Chapter 7
Too little, too late.
While the rest were fighting Annie, Reiner managed to escape. He didn't look back, presuming Annie would probably lose the battle. That, and he felt his body grow weak as well. Soon enough they entered the Titan forest, and he climbed a huge tree, dumping Armin, Christa and Bertholdt on a large branch, before he reverted to his human form again.
Bertholdt took and discarded Armin's 3DM gear, before tying Christa and Armin against the trunk of the tree. Reiner winced while touching the wound on his shoulder. ''Damn, Armin. I didn't think you would deal that much damage.'' he said, as he looked at Armin. ''You deserve it, you bastard!'' Armin said, angry. ''I think our friend here holds my betrayal of Marco against me, wouldn't you agree, Bertl?'' Armin winced when he heard Marco's name. ''What are you going to do with us?'' Christa asked, uncertainty in her eyes. ''We won't hurt either of you, we just want Ymir and Eren to come here, so basically, you're bait.'' Reiner told her. Armin frowned and kicked Reiner's shin with his free foot. ''Well, you seem rather aggresive today.'' Reiner said, while rubbing his shin.
''You really think you can defeat Eren and Ymir, just because you have us as bait? What do you plan on doing with them anyway?'' Armin said. Bertholdt smiled weakly before Reiner replied ''Armin, this world is doomed. Whether we defeat the Titans or not, the people left will be severely traumatized, and probably take it out on each other. So we plan on helping the Titans to attack the humans, we'll face the end sooner.'' Armin looked up at him, ''Are you serious?'' he said, ''That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, and I'm friends with Eren!''
Christa stiffled laughter turned to crying, and Armin stared angrily at the two men. Bertholdt shook his head a little, as Reiner bend down to comfort Christa. ''What if someone else comes?'' Armin asked, and Reiner smirked a little. ''Then it's likely the Titans will attack them. That is the same reason you shouldn't try to fight us now.'' he said, and Armin looked around. It was perfectly true, all of the Titans around were watching them, even though they seemed laid back, just relaxing a little, their eyes were constantly on the humans. Probably looking for a moment of weakness, a moment to devour them.
''Then why bring us here, this means you're in danger as well. The second you turn into a Titan to fight, you'll get worn out, and the Titans will see you as prey.'' Christa said, worried, causing the other three men to sweatdrop. ''That is.. ehr..'' Bertholdt stammered, as Reiner said, ''We'll be just fine.'' and Armin replied ''Their lives don't really matter at that point, seeing how they want to finish off the human race.'' Bertholdt sat down and said ''Now, we wait.''
Meanwhile, within the wall of Sina, everyone was gathered in the mess hall, as they listened to Ymir arguing with Erwin and Hanji. ''You knew you were a Titan all along, and you never thought to tell us?'' Erwin questioned, but Ymir shook her head, ''I wanted to, but I didn't want to be separated from Christa. And I'm a pretty capable fighter without using Titan shifting.'' she explained. ''You should always tell your superior officers anything that is of such great strategic importance, no matter the personal costs.'' Erwin replied curtly. Hanji spoke before Erwin could antagonize Ymir further, ''While I agree you really should tell things like that, I think we can understand why you didn't, besides, it's all water under the bridge now. We need to decide what to do, oh.., and, by the way, any other timid titan shifters still present?'' Hanji said with a grim smile. No-one spoke up.
''It doesn't matter, I just want to go and get my friend back.'' Ymir said, and Eren shared her sentiment. Levi replied, ''We all want our Cadets to be safe. However, we do not know what way they went, so here's what we're going to do. We're going to search the area, in hope of finding tracks of the Titans, or signs from Armin and Krista.'' Eren interrupted, by shouting ''If you think I'm going to sit and wait, you've got another thing coming. I'm going after them, whether you like it or not. Don't try to stop me!'' Mikasa walked forward, only to smack Eren in the face. ''Listen to the captain for once, Eren!'' she said with a soft, but stern voice. ''I know you fear for Armin and I'm worried about him as well, but we don't know where they went, and without that information, we can't do anything.''
Levi nodded, and Eren's face grimaced as he mumbled ''Fine.'' and walked away. Ymir stared harshly at Mikasa, before stalking off as well. Mikasa shot them a worried look, but then Hanji grabbed her arm, saying, ''We should help clear the rubble, and prepare, in case they attack again.'' Mikasa nodded, and followed Hanji. Jean, Connie and Sasha stood as well, and followed Hanji and Mikasa to the city. Jean wore a worried and pained expression, but it was Sasha who spoke up. ''Waiting is always the hardest.'' she said, nibbling on some loaf of bread. Connie nodded his head in agreement, and Jean scowled a little. ''I know that. But I want to make sure Armin and Christa are fine. Damn, those bastards! I trusted them.'' Jean said, and Mikasa turned to face them. ''We'll take revenge, once we find out where they are, we'll get back at them.'' she said, and both Sasha and Jean were a little taken aback, because the usually stoic-faced Mikasa was seething with anger.
Christa had fallen asleep a while ago and Reiner had cuddled up to her as twilight fell over the Titan forest. Armin was still wide awake, and Bertholdt was humming a peacefull tune. The Titans that used to watch them troughout the day were yawning, and losing their focus on the humans. ''Hey.'' Armin said softly, and Bertholdt looked up. ''Something wrong? Are you thirsty?'' Bertholdt asked. Armin shook his head, while frowning. It was hard to talk with Bertholdt, or Reiner for that matter. He had trusted both of them deeply, and some of that trust still lingered.
''I was just wondering, why did you attack Shiganshina years ago? What do you gain from letting the Titans win?'' Armin asked, and Bertholdt sighed, before pulling his knees up to his chin. ''Reiner already explained that.'' he said. ''Liar, I refuse to believe that is why you really attacked. I can't stop you from doing anything, but if I'm going to die, I want the real reason behind it all.'' Armin said. ''Armin...'' Bertholdt said softly, ''What makes you think we're lying?''
''I've got a feeling. I mean, I thought the world was doomed as well, before I joined the trainee division. If it wasn't for the senseless death of my grandfather, I'd still be thinking humanity would be better off if it stopped struggling. But the last days, no, years, with Eren, gave me hope. And I think we can live, even if we have to evacuate to another land. We just have to fight trough the Titans, and...''
Bertholdt shook his head, ''That wouldn't work Armin. Where would we go, and what should we do there? Before humanity could reach safety it would be eradicated by the Titans.'' Bertholdt hesitated, before continuing, ''Armin, do you know how a Titan-shifter comes to be?'' Armin answered,''Well, I can't be sure, but in Eren's case he developed the ability after he survived being devoured by a Titan...'' ''That's correct Armin, both Reinier and I survived the same fate when our village was attacked by Titans. We are convinced that the only way for humanity to survive is to have more Titan-shifters among them. Unfortunately, the vast majority of humans don't survive the ordeal, so we couldn't really ask for volunteers, now could we? So after much discussion we decided to force the issue and bring humanity into violent conflict with the Titans.''
''You're insane! The corps won't stand for this, they'll put a stop to this madness.'' Armin argued. ''I hoped you would understand, but it doesn't matter. Eren and Ymir will soon be here, Annie is leading them right to us.'' Bertholdt replied. Armin gave a worried look. ''What if Annie didn't survive?'' he asked. ''Then we must hope Eren or Ymir will find their way here, understand the importance of the plan and join our purpose. If not, Reiner and I will have to fight them and hope other Titan-shifters will be more understanding.'' Bertholdt replied, in a soft voice.
Armin sneered, ''And what if they do join you? What will you do then? Declare yourself Kings? The new masters of humanity?'' Bertholdt replied curtly, ''I wouldn't want that. it would-'' Armin interrupted, ''Why not? You've subjugated the lives of hundreds of thousands of people to your plans, how are you not acting like the worst kind of-?'' Bertholdt shushed Armin by putting his hand over Armin's mouth. ''I don't want to, Armin. I'm responsible for so many deaths... I believe I'm acting for the greater good, but I'll be remembered as a monster, when all is done Reiner and I will give ourselves up for judgment.'' he chuckled, ''I'm not looking forward to that.''
Armin didn't know what to say, not that he could speak with Bertholdt's hand clasped over his mouth. Bertholdt smiled sheepishly, before shrugging and saying, ''Reiner feels the same, he's a warrior, a protector, just like me. And Reiner didn't just act like a big brother, he really does care for others.'' They looked at the sleeping Reiner, who was snoring a little, and Krista who was cuddled up to him. Bertholdt smiled again, while holding out an arm. ''You seem tired, Armin, do you want to sleep as well?'' Armin smiled, glad that Bertholdt did have a reason for what happened, even though it didn't make up for what happened in the past. Nevertheless, he smiled, and cuddled up to Bertholdt.
Back at the compound, Ymir snuck into the male bedroom, where Eren was snoring loudly, vainly competing with the more proffessional snores Connie produced. She vaguely heard someone mumble something incoherent about a horse and Eren. She tip-toed to Eren's bedside, put her hand over his mouth, then dragged Eren towards the door. Of course the little shit woke up, but that couldn't be helped, Ymir thought.
Eren struggled, but Ymir wasn't weak, and managed to maintain her hold. Just as she pulled him outside and shut the door, Jean woke from a nightmare about a horse with Eren's face. He saw the door swing shut after Ymir, and grew curious enough to leave his bed, and put his ear against the door.
''Whop mfe huull!'' Eren shouted, muffled by Ymir's hand still held over his mouth. ''Shut up, Yeager!'' she hissed. ''We're going to save Krista and Armin.'' Eren fell silent hearing those words and Ymir withdrew her hand. ''Heichou and Mikasa told us...'' Eren started, but Ymir tch'ed. ''It isn't like you to listen to what they say. Our friends are in danger, and they want us to wait? Hah!'' she said, and Eren couldn't argue with that. Jean's eyes widened and he opened the door. The other two looked at him, with an irritated look on their face. ''Don't stop us, or I'll sock your horse-face to the ground.'' Ymir threatened and Jean quickly shook his head. ''I want them back as well. But you better go in the morning, your Titan abilities are useless in the night.'' he told them. Ymir made a fist and hit Jean hard in the face, knocking Jean out cold. ''No-one asked for your opinion, donkey.'' she huffed.
''Wow, that sure hit the spot! Jean was right, though. How are we going to do this?'' Eren whispered, while walking down the corridor alongside Ymir. ''We're soldiers, and stronger than most. By the time we find them, it'll probably be light again, and if not, well, their abilities won't work either in the night.'' Ymir replied, before they reached the room where the 3DM-gears were stored. They grabbed theirs, and then Ymir checked if there were any guards that could stop them. After she verified there weren't any guards nearby, she motioned for Eren to follow her.
While all this happened at the compound, Levi lay asleep, dreaming. Levi blinked a few times, he stood in his favourite restaurant, again. But why? Humanity was in danger, and he should be chasing the ones that betrayed it, the intelligent Titans. He was about to stand up, as he spotted a familiar figure with a mop of blond hair waving at him. ''Armin?'' he asked. ''Ah, there you are, Sir. Eren and Mikasa grew tired of waiting, as Eren figured you were occupied by cleaning the restroom, they left.'' the boy said teasingly, Levi sat down beside him. Levi smirked, then dropped it, and said, ''I thought that those two betrayers kidnapped you? How did you escape, and more importantly, where are they?''
''What do you mean, Heichou?'' Armin asked. Levi rolled his eyes, this was a dream about the past, about the second time he met Armin. ''Never mind that, why are you here if you friends left?'' Levi asked, deciding to go along with his dream. ''I figured it was rude to leave, without giving you some notice, and since Eren and Mikasa were gone already, I decided to stay and wait for you.'' Armin said. Levi smiled, Armin was very polite. ''Well, I guess Eren led Mikasa to the compound, so we'll see them there. But your horseshoe was broken, wasn't it? So, how about a small detour. It takes a bit longer, but the ground is easier for the horses to cross, and it's a nice view, even at night.'' Levi suggested.
Almost eagerly, Armin nodded. When they arrived at the stables they noticed Armin's horse was gone already, and only Levi's horse was there, making a noise of excitement once he saw Levi. ''I guess they took my horse with them.'' Armin said. ''Well, in that case, you can ride along with me.'' Levi said, while petting his horse. ''That would be very nice, Heichou.'' Armin answered, while handing the saddle to Levi, who took it, and hung it over the stable door. Then he reached out for Armin, and pulled him closer. ''You tend to forget it very often, but my name is Levi.'' he told the blond.
''I'm sorry, Levi'' Armin said, blushing. ''That's alright, but I..'' suddenly Levi was lost for words as he found Armin staring into his eyes, and he found himself staring back. ''Levi...'' Armin said. ''Armin..'' Levi replied, and they drew close. ''I know this is wrong, I mean you're a higher rank, but Sir... I... sorry, I mean Levi...'' Armin started to ramble, but Levi shushed him. ''It's alright, Armin. I'm fond of you as well.'' Levi said, bringing his face near Armin's. His heart started pounding, he hadn't been this excited in quite a while.
Suddenly Levi awoke, at the mere thought of what was going to happen in the dream. His heart was still pounding and he was panting a little. ''What the hell was that about?'' he said, getting up. He decided he should get himself a glass of water, and then maybe try to get a little rest, before the day would get started. He just hoped they could track down the betrayers soon, and that Armin was still alive.
He pondered the dream, while heading down the corridor to the kitchen, but suddenly he tripped over something. He wasn't very clumsy and the corridor was usually spotless, so he looked back to see what made him stumble. He spotted a body, laying still on the floor. Levi approached and nudged the body with his boot. ''Oi! What are you doing sleeping on the floor? You've got a bed, you moron.'' he said, before reconizing Jean, who got up, cursing under his breath. ''Ymir, Eren, I'm telling you, you're being idiots!'' he said, before looking at Levi and paling. ''What are you talking about?'' Levi demanded. ''Ehr, Sir... Ymir and Eren left earlier in the night, to save Krista and Armin, Sir.'' Jean said, while saluting him lopsided.
''Those idiots! Wake Mikasa, gather you gear and follow me.'' Levi told him, while running back to his room, to grab his own gear. When Levi, Jean and Mikasa finally chased the trail of Eren and Ymir, dawn had broken in the Titan forest. The sun's rays shone trough the branches, and the wind blew gently, making the leaves dance a little. Their rustling sound, and the warm sun on his face, woke Armin up. He stretched a little, or as far he was capable of stretching, since Bertholdt was holding him, a little protectively.
He peeked over the branch a little, to find that the Titans were waking up as well. They were washing themselves, the smaller ones were playing, and some were wandering around. It almost seemed like they had forgotten about them, as if it was just a regular day for them, and it probably was. Armin had never seen them this way, it was almost like they were sorta human. ''Goodmorning Armin, have you slept well?'' Bertholdt asked, who had been awoken by Armin's 'stretching'. ''Yeah, better than usual.'' Armin said, and truth was that he had slept better than the last weeks. ''Good to hear it.'' Bertholdt replied, before Reiner and Krista woke up as well. ''Morning.'' Reiner said, and whilst Krista and Bertholdt replied, Armin downright refused to talk to him.
He averted his eyes, then continued to stare at the titans. ''Bertl, can you go and get breakfast with Krista from our hidden supply?'' Reiner asked, while looking at Armin. ''Sure, anything you want?'' Bertholdt asked. ''Just some bread for Armin and me would be fine.'' Reiner replied, then Bertholdt trailed off with Krista. Armin followed them with his eyes, making sure Bertholdt wouldn't push Krista of the branch or something. Once they were out of sight, he focused on the Titan's behaviour again.
''Better not stare at them for long. They are bound to notice, let them play and we'll be safe.'' Reiner said, while grabbing Armin's chin, so the boy had no choice then to look at him. Armin's face grimaced, as he saw Reiner smile at him. ''I understand you feel betrayed, but I overheard you talking with Bertl last night. I know you know the reason why we attacked, so why're you acting so cold to me?'' Reiner asked. Armin said nothing, and Reiner spoke again, ''I'm sorry for all the damage we've caused, and all the lives we've taken. I'm sorry that it seems like I betrayed humanity, for a shallow reason, but you're my friend, Armin. You're like my little brother, and I never intend to hurt someone this close to me.'' he said, while trying to sneak an arm across Armin's shoulder. Armin slapped it away, while tears grew in his eyes ''Then why did you betray Marco! Why did you kill him, the moment he wanted to reveal your identity? He could have helped your cause, and still be alive!'' Armin shouted while standing up, and the Titans focused their attention on them right away.