Soon with the help of the cloaked individual and their skilled group, the overwhelming number of titans was reduced exponentially allowing them a moment to catch their breath. It was also the perfect opportunity to receive an explanation for the actions of an unusual ally. But as the soldiers feet touched the strong branches where the mysterious figure was propped up against the tree's trunk, the form under the dark cloak visibly tensed, looking like a cornered animal.

Landing on the nearest tree, the fiery pain that he had ignored came back full force, inciting a pain filled gasp from the young man. Sheer determination and willpower (although some would call it stupidity), kept him walking until he reached the tree's trunk, where he unceremoniously fell to his knees. He could feel his ribs mending together from their previously shattered stage, it was a sensation not foreign to him, but it wasn't something pleasant at all. Slowly shifting his position until he sat against the trunk of the tree, he took torturing breaths, struggling to maintain himself conscious.

Instantly, he could hear the sound of military boots hitting the branch he was on, putting him on edge. Mentally cursing himself, he began to think of escape routes he could take, or something to take him out of the shitty situation he was in. Focusing on the sounds and smells around him, he could determine that soldiers were up above, below him, and in front of him. Escape was almost impossible, and shifting in front of Survey Corp soldiers was out of the question. 'Dammit! Him and his stupid recklessness!'

While the soldiers began to make their way over to him, a flash of lightning light up the sky close by drawing their attention away. Instead of using the unlikely chance for escape, he turned his head towards the familiar sight, freezing in shock and horror. Without realizing it he had spoken out loud.

"Shit."


If there was one way to express what she was feeling it would be a mixture of confusion and wariness. As they continued to walk over to the injured stranger, Mikasa couldn't help but feel that whatever they were facing today wasn't going to end that easily. With an eerie accuracy, almost like the gods themselves decided to play with their emotions once more, a blinding streak of lightning lit up the heavens, being accompanied by a booming thunder that shook the ground. To make things worse, the word spoken from the cloaked person was far from consoling.

"Shit."

Turning towards the figure Captain Levi marched forward, his signature aura of authority surrounding him, immediately all the soldiers behind him followed after their superior, they wanted answers.

"Enough, with the fucking secrets, brat. What the hell is going on?" He wanted answers and he wanted them, now. Whatever was going to come at them was somehow connected to the brat in front of him.

Startled he whipped his head to face them, the black hood that covered his face falling back and revealing a young man with chestnut brown hair and piercing green eyes. Surprise, horror and was that... fear? Suddenly made its way across the boy's face. Before anyone could even begin questioning further two shocked voices interrupted the silence.

"E-Eren?"

"I-Is that really you?"

Trembling they both suddenly fell to their knees, choked sobs escaping their mouths, and tears making their way down their cheeks.

"A-Armin? M-Mikasa?"

As if his trembling voice was a beckoning call the two soldiers threw themselves forward wrapping their arms around the teen, in a tight hug which he returned with a desperation that was heartbreaking to watch.

If the display wasn't shocking enough the normally emotionless & stoic Mikasa was soon pouring out years of grief, screaming and sobbing, showing a side of her not ever thought possible by their friends. Not to mention sweet and calm Armin, who was also showing the same soul wrenching grief as Mikasa.

"You i-idiot! We thought you died!"

"You impulsive, reckless asshole! Do you know how it felt to watch you stay back with mom, not knowing if you were going to live or not! Did you feel it Eren!? Tell me, dammit!"

Eren's trembling form soon turned into full blown shaking, he tightened his grip on both Armin and Mikasa, and soon they could feel something wet beginning to soak through their shirts. Frozen in astonishment they looked up and sure enough Eren was crying his eyes out, tears ran down his cheeks and he opened his mouth spilling choked apologies.

Entirely focused on the scene before them, everyone forgot about the true objective. Which they were reminded of when a series of tremors shook the ground and rustled the trees. Almost like he knew what was coming, Eren quickly stood up and did the unthinkable.

He jumped off.