BluePhoenix34 does not own Shingeki no Kyojin, the property and creation goes to Hajime Isayama. However, BluePhoenix34 does own Gianne Starken and all the characters unfamiliar to the SNK series. Now please, sit back and enjoy!

Chapter Five: The True Soldiers Now

Gianne was very pleased to be one of the Grad Ranks for graduation. She thought all her hard work and training really paid off, including her early tips from her brother. Though, she was not enjoying the fact that Mikasa was the first Grad Rank. They were both equals, and yet, she was two cadets down from her.

"Hands upon your hearts!" Keith orders.

"Yes!" everyone yells.

In their perfectly straight line, all the top ten cadets slammed their fists upon their chest while the other went behind their backs. It was the military salute everyone, at this moment, was proud to do. After three years of muscles and bones turning to hard stones, the rest of the cadets that didn't get cut accomplished something great. Each one of them felt powerful, as if they could take on any Titan that came in their path. Gianne felt her insides twist with excitement while she held back her smile.

The top ten were on a concrete platform, being looked down upon by the other Commanders. The rest of the graduates were below in parallel lines, with tight faces and still postures. One commander with neat blond hair in a large brown coat stood next to Keith Shadis while he talked.

"For you trainees graduating today, three paths now open before you. You can be stationed at the walls and defend the cities as members of the Garrison. You can put yourself on the line to fight the Titans in their territory as members of the Survey Corps. And you can serve the King by controlling the crowds and protecting the order as part of the Military Police Brigade."

The other top ten Grad Ranks were lined up beside Gianne on her right. The order was rather simple and very surprising.

Mikasa

Reiner

Bertolt

Gianne

Annie

Gage

Eren

Jean

Marco

Conrad

If Gianne remembered correctly, Sereak came in eleventh, but she didn't see any signs of disappointment on her friends face. Sereak didn't have a desire to even be part of the Military Police; her only goal was to be in the Garrison. Though, Gianne knew she was a very skilled soldier that deserved more applause.

The Commander continued, "Of course, only the top ten Grad Ranks we had announced earlier are allowed in the Military Police and have the privilege of living in the Inner District!"

That wasn't going to be Gianne though. She already hated these walls, so why would she go and hide behind the interior ones? She longed to be free from them. They were already suffocating the life out of her. The Survey Corps is her only goal she aimed for after her brother died. And she still wasn't going to give up making the black sky.

-:-:-:-

Everyone celebrated that night.

"I did it! I'm in the Military Police!"

"We'll never worry about food again!"

Cups and jugs were tapped together and chatters were heard, resonating through the large mess hall. Like everyone else, Sereak was enjoying her time by sitting alone at a table. Gianne and Gage were talking to their schoolmates while Daedre and Sylvia were drinking through the night. There were laughs and cheers heard all around that managed to melt Sereak's scowl to a calm expression. As she took a sip of her drink, a visitor came by. He sat on the other bench with a cup in his hand and a grim look painted on his face. Sereak's scowl returned when she learned it was Jean.

"Why am I below Eren? That damn bastard…" he took a sip of his cup, unaware of the girl's glare she was giving him.

"You're just not good enough, that's why." Sereak said.

Jean seemed to realize how Sereak was also sitting at this table and sighed with frustration. "Are you fucking kidding me…" he muttered.

"If you're not pleased, then go away."

"You know," he said. "I would understand why you are below me, but how come that Starken bitch is higher up? Why am I below that crazy wench!?"

Sereak felt her jaw tighten and lock in place, her fangs edging to show off and scare Jean away. Except she knew what he was doing, he was trying to get her angry and pick a fight with him. He was too focused on the fact that Eren and Gianne had beaten him and he wanted to prove how he was the bigger man again. She knew his trick, and she knew how to counter it. With a deep breath, she answered rather bluntly.

"Like I said, you're just not good enough. You care too much about your own well-being and forget how a real soldier should act. I'm quite surprised you didn't get kicked out for your selfishness. You show it to the whole world, but didn't you say before that you were an honest man? Oh, and you may be strong, but your academics are shit."

"Who cares about that crap? It only matters if you're physically strong!" Jean said.

"Then I guess you'll be the first one to die when you encounter a Titan." Sereak said.

Jean's eyes narrow furiously. "What did you say?"

"Strategy is important too, idiot." she said, rolling her eyes.

"Hey! Don't you call me an idiot, idiot! You're the one–"

"Oh, and you're stupid attitude causes conflict with the others, which is another reason why you don't have many companions with you. And no, Marco is only with you because he feels bad."

"Why you–"

"But why am I saying this to you? I mean, I should be kissing the floors you walk on because you ranked… eighth. Poor me for getting eleventh…"

"Stupid?" he exclaimed, unconsciously forgetting her last comment. "What do you mean my stupid attitude? It fine, for your information! Is it bad to be an honest person?!"

He slammed his hands on the table, but it didn't manage to startle Sereak at all. She actually grew rather annoyed by his childish behavior and sighed. Does he ever know when to calm down, she asked herself. Looking towards her friends, they were oblivious to her stare as they paid more attention to the other cheerful cadets. Maybe it would've been better if she joined them instead of staying to the side like the lone wolf she was. Though, she was determined to finish this unnecessary fight with Jean.

"You're too honest, in my opinion and that's not very healthy for someone. That's why you cause conflicts with so many people."

"Why you annoying little piece of– Mmf?!" Sereak cut him off by shoving her loaf of bread in his mouth. He was too stunned to take it out.

"Finally, some peace…" she sighed.

-:-:-:-

Gage didn't like the way Thomas was talking to Eren. Both Gianne and him over heard their conversation and turned to their direction. He peeked towards Gianne who had a rather grim look as she listened. Antonio also walked beside the two to get closer to the scene.

"You know well…" Thomas said. "You know just how many they're eaten already. We've lost twenty percent of the entire population already. Humanity doesn't stand a chance against them"

"Is this guy serious?" Gianne said, a growl escaping her throat.

There was silence throughout the whole room. No one bothered to raise their voice, except for Eren.

"So?" Eren said back in a rather stern voice. "You're just giving up because you think you can't win?"

Thomas was lost for words. "Well…"

"It's true. We've only suffered defeats so far. That's because we hardly knew anything about them! We can't defeat them using mere numbers. We may have lost, but the knowledge we gain from those battles is our guiding beacon of hope. Yet you'd discard the tactical progress bought by hundreds of thousands of sacrifices, just so you can serve yourself up on a silver platter? You've got to be kidding me! I'll kill every last one of them and break out of these walls! That's my dream! Humanity hasn't lost yet!"

Eren clenches on to his fist like he's holding on to something for dear life. His teal eyes begin to shine with tears as he waits for someone to speak up. When no one dare's to breathe out a single word, he turns away and leaves, Mikasa and Armin loyally following him from behind.

"Wait, Eren!"Armin calls out. He disappears with Mikasa after they run out the door.

Silence filled the room again. Soon, it broke with chatters and low mutters.

"That was deep." Antonio said. "Even Daedre looks utterly mesmerized by his words."

The three of them noticed the short boy thinking to himself. His dark skin seemed to turn even darker while his eyes were trained to the floor, as if he was having a staring contest with it. The diamond in his ear glittered in the light, untouched and always protected. Sylvia just rolled her eyes and muttered, "What a fucking crybaby…"

"Sylvia never liked Eren that much." Gage said. "She thought his attitude was such a bother."

"Does she like anyone at all?" Antonio asked. Gage was baffled by his question.

"What do you mean?"

"You know, does she have an eye for someone? Or is she looking for someone?" he asked again, sounding a little too curious. It took Gage a second to understand where he was coming from. The realization caused him to sigh with annoyance.

"Are you serious man?"

"Hey, I can't help what I like." Antonio shrugged.

"What are you too talking about?" Gianne asked, puzzled by their conversation.

"Antonio has an eye for Sylvia." Gage said.

"What do you mean, he has an eye? Explain that to me." she said sternly.

This caused him to sigh again. "I forgot… you don't really understand things that much."

"What are you saying? Are you suggesting that I'm stupid?!" Gianne exclaimed with extreme fury. Her body began to tense while she put her fists up.

Antonio laid a hand on her shoulders to calm her down. "Hold your horses wild fire, he didn't mean it like that. I just have a small thing for Sylvia, that's all. Though," he winked at her and put a finger to his mouth. "Try not to tell anyone okay?"

"You do?" Gianne asked, shocked.

Gage thought she was so innocent when it came to understanding the simple things like that. She was too straightforward and hardheaded that she would miss the little details. That was his friend, after all, and he needed to help her no matter what. Though, he had to admit, he did like the way she did her hair now a days. It was always in a half ponytail, getting the strands out of her face while decorating her red crown at the same time. It made her look fierce and more like a soldier, but it also made her look attractive.

Sereak walked up to the three of them, while Jean kept yelling out harsh things about her. A loaf of bread was in his hands. "What are you three talking about?"

"Sereak, this is quite a surprise." Antonio said. "Normally you're always having a fun time in the shadows."

"Shut up." Gianne growled at him.

"No, it's fine Gianne." Sereak said calmly, her scowling unfading.

Gage was actually taken back by her sudden appearance. Normally, she would always stay away from people, so what caused her to change her mind?

"I just needed to get away from horse-face over there." Sereak pointed her thumb in his direction. "He's been getting on my nerves."

"Hey Sereak, I forgot to ask." Antonio said. "Where are you going? Gianne and Gage said they were joining the Survey Corps."

"I plan on making my way to the Garrisons." she answered.

"Just like your father?" Gianne asked.

"Yeah, just like my father. I want to live his life."

For some reason, the way Sereak said that made Gage's stomach twist. It's been five years already after the first attack and now look where they are. He became a strong soldier while his friends stayed right beside him. He was sixth in the Grad Rank and still managed to beat Eren. The path he was about to take held a mysterious future for him. Whatever happens though, he hoped for a rather normal life. Seeing Sereak at the Garrisons, protecting Gianne as much as he could, meet new people, and killing Titans was all in his agenda. He didn't want that plan to be ruined.

-:-:-:-

The Trost District was very crowded. It was more flatlands than Shiganshina. Though, the city kept reminding Gianne of her old home.

Today was the new recruits first day in the military and the first mission they sent them was to supervise Trost and clean the wall. Gianne was rather irate about this order, she hoped for a better one. Though, it wasn't her decision to make them. All she had to do was follow.

It was also the day the elite Survey Corps were going on their next mission. The civilians crowded to either side of the rode to watch them ride by. Erwin Smith was at the lead as he rode his fine, grey horse. Gianne remembered the letter he sent her. The one about Kota's death. How he was missing in action. He should be riding beside them right now…

"They're here! The main forces of the Survey Corps!" one main called out.

"Commander Erwin, kill the Titans for us!"

"Look, it's Captain Levi! They say he's as strong as an entire army."

Gianne looked towards the man with the stylish undercut. The expressionless look he gave made Gianne wonder if he was either serious or unsatisfied. Kota used to praise about him all the time.

"This is totally different than five years ago…" Eren muttered with excitement. "There are more people who have high hopes for the Survey Corps."

"Everyone seems to be in a more positive mood." Gianne said.

"Of course they are. There hasn't been any incident in five years." Gage said. "They've upgraded most of their weaponry. I heard they've improved to fix the cannons. Maybe if we're lucky, the Titans won't come to bother us again."

"You can't seriously believe that, stupid." Eren said sternly.

"Hey!" Gage slapped in on the arm. "Watch who you're talking too."

Sereak began to tug on Gianne's arm.

"What?" she asked.

"Look who it is." Sereak said as she pointed to a large man walking up to them. He was easily recognized as the trio smiled with joy. Trotting away from Eren and his friends, the trio met up with the short, wide man with light hair.

"Smoke!"

He stopped in front of the three. His appearance was greatly different than before. He lost more weight and his face looked less yellow. "Well if it isn't Gianne, Sereak, and Gage. How are you three? I heard you just graduated from the Trainee Corps."

"Yep, we're officially soldiers now." Gianne said, her pride boosting higher.

"That's great, I'm so proud of you all." he said. "And by the way, my name is Hermes. I think you're all mature enough to lose the silly nicknames."

"I guess..." Gianne said.

"You look great Hermes." Gage commented. "I see you stopped storing your beer in your stomach."

"Of course! The Garrisons have been extremely important to the cities now and they need all the help they can get. I've even quit my smoking addiction and moved on to mints." Hermes picked out a piece of candy from his pocket and popped it in his mouth. As we sucked, he said. "It's a much healthier choice."

"Now you're name will be Mint instead of Smoke." Gianne said playfully. She came to notice something important. "Oh! Is Wet here too?"

"She means Norman." Sereak clarified.

Hermes halted in place. With a grim expression, he sighed with displeasure. "...He didn't make it that day. He was swallowed before the Wall Maria was breached."

Gianne made a hissing sound as she sucked in the air. A weight of sorrow dropped down and landed in her stomach. She didn't like this feeling.

"I'm so sorry. He was a good man." Sereak said in a hushed voice.

"He was a good soldier. He sacrificed himself to save you." he pointed to Gianne. "Even though he was a poor protector, he died a hero. That's something you should remember him for."

"Yes sir..." she said.

Hermes looked harder at her face. "Now I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, I just wanted you to know that he wasn't just dead weight. He did his best to help humanity and save a little girl. Do you understand?"

"Of course!"

His warm smile returns back to its place. "It's good to see you three all grown up. I can't believe life has gone by so quick."

"We should make every minute count." Sereak said.

"Of course." he agreed. "Though ever minute, I'm trying to be a better man than I was before."

-:-:-:-

Gianne stretched her arms up high and felt a great gust of wind whip her whole body. The breeze played with her red hair and cooled her hot face. A sweet scent was inhaled in deeply as she took in the earth's fragrance. Trost was behind her, loud and crowded while the wild was in front, quiet and full of serenity. The ground felt so small below her and the clouds were so close, Gianne thought she touch them. A great feeling ran through her body as another gust slammed into her. The air was fresh and full of life. From above the wall, Gianne felt like the almighty himself.

"Oh god!" she cried out. "This is so fun!"

"You seem a little too overly excited about this." Eren said. He and Samuel were cleaning a cannon that was mounted on a road of tracks.

"You have no idea how great this feels guys." Gianne said, still being pleasured by the currents of the air. "This is so much better than climbing trees. I can actually breathe!"

"You should be careful though." Daedre warned. "We don't want to see you falling to your death on the first day."

"Oh shut up!"

Suddenly, a presence appeared. Everyone turned to see Sasha with a wild look on while she hid something in her jacket. She took it out and everyone gasped. Thomas was the first to talk.

"Is that meat?" he asked.

"Y-Yes…" Sasha said rather lustfully. The blushes on her cheeks were unfading.

"Did you steal it?" Mina asked.

"Yes, so we can all share." Sasha walked over to a box beside the cannons and stored her meat. "It was one of the good ones, and something like that shouldn't be gone to waste."

"But the amount of meat we have today is pretty low. After Wall Maria was taken over, there hasn't been a lot of livestock to save." Daedre said.

"Is it because there's not enough room?" Eren asked.

Daedre blushed with embarrassment and looked away from his gaze. "Um, well… it was something like… that."

"Sasha, you better save me some of that meat before you eat it all!" Gianne order her.

"Yeah, me too!" Samuel said.

"And me! I haven't eaten this morning because I woke up late." Connie admitted.

"Way to go Connie. First day and you're already doing terrible at this soldier job." Daedre mocked him with a smile.

"Shut up jewelry boy!"

Gianne walked up to Eren who ignored the crowd. He looked over on Trost with a ghost smile his lips curved into. The way he stared at it made Gianne a little confused. She figured he was happy about graduating as a soldier, but something else was on his mind.

"What are you thinking Eren?"

He turned his teal eyes towards her and grinned wider. "How life is just so… great right now."

"I can see that."

"I'm just…" he turned back to the city. "I'm just so proud of myself and everyone else. We've went a long way to get to where we are now and it just makes me feel good. You know what I'm saying?"

Gianne had to admit it, but he was right. The world felt so balanced this moment. There hasn't been another accident in five years and the cities were still running smoothly. The old soldiers were much more mature and disciplined than they were before and the new ones were starting out a great year. Gianne felt certainly excited about the Survey Corps. She could hardly wait to go out to the opening and riding through all the fields and forest to hunt for Titans. Looking back at her leather bracelet with the beads, she smiled the same way Eren did. You should be proud Kota, she thought to herself, your sister is now a soldier.

Out of nowhere, Gianne felt a terrible pain stab into her head and she cried out desperately. Falling to her knees, she clenched the sides of her head so hard that her fingernails began digging into her scalp.

A crack of lighting suddenly appeared.

Everyone turned their faces to the titanic, skinless head that stared at them.

Before anyone could respond, smoke of hot gas sprayed out of the Colossal Titan very powerfully. This caused each young adult to get pushed to the edge of the wall and let gravity pull do its duty.

-:-:-:-

"Oh my god…" Sereak gasped with disbelief. "It's here again…"

The crack of lightning shot out abruptly seconds ago to reveal the monster that caused humanity's total disaster. It was just as Sereak remembered, gigantic, mountain height, red, and sinful. She was too caught up in this powerful Titan that she didn't realize the commotion that was going on around her. People were already in a panic. Her classmates were even shitting their pants.

"Shit shit shit shit!" Sylvia kept repeating as she backed away.

"No, no, NO! Why now? Why today?!" Jean shouted and ran.

"Gianne!" Gage cried out desperately. Sereak watched her friend turn on his 3D maneuver gear and fly away from the group. He was heading towards the wall.

"Gage wait!" Antonio called to him. He looked green with nausea and nervousness. The small sweats from his hair dripped down the sides of his face as he looked at the godly Titan. Though, it took enough courage for him to swallow down his fear and chase after the boy. "Gage!"

Sereak unconsciously followed the both of them, having no idea what else to do. The 3D maneuver gear glided her from house to house. She couldn't help but look back down at the people in their panic state. It's just like before, she thought, but only this time, we'll be prepared.

It took ten minutes to finally get to the wall and she noticed the handful of soldiers that were dangling from their cords. She spotted a sight of red and automatically flew in that direction. "Gianne!" she called out to her.

The red head looked unconscious as she was held by none other than Gage. She was resting in his arms while he flew down to the roof tops. The boy landed clumsily on the tiles while Sereak managed to keep her balance. When the trio was together, Sereak went closer to her friend.

"Is she okay?" she asked.

"She's alive!" Gage said. "And awake."

Sereak took Gianne's arms and started to slap her. That caused the red head to snap her eyes open with utter shock. "You idiot! Why are you acting like a damsel in distress?"

"My mind was in serious pain again and I couldn't focus!"

"What do you mean your mind was in serious pain?" Sereak asked suspiciously. She could recall the day the Colossal Titan came to Shiganshina, but before that, Gianne had a sudden migraine that made her scream as if she was being murdered.

"I had another terrible headache!" she said. With a gasp, she held her head again. Screaming was making it worse. They both needed to stop.

"Is she okay?" Antonio landed beside them.

"Yeah, of course." Gianne said.

"Where's Eren?" Gage asked.

Antonio pointed up. The rest of the dangling soldiers were coming down one by one. However, Connie and Thomas went up to the wall to check on the situation. When Sereak looked closer, the shadow of the titan was unseen. "He's up there, but the Colossal Titan isn't."

"What do you mean?" Gianne asked.

"Guys!" Daedre flew down to them. By the look on his face, he looked extremely horrified. "The Colossal Titan made another hole and it vanished! The Titans are getting in! Trost is under attack!"

-:-:-:-

"You recruits have completed training and have graduated into proper soldiers." a Garrison soldier calls out. "I expect you to actively participate in this operation as well."

Sereak thought she was one of the only people who actually heard him correctly. HQ was filled with soldiers young or old. They ran around the area as they filled up their gas tanks one at a time. Sereak thought of a herd of chickens that were in a panic, rushing around one place to the next, clueless. Alone she was as she filled up her tank, but she needed this time to herself.

The wall of Trost was now crippled with a new hole and the Titans were likely coming in right now. Even if she wasn't showing it, Sereak was exceedingly scared. To be a Garrison soldier, you had to protect the city and wall from the enemy. But why did it feel so ironic to her?

Was it because her father fought in Shiganshina when it got terrorized? Is it fate that made her have to deal with this mess? Was she destined to die?

"Daedre, will you please calm down!" Gianne's voice was heard.

Sereak looked to her friend's direction and found her trying to comfort the boy. Daedre was slouching in a corner with his knees close to his chest while his arms hugged around them. Rocking back and forth with a traumatized look, he kept muttering. "This is just like before... This is going to be Shiganshina all over again... I can't live like this... I can't! I'm weak!"

"Daedre!" Gianne's hard voice startled him. The boy managed to look to her with curiosity. In Sereak's eyes, he looked nothing more than a child. A puzzled and frighten child. "Daedre, you shouldn't think about that now. If you do, than your death is going to come much quicker than you expect. You shouldn't be scared."

"I can't help it..."

"Yes you can! Didn't you say on the first day that you wanted to eliminate the Titans? You said that right in Keith Shadis face while he verbally abused you. You shouldn't be scared, you should be happy. You should be excited that these bastards are here because than, you can take your revenge on them for Shiganshina." Daedre just stared at her. "Doesn't this make you feel angry that they interrupted our peace? I'm sure you feel that way right now. So don't hide away like a scared little coward, get up and fight off those terrorist!"

Sereak was stunned while she listened. It was like the words just magically appeared from thin air. They were coming out of her friend's mouth. It was just like her fight with Mikasa, she was being a true soldier. Gianne really has matured into a fine young woman.

Daedre looked away and nodded apprehensively. "Okay."

"Sereak!" Sylvia called out to her. Turning towards her direction, Sereak witnesses Sylvia kneeling by a the gas tanks. It looked like she was struggling. "Get over here and help me! I think this tank is jammed."

At first, she didn't feel the need to help. Sylvia was a smart girl do fix it herself. Expect, there was no time for that. Everyone was rushing to get out of HQ and find out what to do next. Sereak knew Sylvia was in quite a hurry and she needed an extra hand. "Here." she said and walked over.

Sylvia was right, there was something wrong with the tank. When she turned the gas on, nothing came out of the faucet. The pressure gauges arrows danced around uncontrollably. It took a few minutes for Sereak's patients to be thrown away, causing her to shake the tank.

"What the hell?" she said.

"I should go to another one." Sylvia suggested.

Sereak kicked the tank hard. "Yeah, you should. This stupid piece of junk isn't cooperating with us."

"Are you an idiot?" Jean yelled. Somehow, her kick caused the horse face to burst with fury. "Don't break the tank! Everyone needs it! Are you trying to kill us?"

"It's not working dumbass." Sereak replied. She pointed to the pressure gauges arrows that moved back and forth to prove it. "Is it a crime to be irritated?"

"Just shut up okay! I had enough of this sharp attitude you have!" Jean cried.

"Why are you even talking to me anyway?" she asked, her voice dry.

"Shut up!"

"You shut up. Chill the fuck out and mind your own business," Sylvia said.

"Are you two serious? Why would I be chill at a time like this? I was supposed to go to the interior today but instead, I have to deal with a couple little bitched who aren't even taking this seriously!"

This set Sereak off. He thought they were fooling around and ignoring this whole situation. What was his problem? How dare he judge them. As Sereak's face darkened more, she walked up to Jean and took his collars in her hands. Gripping them tightly, she stunned the young man after bring his face closer to hers. Her hard green eyes glared deeply into his own. She voice was low and venomous.

"Listen jerk-off, my face might not be showing it but I am completely serious about what's going on. Hell, I think I'm more serious then you. You think this is a game? You think I like having Titans attack humanity? Well, you're wrong. So don't fucking judge people."

"Sereak, we don't have time for this." Sylvia interrupted.

Jean replied to Sereak with his scowl. It wasn't as horrifying as hers, but Sereak was able to see how infuriated he was. She wasn't sure if it was because of the Titans, or her, or even both. Except, she didn't care at all. She didn't even care if he got eaten. People like him were going to die if they kept acting like they were smarter than everyone else. If they kept acting like the world focused them. Jean was surely going to meet his end faster than he thinks.

It took a few seconds to let go of Jean's shirt. The two kept glowing at one another until they broke it off. Sereak could tell she won that fight, Jean just didn't want to accept that. Soon, he grunted and left after Marco called to him. She really dislike that honest guy.

-:-:-:-

"Just like in training, split into your specific squads. You will be under Garrison command!"

All the new recruits lined up in parallel lines in the dirt fields of HQ. Gage stood right next to Antonio and Sylvia while the Garrison Captain, Kitts Verman, announced his orders. His eyes were wide and looked frozen in place. Gage wonder if this was his normal look.

"Your duties are to assist in providing supplies, communication, and killing the Titans! The first line of defense will be the frontline unit of the Garrison! The rearguards will be the Garrison's elite units! We've already received word that the vanguard has been obliterated!"

Gage heard Sylvia hiss in a breath and look down to the floor with doubt. Antonio looked normal, which was a little off to his personality. He should've been frightened for the outcome of today, just like Gage and everyone else. Though, Gage knew better than to worry about him right now.

"The outer gate is destroyed, and the Titans have trespassed on to city grounds! This means the Armored Titan might appear at any moment to breach the inner gate!"

Gage suddenly had a flashback of that Titan's thundering steps and ultimate destruction it did to Wall Maria. That happened five years ago, he said to himself. Was history about to repeat again? He heard the others mutter to one another nervously.

"That's..."

"No way..."

"Even if Wall Rose falls..."

"Silence!" the Captain shouts. Everyone quickly pays attention to him again. "The frontline guards are already in combat! There is but only one goal in this defensive operation: defend Wall Rose until every civilian is evacuated. Also, in case you've forgotten, let me remind you, that betrayal is capital offense. Vow on your hearts to devote your lives! Dismissed!"

"Yes sir!" everyone shouts back and salutes. Some were determined. Others were anxious. The first battle was about to begin.

Gage abandoned Antonio and Sylvia to go look for Gianne. They weren't in the same squad, but he could try to find a way to sneak in to hers. He vowed to protect her after all, and he wasn't about to break that.

There were so many terrible sights he witnessed from each young soldier. Some were crouched in corners crying their eyes out. Others were hacking out their breakfast from too much stress and the fear of dying. No one wants to die, even the bravest soldiers, he thought. When he finally spotted a shade of red, he jogged up to discover her talking with Conrad.

"I can't believe this is happening..." Conrad muttered angrily while he placed his blades in his metal scabbard. "Doesn't this seem a little unusual to you?"

"What do you mean?" Gianne asked.

"I mean, why now? Out of all the years the Colossal Titan could've attacked, it just had to choose today. I just find it a little ironic, that's all." he said. "It's gonna suck trying to kill a Titan with a short spear, so I guess these blades will have to do."

"You're tenth in the Grad Rank, so I'm sure you'll be fine." Gianne encouraged, unknowingly making Gage's temper rise.

"Says the fourth person in the Grad Rank. They won't be looking up me for help."

"Then maybe they should." she said.

Conrad smile a little. "Sure airhead, whatever. Good luck to you." he said and turned to walk away.

"You too!" Gianne called back.

Gage took this opportunity to walk up to her, but that chance was ruined when Daedre called out to him. "Gage! The squads here! It's time to go!"

"Gage?" Gianne turned to him. "Is something wrong?"

This was his chance. He could just abandoned his squad right now and stay with Gianne. That was his plan, he needed to protect her. Even if she was higher in the Grad Rank, he was still physically stronger.

He looked back at his squad. Daedre, Antonio, and a couple other young soldiers were waiting for him. Their faces were masked with desperation, almost longing for him to join them. They were soldiers, they didn't need his help. Though, why did he feel ashamed to even think that? They needed someone to guide them through this day. Gianne was capable of taking care of herself. Gage just wanted to be with her, but even he had to make unwanted sacrifices.

"N-No, not at all..." Gage muttered. "I just... wanted to wish you luck. But if you need any help come find me... and Sereak too."

"Gage, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself." she said, almost a little too defensively.

"I'm just say, that if you do, come find either of us."

"But that's stupid because I'm much stronger than you."

"Gage let's go!" Daedre called to him again. Gage didn't even bother to turn back. He was more focused on Gianne and her stubbornness.

"I see... Well, if you're sure about that–"

"I am!"

"Let me finish, dammit! If you're sure about that, than try to not get yourself killed." he said. Gianne grinned wildly.

"Don't worry, I won't." she said. She turned away to walk, but was immediately stopped by Gage's firm hand on her right shoulder. Gianne froze in place when she felt him squeeze tightly.

"I mean it."

-:-:-:-

"I can't believe it's happening again." a girl named Celestina Matrone said breathlessly. "I mean, they really are here."

Gianne turned to the girl and the three other individuals that were in her squad. Rylan, Gabrielle, and Turner also stared out at the city with wide eyes. The Titans were a few miles away from the roof the squad stood on, walking mindlessly around as they searched for any human in sight. Gianne understood what Celestina meant; they reminded her of Conrad's words. Why today? What was so significant about today?

"You shouldn't think about that now." Gianne said, swiping the thought out of her mind. "We can debate about that subject after we kill off these bastards." she grinned.

"How are you so sure we can defeat them?" Celestina asked.

"Because I didn't go through three years of training just to be a Titan's snack."

"You sound like Commander Keith. That's something he would say." Rylan pointed out.

"I guess we all should feel that same motivation." Turner said. "God, now I'm pretty pumped!"

"Look, the Titans are noticing us!" Gabrielle said as she pointed her sword in a straight direction.

She was right. The Titans did turn their attentions to squad. Each of them had a smile that made Gianne even angrier. What the fuck are they so happy about, she thought. Of course, they were a brainless species so they really weren't feeling emotions about anything. Though, it reminded Gianne of the people that always laughed at her when she was younger. They were always amused by her height and short temper. The humiliation made her feel like some show animal. But she always fought back with all her might. She was stronger and held her head high with pride, and won every battle that came her way.

This was no different. Those Titans were like the people from her past. She can defeat them, she knew it. I really can.

"Squad Eighteen, get ready!" a Garrison soldier called out.

"Should we pray before we leave?" Gabrielle suggested.

"No need to." Gianne said. Then she ran. "Let's go!"

The squad went forward and flew over the city. The 3D maneuver gears were working perfectly, and Gianne used her gas to push onward. The feeling made Gianne's stomach tickle with enjoyment. Her first battle was here. She was going to kill them. The Titans were getting closer each second, and Gianne was the first one to get up to them. There were so many, but she didn't have time to count.

One Titan reached out to grab her, but she was swift. Using the cable, she moved towards the left and used the height of one building to pull her up more. Her feet pushed off the stony wall, the momentum helping her get to the Titan's neck. This was it, she was about to do it.

With a scream, she spun her body around and dug her blades deeply into the Titan's rough skin. With one swipe, she slayed the monster. "Yes!"

She can do this. This was no different than before. Bigger creatures were no match for her. Gianne felt a wave of adrenaline rushing around her body. Her fingers and toes numbed and her breathing was erratic. The feeling felt so good. No, this feeling is amazing.

One by one, Gianne went and killed all the Titans that were in her sight. Her confidence rose after each kill, making her better and more blood thirsty. She wasn't tired at all. The weight of the maneuver gear felt like a feather. Her blades where still in well condition with only a little uneven edges. Kill after kill, she stroked her ability even more. The world was red and the sky was black. In her eyes, this was the world she wanted to live in. She loved it.

"Gianne!" a desperate scream said her name.

Gianne turned back to reality and looked back. Celestina's eyes were red with tears and flushed with utter fear. Those haunting eyes stared after Gianne, making her heart hammer against her chest. Her long hair was flowing down her head as the Titan held her body in his mouth.

"Celestina!" Gianne flew around and glided forward. She used all the gas in her tank to accelerate. "Celestina! Celestina!"

Where were Rylan, Gabrielle, and Turner? Looking around, Gianne saw no other soldier. Though, she spotted the pool of blood on the ground. The pair legs that where a crimson color around the waist. The lone arm that rested on a roof. The fallen swords with shatter blades.

"No! Celestina!" Gianne went faster, but it was no use. After one more breath of air, Celestina was sucked in and swallowed. Gone. "No! Dammit!"

She killed that Titan and watched it fall. The carcass evaporated and Gianne was looking from a roof. Her squad had fallen. It was only her now. Tears welled from her eyes.

"Celestina… I'm sorry…" she said in a hushed voice. The tears were hot and sticking to her face. "I'm so sorry everyone… I shouldn't have gone ahead…"

The guilt weighed her down. If only she was with her squad, she could've aided them. The fault was hers. She was too excited and it got everyone killed. She told them they were going to make it. Now, she was here.

Something inside her heart exploded. The impact polluted her whole body and mind. She was furious and distressed about multiple things. "They ruin everything…" she said, a growl escaping her throat. A pack of Titans were seen a half mile from where she was. "They ruin everything. They ruin everything. They ruin everything! You all ruin everything!"

Like a predator, she raced after her prey. Her emotions pushed her to go on and avenge everything. From Shiganshina to her brother to her squad, she wanted nothing but hot blood on her skin.

So she fought with everything she had. One Titan would be slain and the next would meet its fate. Her heart sung and her brain danced. The pain in her head came again, but she was too distracted. Her fury blinded her from the world as she killed the Titans. The fingers on her hands tightened around the hilt when they drew new blades. Her codes were burning as she moved from one place to another. The world was red and the sky was black. This is what I wanted, I wanted vengeance! I wanted to rebel!

Soon, her gas tank was slowly running out. Unable to see it before, she clumsily fell from the sky and landed hard on a roof. The impact caused her head to scream and her body to ache. "I don't care anymore!" she yelled.

It took a few minutes to realize what was going on. She was on a roof, feeling rather paralyzed. Gianne was exhausted and worn out. The powerful energy was gone, it was all burned up. Now, she felt weak again. Suddenly, a voice appeared in her mind when a Titan walked by.

Kill them all. Kill them all! Kill them all!

"I can't!" she screeched. "I can't kill them! I need help! Someone please, help me!"

She knew it was no use. It won't be like last time when Wet saved her. No, she was alone and helpless. This was her punishment for letting her squad die. She might as well humiliate herself more.

"Help please! Help me! Help! HELP!" yes, this is what she should be doing. She wanted to look weak in front of the world. This was her torture. "Help me! Help me please!" the sky answerer when a rumble of thunder was heard.

A Titan stood in front of her, looking down on her body. She looked back at it with interest. Was this her end?

Kill them all!

Gianne cried. "I was going to defeat you. I was going to destroy every one of you. You ruined my life. You ruined Kota's. You ruined humanity! No matter what, I will always win!"

The Titan wrapped his fingers around her body. It picked her up effortless.

Kill them all! Kill them all!

"Yes, I'm gonna kill you all! Every single one!" she screamed out her words. "I'm gonna kill you all!" she thought of her friends. "Sereak! Gage! Armin! Antonio! Sylvia! Eren! They're gonna kill you! We're gonna kill you! I mean it!"

Kill them all! Kill them all!

"Yes, I'LL KILL THEM ALL!"

"Gianne." someone said.

She heard her name.

"Gianne. Gianne." It was there again. Who was it? Who was calling to her?

Before she could find out, the Titan gave out a huge roar and stuffed her whole body in its mouth.

*Author's Note: Hello everyone and welcome back to Black Skies. And please, do not hunt me down and kill me in my sleep.

No really, I am SO sorry about not updating last weekend I feel like a horrible person. I was still pretty sick and I had to get a tooth pulled out and, well, I didn't feel like writing this at all. But the good news is, this chapter is MUCH longer than the last one! And some of you were PMing me to never do that again. But, I also have some good/bad news.

Next week, I don't think I'll be able to update because, I'm going to Germany! Woohoo! And please do not kill me! So, that's the bad news, but the other good news is that when I return, I will make it up by updating two new chapters at the same time. So you won't hate me for giving you one and having to wait another week for the next one. How does that sound? Good? Great! If you have any questions or just want to talk to me, please PM me!

I hope you have a nice day and a wonderful spring break! Because I will!

Cast:

-Gianne Starken: BluePhoenix34

-Gage Bulter: FlyBoy56

-Sereak Poljor: Jauntues Tigerwolf

-Daedre Moche: Pixpi

-Sylvia Shelton: RoseTyler10

-Antonio Rodrigues: crankiestnebula

-Conrad Gorman: Shrapnel893

-Phoenix