swung over toward Mikasa. "Eren is alright." he said, "We should go alert the others so we can give him a path toward the breach."

Agreeing, they took off toward Ian and the rest.

Within the decoy team in another section in city, Reiner heard heavy footsteps in the distance. He suddenly saw a massive rock appearing over the rooftops, seemingly floating along at a steady pace. 'It looks like he's learning to control himself' he reasoned, a smile slowly forming on his lips.

Back at the scene, Ian and the others were flying ahead of Eren, desperate to keep all titans out of his way. "Keep it up everyone, he's not far from the entrance now!" cried Ian.

A group of titans suddenly entered through the gate, and started making their way for Eren. Mitabi noticed there were no buildings in the immediate vicinity of the titans, so their maneuver gear became useless.

"What do we do?" a soldier asked him, "We won't be able to stop those titans from reaching our boy."

Slightly trembling, Mitabi pushed himself saying, "Come on, we have to lure them to the side on foot!" Giving them no time to protest, he launched out as far as he could and landed in front of the incoming titans. Encouraged, they followed his lead.

Managing to catch the titans' attention, they began running in a direction away from Eren's path.

Deep within his titan body, Eren was sweating with intensity. He could make out his fellow soldiers distracting the titans around him, and others being eaten in the process. 'Everyone is fighting so hard! I wish I could help them, but if I put the boulder down now, I won't be able to pick it up again. It's so hot, but I have to continue on!'

"Ah, help me!" screamed a soldier caught in the clutches of a titan.

Rico flew in from the side. "Take this!" she shouted, throwing her blades into the creature's eyes. They hit the mark, and the titan released the captive soldier, bringing its hands up to its eyes.

Mikasa used this chance to shoot hooks into its chest, and swung around to the back. Shooting hooks into the neck, she propelled forward and finished it off with a strike to the nape.

"Nice job Ackerman." Rico smirked, landing next to Mikasa as she hopped down from the defeated titan.

"Thanks" she responded, "but you warmed it up for me."

Eren slowly passed them, now only a few hundred meters from the open gate. Off to the side of him a titan had a soldier within its mouth, seconds away from biting down. However, just as its mouth was closing, Ian was able to move in and toss the soldier out of the way.

Mikasa watched in horror as Ian was crushed between the titan's teeth, his head falling toward the ground.

Catching a glimpse of it, Eren was reminded of how he rescued Armin earlier from inside a titan's mouth. Seeing he finally reached the gate and noticing a couple of 3 meter titans coming through the opening, he slammed the boulder down on top of them and into the breach.

Rico's eyes began to water as she realized they have successfully completed the mission. Loading a yellow round into her flare gun, she notes to Mikasa, "We did it. All the lives lost today were not in vain." Mikasa nodded, feeling her own eyes starting to tear up as she looked on Eren's exhausted form.

Seeing a yellow round in the distance, Pixis couldn't help but chuckle. "So, it looks like Yeager's boy came out on top." he spoke to those around him.

One of the younger soldiers around him said, "Sir, you said before that this was the result of science. Tell us, did his father experiment with his own son? If so, what kind of person was he?"

Pixis consider his response and said, "Actually, I didn't know he had a family until today. Grisha was always a secretive man. That said, whatever his reasons for testing something out on his son, he was the kind of person who always looked to help those around him. We can question if it was ethical, but it seems his son has gladly accepted the task his father laid on him."

After a moment of silence, Pixis gave an order to his officers saying, "Send in reinforcements to retrieve the escort team and signal for the decoy teams to retreat. Once everyone is safe, we'll begin to eliminate the remaining titans in the city."

Near the boulder, Eren's titan body fell on it, rapidly giving off steam. Mikasa and Armin went over to him, but it became hard to get too close due to the heat. At that moment, Eren appeared out of the nape and began tumbling toward the ground.

"Eren!" Mikasa cried. Quickly, she ran and caught him just before he impacted the ground.

Armin ran over to them and asked if he was okay. Mikasa looked up in concern and said, "He's hot. We need to cool him down or else he will-"

"Don't worry Mikasa." Armin comforted, "We have to remember he has the ability of the titans now. He should recover, but we have to make sure he gets plenty of rest as we know now that he must not strain this ability."

Mikasa nodded, holding Eren close to her chest.

Rico and the remaining soldiers gathered around Mikasa and Armin, as a group of titans began to enclose on their position. Both Ian and Mitabi died protecting Eren, leaving Rico as the highest ranking soldier left and the one in charge.

"Guys" she called to Mikasa and Armin, "We need to get a move on. Ian was right; Eren gives us hope against the titans. We can't afford to lose him here."

"Right" Mikasa voiced in agreement. Having Armin to help her put Eren on her back, the group looked to move up the wall with their gear. However they looked up and noticed a bunch of soldiers beginning to pour down the wall before the outer gate.

Seeing the emblem from their cloaks, Armin exclaimed, "It's the Survey Corps!"

Landing next to them, Captain Levi gazed at the group and then toward the boulder blocking the entrance. 'What the hell happened here' he wondered. He then turned toward the approaching titans.

Levi ordered those still coming down the wall to eliminate them. They proceeded to make short work of the titans around the area, causing those of the Garrison Unit to be stunned at the amount of skill they displayed.

Commander Erwin came over the wall and landed next to Levi. "It appears the titans have entered the city, but how did this boulder end up blocking the gate?" he asked.

"It's a mystery to me to Sir." Levi responded. Pointing toward Rico's group he said, "Though, they might have a clue as to what happened here."

Rico rushed out to meet them, she saluted and said, "I'm glad you guys are here. With your help, we should be able to easily defeat the rest of the titans in the city."

Erwin nodded but asked, "Tell me, how were you able to move that large rock and seal the entrance."

Smiling, Rico stated, "It's a long story Sir."

…

Within the hour, the Survey Corps finished off the last of the titans, and Trost was finally secured. Immediately, everyone began the clean up effort and the collection of bodies. They all wore protective coverings and gloves so as not to become infected with any pestilence as they handled decaying flesh.

Jean helped another solder move a body toward a row of bodies, waiting to be indentified. Going over toward another body off in the alleyway, he became horrified as he recognized who it was.

"No, it can't be…" he said, "M…Marco?"

The right side of his body was completely missing, while his left side was completely white. His eye was open and void of animation. Jean thought back to the last time he spoke with him.

*"So, it looks like I'll be assigned to the north-east corner of the decoy team. What about you Marco?" Jean asked.

"I'm with the north-west corner. Hopefully Eren be successful. I'm still finding it hard to believe what they say about him." Marco laughed.

"Yeah well, it's certainly true." said Jean, "I've seen him come out of the Rogue Titan when everyone else headed for the inner gate. Of course as crazy as it is, it explains why it was fighting the other titans."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right."

An officer whistled to everyone and told them to report to their teams. Before Jean turned toward his team, Marco said, "You be careful out there Jean. If you don't have to take a risk, don't."

"Ha, that's funny." Jean argued, "Do you know who you're talking to. If Eren's the suicidal one of our group, I'm definitely the safe and sound guy. But yeah, I'll be okay. You also take care of yourself. You know you will always be welcomed to hang out in my mansion within Mitras District."

Laughing, Marco responded, "I'll take you up on that offer!"*

"What happened?" Jean stated in disbelief, "Surely someone saw what happened to him."

Continuing to stare at Marco's body, an officer went over to him and asked, "You knew this soldier?"

Jean didn't respond at first, having a hard time believing this was his best friend, having been through so much together and coming out in one piece, now lying lifeless on the street.

"I know this might be hard for you." the officer said, "but we need to finish our work here as soon as possible. Once that is done, we can mourn them properly. Many soldiers that have died today will go nameless. Take comfort that your friend will have his death recognized and his life accounted for."

Jean turned to her as realization sunk in. "His name was…" he began, "Marco Bott."

She nodded and wrote his name down on her clipboard. "My commiseration, I'm sure he was a fine man."

Jean gazed back at Marco, thinking on happier times and said, "He was."

Elsewhere, a lone figure was also looking at a body. This one unrecognizable due to the chew marks, but could still be identified by her badge. On it read: Ruth D. Klein. Staring down at her remains was Annie.

Annie never intended for this to happen. She never intended to get so close to the people around her. She didn't want to feel anything. However as she looked, it was as if she was looking down on her bloodied father. Looking down at damage she herself had caused. Before she knew what words left her mouth, she spoke, "I'm sorry."

"Saying sorry is pointless." a voice came up beside her. She didn't need to look at his face, knowing it was Reiner, the one who started her down this path of guilt.

"Come on." he urged, "let's just place her remains with the others and get out of here as soon as possible."

"Move her yourself!" Annie snarled. She walked off, leaving him with the grim duty of handling Ruth's remains.

…

Feeling something cool being placed on his forehead, Eren groggily opened his eyes and said, "Ugh, my head."

Attempting remove what was placed on his forehead, he noticed something was restraining his hand. He then tried to get up, and that's when he saw his whole body was restrained and chained down to a bed.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but those chains are precautionary." someone said off to his side.

Looking over to his left, he saw a woman with brown hair and glasses staring at him. "Ah, wait a minute" Eren figured, "Aren't you Hange Zoë, Major within the Survey Corps?"

Hange's eyes lit up at his recognition. "Hey, I didn't know I was that famous around these parts. Looks like I'm making a name for myself and who knows, perhaps one day I'll be even more famous than Levi!"

Her maniacal laughter started to make him feel a bit uneasy, especially seeing he was chained down. "Well, I guess some would say I'm something of a fan when it comes to the Survey Corps." said Eren.

"Is that so?" she said, "Well in any case, I've heard quite a bit about you as well, son of Grisha Yeager. I've been told you have a very interesting ability. If you don't mind, I'd like to study you and your power to transform into a titan."

Suddenly a thought struck him. "That's right" he said, "I remember sealing the outer gate off. Where is everyone? They weren't eaten by the titans were they?"

Hange shook her head saying, "Everyone is fine. We arrived shortly after you set the boulder down, and dealt with the titans that remained. We even managed to catch two titans for study. Since that time, you have been unconscious for three days."

"Three…three days?"

"Yes!" she said excitedly, "and by the looks of it, you don't appear the slightest bit hungry or weak, even though you haven't eaten in all that time!"

Running up to Eren and ogling him, she asked, "Tell me Eren, are you hungry?"

Even with the cool cloth on his forehead, Eren felt himself sweating from her leering. "I uh…I guess."

"Yahooooo! He guesses he's hungry!" she shouted, jumping up in joy.

At that moment, Commander Erwin and Captain Levi entered the room, much to Eren's relief.

"So, he's finally awake." Levi commented.

"Yes" Hanji replied, "…and he's not even sure if he's hungry!"

Sighing, Levi said, "Calm down Hange. You know first impressions last a long time."

Walking over to Eren's bed, Erwin asked him, "How are you feeling son."

Eren couldn't believe he was in the presence of the commander of the Survey Corps. In spite of being chained down, he cheerfully responded, "I'm doing well Sir."

Erwin smiled and said, "That's good. I'm sorry we had to tie you down to this bed, but it was the only way to calm down the higher ups once they found out about your power. Even after using it to help save Trost, they still feel uneasy about what to do with you."

Eren nodded in understanding. "That's okay Sir. I'll just have to continue to show them my worth."

"Excellent response young soldier" Erwin commented. "If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a couple of questions."

"Not at all, what can I help you on?"

"Can you tell me exactly how you came about with the ability to change into a titan?"

"I'm not exactly sure, but my father was working on something special to help humanity recover from serious injury or plague. The regeneration seen in titans was the basis of his work. I had no idea he had the knowledge to actually cause someone to become a titan. Though he never finished his work, as Shiganshina was destroyed and he went missing."

Erwin listened intently to Eren's words. Everyone that had dealings with the government knew of Grisha's expertise as a doctor and scientist. Yet they didn't know about his work concerning the study of titans.

"Tell me Eren" he said while pulling out a string with a key attached to it from his pocket, "What is this key for?"

Eren stared at it shock, not realizing the key was missing from his person. "That key, it belongs to my father. It opened the door to the basement of our house in Shiganshina. Actually, that is where my dad kept all his research."

"I see" stated Erwin scratching his chin.

Eren looked over toward Levi, who was gazing right at him as if he was trying to read his thoughts. Instantly something came to Eren's mind.

"Commander may I speak freely?" he asked

"You may"

"I don't know why my father gave me this ability, but I do remember him saying that everything will be answered if I can make it back to our basement. Perhaps he was able to find out a lot more about the titans than we currently know."

Hange once again lit up at that saying and she cried, "Commander we have to get to that basement!"

Levi tapped her on the head, wanting to know where her senses were off to.

Erwin smiled and said, "Well, you've certainly piqued my interests Eren. I agree with Hange, we need to make it to that basement. I also want to bring you along with us."

"Really?" Eren asked, his own excitement beginning to pick up.

"Yes, but unfortunately you belong to the state right now." Erwin told him. "In a couple of days, you will be brought before the court to determine your fate. Be assured we will present a strong case on your behalf and hopefully they will turn you over to us."

Levi then spoke up and said, "If you are handed over to us, you will be placed in my squad and I will be in charge of watching over you."

Eren nodded and said, "It will be an honor in serving under your lead Sir."

Levi shook off his comment and said, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Should you attempt to transform and attack us, I won't hesitate to strike you down."

Interestingly enough, Eren began to chuckle at his saying. Raising an eyebrow, Levi asked, "You find your own death amusing?"

"No, it's not that." Eren responded, thinking on Rico's apprehension before the operation to recover Trost. "It's just that, it's not the first time I've heard that warning."

Erwin smiled as Levi seemed a little irritated that Eren wasn't frightened.

"Well unlike the other times, I will carry it out." Levi spoke. "With that said, I think you will be alright."

"Thank you Sir!" Eren beamed.

After a few more minutes of conversing, they left Eren and called for servants to tend to him. Inwardly, Eren was grateful that after everything, he will finally live out his dream of being in the Survey Corps.