Chapter 3: Path of Recovery

*BANG* A gun shot was heard. A cry of a girl is echoing. *SLAP* A girl slaps her friend. *SLAP* A rolling bandage can be seen rolling. "Ha! What will you do? Throw it to me?" A daring speech. *BANG* another gunshot was heard, "Put him under Program X…He's still alive….Program X…..Fascinating….He's still alive…Reiner ….. Reiner ….Reiner!" Reiner is awoken by a blood-curdling scream.

He awakens in the middle of nowhere. It seems to be pitch black now…no signs of light anywhere. As he was wandering overt the dark area, he tries to analyze the texture of the ground, he pulls up a heavy root-like thing so he makes an assurance that he is in the middle of a forest. There's no sound but silence in the air. *Sighs* Reiner is comforted with the assurance that no nearby titans are around.

Suddenly, something smelled putrid lingering around. Reiner can't help but to cover his nose. Sudden growls and rustles are heard which makes Reiner nervous. He sees a flickering light not far away. Reiner ran and ran as fast as he can. He barely held his breath. The putrid smell keeps on getting worse as he nears the flickering light. His feet going faster as he gets nearer the flickering light. Suddenly, *SPLASH!* Reiner steps on damp ground, it really smelled like rotten flesh. Reiner touches the damp ground and as he looks on his palm, he is surprised by blood.

He falls on the ground and gets soaked on a puddle of blood, lots and lots of blood. Reiner gets hysterical. As he was crawling away from the flickering lamp, he stumbles upon something hard. As he looks behind him, he finds…..a mountain of bodies. Blood gushing out from every corpse laid above each other. Reiner backs away from the bodies but….he accidentally causes one corpse to fall.

As the flickering light shines more, Reiner realizes that it is Annie. Reiner tries to revive her but she doesn't respond but her breathing relieves Reiner. Another body falls and this time it's a conscious and heavily wounded Bertholdt moaning in pain. Reiner tries to assist him but he moans more when touched, so Reiner decides to use his Clothes to cover Bertholdt and carry him beside Annie. Hours pass by but not a thing has changed, even the sun hasn't risen yet. After a few hours, movement is head on top of the corpse mountain. Reiner tried to check it out but this time, a body fell to the ground with such loud crack that it surprised him.

Reiner checked the body out, as he was about to roll the body over, a large thud was felt behind him. He quickly turned around only to go face to face a terrifying creature. A large titan with a big head has appeared, its jaw widely opened, its breath creating a putrid stench, its saliva dripping from its wide mouth. Out of fear, Reiner backs off and trips on the body that fell a while ago. As he was looking, he felt something familiar with the corpse… "No…No! Marcel! Marcel!" A loud scream echoes through a confused Reiner.

The titan advances on Reiner. He tries to run away but he realizes that his hands and feet are immobilized by the corpses that have started to move. Annie and Bertholdt stand before him as they are snapped away by the advancing titan, tearing them apart and washing blood all over Reiner's face. "….uh….Aaahahhhhh!" Reiner screamed as he covers himself when the titan lunges at him. Everything turns to black.

"He's recovering…What should we do? …It's successful….Now see my Masterpiece… You are to kill him…..You are to annihilate them….Fail to comply means immediate death…..You are ensure Program X's survival…..Program X's Survival…..If they are to know early…..It's up to you to kill them….Kill them…..Kill them…..KILL THEM!" *SPLASH!* Reiner spits out water and gasp deeply for air, Annie, Bertholdt and Berick staring worriedly at him. However his sight steadily blurs out. "Oh No! We're losing him again! No! Reiner, hold on!" Bertholdt shouted however Reiner can barely hear him. He can feel Annie wrapping her fingers around his chest. Surprisingly, Reiner felt a soft kiss and wind travelling through his body. Once again, he spits out water and gasp for more air.

Everybody breathes deep as Reiner regains his consciousness. "*Phew!* Close Call!" Berick exclaimed. "I think we should get back home?" Annie said. The 4 of them walk back to camp with Berick assisting Reiner as he can barely walk. They start a fire and they cook the fish. As the 4 of them were talking, "I Think You should really Head back home this time. To our town" Berick cut in. "What are you talking about?" Bertholdt said. An awkward silence lingered in the air between Berick and Bertholdt whose having suspicions on one another. However Reiner appears with his head now bandaged causing the tension between the 2 lads to cooldown. "Anyone care for a bite?" Reiner said as he held their cooked fishes on sticks.

As soon as everyone is done eating and getting ready to sleep, Berick requests for Reiner's attention. "Uhm…..Reiner…..You should really head back home now" Berick said. Bertholdt accidentally overhears this conversation. Due to anger, Bertholdt barges between Reiner and Berick. "I told you we don't need to go back there!" Bertholdt ecxclaimed which surprised Reiner and Berick. "What the hell?" Berick exclaimed which angered Bertholdt more. Bertholdt held Berick on his clothes. However, Berick did not wanted to be embarrassed, they exchanged punches as Berick overpowers Bertholdt on the ground. Reiner and Annie stop the 2 from getting into more fights. Berick, due to embarrassment decides to be alone on the other tree while Annie tends to Bertholdt's wounds.

However, Reiner tries to get in touch with Berick to cool him down. As Reiner is about to talk to him…..*BADUMP!* A loud stomp can be heard. "You see that…That Titan peeking at us" Berick points to a Titan who seemingly has a sad face and is hiding in a large tree looking at creepily. "That titan…is my…..my…..my….that titan is…my sister….." Berick said in grief. Reiner is shocked and tries to think of it as a joke but Berick gets hysterical. As more titans approach and look at them from a distance, Annie and Bertholdt group up with Reiner and Berick. However Berick starts to call them all as part of his family. "That's my….Mother…my Father…my Brother…..my Uncle" Which creeps the hell out of Annie and Reiner.

"M…M…..Ma..Mar…..MARCEL!" Reiner shouted which surprises Berick. "Marcel…Marcel…MARCEL!" Reiner kept sobbing which made Berick anxious, Annie and Bertholdt confused. "Stop…..Stop…..Stop calling me that!" Berick exclaimed as he covers his ears and kneels down crying. Annie and Bertholdt notice that the Titans are disappearing one by one. Reiner holds Berick's head back up and smiles at him which stops Berick from crying. However Bertholdt notices something…

"You…You…You're that Titan…..from…..That day….You're the titan…that killed….GREG!" Bertholdt shouted as he furiously punches Berick on the face. However it's too late when he realizes that Reiner was covering Berick. Reiner catches Berick before they hit the ground causing Reiner's leg to get hurt badly. Bertholdt and Annie swing down and attempt to comfort Reiner of the pain however….. "His Leg is poisoned….." Berick said as he removes a peculiar looking thorn on Reiner's leg. Reiner screams from the pain.

"It'll be easy if we are to get him back home!" Berick said in a sad tone. "This poison could annihilate his heart in less than 4 hours" Berick added. Annie cried out while Bertholdt grip Reiner's arm. "*SOBS!* Ok….we'll go home….Reiner, you just hold on" Bertholdt bravely announced as he and Berick support Reiner out of the woods.

"This will take long, we have to get home fast….." Berick drops Reiner on Bertholdt and quickly slashes his cheek. A strong ripple of thunder undulates from the skies and spawning a large 10-meter class titan emerges from the ground. Bertholdt is reluctant in riding in the titan but Reiner's continued moaning in pain makes him agree.

Minutes later…

Bertholdt, Reiner, Annie and Titan-Berick reach their designated location, Hometown. Bertholdt quickly carries Reiner to the town's clinic in which the nurse quickly attends to him. People around town look at Annie and Bertholdt in an odd way. However…one was warm enough to welcome them. "Alas! We meet again! Stubborn Youngsters!" Baker Clark exclaimed in joy. "You've grown up into fine youngsters now eh? I remember when you small delinquents were stealing my bread and made my back ache trying to reach on the tree eh!" Baker Clark added.

"I missed you too…Dad!" Bertholdt cried as he hugged his father as Baker Clark holds him closely in joy.

That night…

After dinner, Annie requested to go to the clinic. As she arrived there, Reiner is still unconscious. "You're friend here has been pricked by a DeathRose weed, It's a beautiful but very poisonous flower that moves like vines and resembles a Rose which causes unwary people to get pricked by it" The nurse explained as she leaves Annie to look over Reiner. Suddenly, *DOORS OPEN* an unexpected visitor appears. A brunette haired man with crystal blue eyes comes in the inn. Annie, upon exchanging glances with the man, makes a grim face towards him. "A…..Annie…My…daughter!" The man cried as he approached Annie slowly.

However, as the man was about to hug her, Annie slaps the man's arm away. The man becomes shocked. "I was never any daughter to you….." Annie exclaimed. The man couldn't do anything but to cry out in front of Annie but "At least….we can talk outside…?" The man asked. Annie reluctantly agrees.

As the 2 of them go outside, Annie's father starts making apologizes. "Annie…I was wrong…It's too late to ask your forgiveness…..But…..There's one thing…I want to ask of you" Annie's face turns from grim to worried and touched. "You can make the whole world your enemy…..Even if the whole world hates you, your dad is the one person who is on your side!" His dad added. Annie started to cry out some tears, her dad wipes it. "So….promise me…..That you will return….." Her dad hug her tightly which causes Annie to burst out in tears. "I….I promise…Dad" Annie cried with a smile.

Behind them was Bertholdt peeking from behind the tree. He can see Annie reconciling with her father. He smiles as the father and daughter duo enter the clinic again with joy. However as Bertholdt is about to get home again, Berick appears. "Since Shawn has been killed in the last encounter, I am officially taking charge of the mission on destroying the walls and humanity with it." Berick said with confidence which Irritates Bertholdt. "Is that so Berick? Or should I say….Marcel?" Bertholdt exclaimed with a sinister grin. Berick makes a sinister look but eventually the 2 of them make a agreeing look.

"Ok now I'll discuss the plans on destroying the walls" Marcel (Berick) announced. "Shawn's family demanded justice so I negotiated with them…..They want us to destroy the 50-meter Wall that surrounds a lot of humanity…*Points to District Trost*…my connections tell me of an upcoming expedition so I guess this district will be vulnerable to our attack…..additionally…..the 4 of us are to join the Recon Corps. One of us has to get inside the inner walls while the others catch up with the activities of the Garrison and Scouting Legion." Marcel instructed seriously in front of Bertholdt and Annie.

"Lastly, we need to find the s-called Coordinate which might be in the position of another Titan Shifter like you so beware, also there have been report of an ultra-intelligent titan being called the "Beast Titan" If you are to encounter it, I suggest you try to catch it so we can study it here. That's all" Marcel ends the discussion just as Reiner enters the tent. "Did I miss something?" Reiner asked which makes Bertholdt giggle.

On the attic of Clark's house the 4 of them slept. Annie is peacefully sleeping while Reiner put up with Bertholdt tucking himself on Reiner's blanket. Marcel who is at the corner is still awake and is looking up wondering about something. However as the night deepens, the 4 of them fall into a deep sleep.

A lingering silence falls upon the village that night as a mystical fog covers the town. The fog hides a mysterious being lurking beneath the woods, hidden from the keen eyes of the town's night guards, waiting at the right moment to strike.

It's near dawn and the fog has been lifted. Most of the townspeople are still asleep when suddenly….*GRAAAGGGGGHHHH!* A blood curdling scream breaks the peaceful silence that enveloped the town. Annie and the others wake up confused. "It's still dark! Could this be a Titan's doing?!" Marcel exclaimed as he orders Annie, Reiner and Bertholdt to pack their things up.

Bertholdt's father Clark provides the 4 of them some provisions and rations to use along the way and gives his son, Bertholdt, a last hug and goodbye.

However as soon as the 4 of them leave the house…chaos welcomes them outside. They stumble upon townspeople scrambling around being chased by an unknown creature in the dark. However, one of the running villagers set a torch on their house causing to get ablaze, revealing the true color of the monster in the dark.

It has large claws, a small body and a peculiarly large head. Its eyes are pure pitch black and its jaws, full of serrated teeth, its saliva dripping like it has never eaten humans before. Reiner and the others watch as the villagers helplessly try to find a safe place as the titan scrambles to snatch and eat every one of them.

On the worst situations, the titan is now after Annie's father who is hiding inside a house. The titan struggles to reach him as it cannot fit into the window. "No! Father!" Annie cried as she runs towards the house where he is hiding. However, Marcel grips her and makes a disagreeing look as Annie helplessly watch the titan struggle to snatch her father.

However, another problem arises. Reiner instead, runs towards the house in time to save Annie's father from being caught. This causes the titan's attention to lock on Reiner. Bertholdt is worried by this. As Reiner runs away from the titan, an explosion unexpectedly knocks him away but causes the creature to scramble away too.

Marcel and the others help Reiner out. As the fire and chaos subsides, the townspeople mourn over the remains of the once happy villagers of the town. They gather the bodies to set them alight but the skies forbid them. A tranquil rain envelopes the area as Annie hugs her dad tightly. Clark comforts Bertholdt throughout the loss. However something strange is upon Reiner who keeps nodding on the bodies.

"This feeling….It's familiar" Reiner whispered to himself.

A roaring thunder sets the skies alight as a terrifying memory inserts itself on Reiner's mind. "The mountain of bodies…Annie…..Bertholdt…..No….No!…..Ma….Marcel…..Marcel…MARCEL!" Reiner screamed as he covers his ears and he kneels to the ground. Marcel who is beside him gets curious of what Reiner is feeling. He tries to talk to him.

"Reiner…." Marcel whispered to Reiner's ear.

However, something unexpected happens. *WHACK!* the creature came back seemingly still wanting to devour the remaining townspeople. Its swipes Clark away heavily wounding him. Bertholdt tries to run to his father but he ends up covering Annie and taking the blow from the Titan whacking himself and Annie away. However Marcel had enough momentum to pull Reiner away and hurl him on a distance. However this ends up badly as the titan, instead of going for Marcel, goes for Reiner who is struggling to walk away from the mud.

Fortunately, before the titan could grab Reiner, Marcel is able to slide to Reiner's position causing the titan to miss. Marcel gets a hold of Reiner and pulls him as they run. However, the two of them are very tired to run away. Reiner collapses on the ground exhausted and Marcel discovers that Reiner's leg is still under medication from the poison.

Marcel can see Reiner's tears fall down as their imminent death slowly approaches them. Feeling sympathy for Reiner, Marcel comforts him and says "BEST FRIENDS…..FOREVER". Marcel stands up to face the titan but instead is caught by it. However, Reiner gets a hold of Marcel's hand and whispers "BEST FRIENDS…FOREVER" as their palms part away. The titan quickly devours Marcel much to Reiner's horror. Blood splashing as the titan nibbles on Marcel's chunky flesh. The titan quickly escapes the scene as it lefts a trail of blood and a piece of Marcel's clothing. "…GAAAAAGGHHHHHH!" Reiner screams on the rain as he mourns for the loss of his friend.

As the rain subsides and the sun rises, Bertholdt and Annie wake up in the clinic with Reiner sleeping beside them. Bertholdt has his left arm broken while Annie only acquired a minor head injury. Bertholdt is visited by the nurse and sadly…announces to him that….his father, Clark…has died of blood loss.

Bertholdt is at the loss of words. He doesn't know what to do but instead, he cries on his bed as he cannot move yet to even see his father.

Later that day…

Bertholdt, assisted by Annie, attends to his Father's burial. He throws a piece of beautiful lilacs to signal his farewell. Annie approaches him and hugs him tightly while he cries out loud. Another person throws a bouquet of beautiful lilacs. Bertholdt and Annie look to the side and they see Reiner, already cured. Sadness can be seen in his eyes.

Reiner still hasn't moved on with Marcel's death. Annie and Bertholdt hug Reiner tightly as the 3 of them share the sorrow.

However, a sinister looking lady approaches the 3 of them. "Are you Shawn's trainees?" The lady asked politely. "Uhm…Yes" Bertholdt answered. "Look, Shawn is my father, my mother died of heart attack because you killed him. Now my whole family wants you dead, I suggest you leave straight in the morning before my uncle gets his feet on your town…Here!*Hands Out Something*" The lady hands out an envelope to Bertholdt. "If your mission is successful then my uncle might consider your heads" The lady quickly left as she turns back on the three with a worried face.

That night….

Reiner sat down sobbing on the corner of the attic. Beside him were his packed things. Annie and Bertholdt lay down the floor with their pillows as Annie turns to sleep peacefully. However, Bertholdt cannot sleep looking at Reiner crying silently, his tears wetting the wooden floor.

The floor creaks as Bertholdt carefully stands up and approaches Reiner. Bertholdt slowly wraps Reiner with his blanket and sits beside him. As Reiner feels the warmth, he eventually falls into a peaceful sleep. Bertholdt lets Reiner's head rest on his shoulder as he also begins his good night sleep.

*ROOSTER CALL! KOK KOROKOK!"

The cool dawn strikes a beating sense into the 3 youngsters as they quickly set their things up before the sun rises. Annie says goodbye to her father with a weep as they venture forth farther into the forest hoping that they would get into the wall faster.

EOCS (END OF CHAPTER SCENE) TIME! XD XD XD

As the 3 youngsters set foot on the plains outside the forest, Bertholdt begins to get tired. "Annie can you hold my hand for me? I think I'm breaking down" Bertholdt said with an exhausted voice as he gasps for air. Annie reaches out to his palm much to his gladness but….."You're not fooling anyone!" Annie said with a cold voice.

Bertholdt is left crying hilariously in front of a confused Reiner as Annie ventures forth.

Minutes Later….

Annie can still hear Bertholdt and Reiner's footsteps. She begins to wonder why Bertholdt hasn't got tired as she was tired too. However she was too lazy to turn around. "Hey! Bertholdt! Have you found someone to hold your hand for you?" Annie asked jokingly. Suddenly, Reiner and Bertholdt pass by her. Annie is shocked as he spots Reiner hand-to-hand with Bertholdt, her face turning grim.

"Hey! I should be the one being held!" Annie said as she scrambles to chase the 2 and they were really having fun. However, a pair of large sinister eyes watches them from the distance. The creature creates a sinister smile as the scene zooms up to reveal that Annie, Reiner and Bertholdt are actually not far away from the walls.