Chapter 12
After making sure that no one was watching, the Warriors decided to do a meeting. With the unexpected development of Eren being a Titan shifter, they had to make changes to their plan.
„Well…This is unexpected." -Reiner said while crossing his arms.
„Indeed. I didn't expect him of all people to be a shifter." -Bertholdt agreed."But it seems like he had no idea. I mean, the way he was acting…Didn't seem like he was in full control."
„So, what's the plan now?" -Annie asked with a sigh. She didn't like this new development. Knowing Reiner, he was going to make some stupid plan to capture Eren.
„I guess We need to make so slight changes in our plan." -Reiner started."First of all, We can't all go to the MP. Someone has to join the Survey Corps."
„Why Survey Corps though?" -Bertholdt asked, raising his eyebrow.
„If you think about it, they're the only group that would benefit from having Eren on their side." -Annie explained, brushing the strand of her hair.
„Annie's right." -Reiner nodded."I guess this means We're going to with the Survey Corps, Bertholdt."
„Huh? Why us?" -Bertholdt asked, causing Annie to groan in annoyance.
„Use your brain for once." -Annie said harshly, making Bertholdt wince."Out of all of us, I'm the only one with the skills to infiltrate MP and learn where We can find The Founding Titan."
„True. Let's just hope that Eren won't be executed before that." -Reiner said, and everyone nodded.
After an inspiring speech from Pixis, Eren was given new clothes and a new set of ODM gear. Once everything was set, He walked toward Finn and Mikasa were talking to three Garrison members.
„And here I thought that Squad Alpha was disbanded." -Ian said chuckling.
„Same here." -Finn agreed with a smile.
„Well, that makes two of you." -Rico said with a sigh. She was hoping for the day to just end.
„Don't be like that, Rico." -Mitabi patted her on the back. She glared at him, making the man laugh."Considering our earlier mission success, this will be a piece of cake."
„You know each other?" -Eren asked, surprised to say the least.
„Briefly, but yeah." -Finn replied with a small smile."Are you ready, Eren?"
„I think so…" -He said and cracked his neck."But after this, We have to talk. Alright?"
„Yeah, I know. I'll explain everything." -Finn promised with a nod.
„Let us not waste any more time." -Ian said seriously."While our forces managed to get the attention of a lot of Titans and bring them to the Wall; some are still in the city. Our job, or rather your job, is to eliminate as many as possible."
„I'll do it! No matter what, I'll drive them away!" -Eren declared with fire in his eyes.
„Alright, listen up!" -Ian called."Operation; Retake Trost, begins now!"
With that, the Alpha Squad dashed and jumped down from the Wall. Going as fast as they could, they made theirs to the center of the District. Seeing a small group of Titans, between 5-12 meter classes, made Eren grit his teeth.
'God damn monsters! Because of them, my friends are dead!' -Eren thought as he propelled himself forward.'Not again! I'll fight fire with fire! They'll never know what hit them!"
Pushing himself higher, Eren instinctively bit his hand. In a flash of yellow, lighting came from the sky and hit Eren. With an explosion that pushed the Alpha Squad back, Eren transformed into his Titan form again. Eren's Titan crashed into the building but quickly got back up.
ROAR
Just like before, The Attack Titan let out a loud battle cry. That was the signal for Ian to shoot a green flare. The operation started.
„Let's just hope he won't attack us." -Rico commented and immediately regretted saying anything.
The Attack Titan slowly turned his head toward them. A pair of glowing emerald eyes staring at them. Everyone beside Finn and Mikasa gulped, fearing the worst. Mustering her courage, Mikasa decided to step up.
„Ereh! It's us!" -She yelled, trying to reach him."You have to kill those Titans over there! That's your mission!"
„That's right!" -Finn agreed."Kill all Titans! Avenge everyone who died today! Don't let Titans win!"
The Attack Titan stared at them for a moment before turning away. He saw a small group of Titans feasting on a group of Garrison soldiers. Letting steam out of his mouth, the Attack Titan charged with a mighty roar.
„That was close…" -Mitabi let out a tired sigh."Don't jinx us next time, Rico."
„Focus! We have to make sure he does his job." -Ian ordered, making Rico roll her eyes.
„We have to stick close to him, but not too close." -Finn informed.
„And if he goes rogue?" -Ian asked.
„I'll subdue him if he does." -Finn promised, earning a glance from Mikasa.
„How are you planning on doing that?" -She asked confused.
„You'll see if it comes to it." -Finn replied with a shrug.
„If you see any Titan, kill it." -Ian demanded."It's hard to say if he's going to eliminate them all by himself. Eren Yeager will need our backup."
„Cadet Broed and Ackermann, you two stick with Cadet Yeager." -Mitabi said."Ian, Rico, and I will cover more ground. Make sure Yeager won't go berserk!"
„Yes, Sir!" -They said together.
Splitting up, Finn and Mikasa went after Eren while the Garrison members went on their own. They kept their distance while observing Eren beheading a Titan with one swift swing. Mikasa was looking at Eren with worry.
„He'll be fine…" -Finn assured, placing his hand on her shoulder."Let him went out. This will help his case."
„How is this gonna prove anything?" -Mikasa asked dejectedly."People were ready to kill him when We got over the wall. It was only thanks to Commander Pixis that they didn't attack him."
„It'll prove that he's useful in fighting Titans." -Finn explained."True, it won't be easy to convince the Government, but that's the only thing We can do now."
„You're right. This is the only way We can help him." -Mikasa said, a hint of anger in her voice.
„Listen, if he goes rouge I need you to distract him." -Finn said."Keep him in one spot and I'll do the rest."
Carefully following Eren, Finn and Mikasa saw him rampaging on Titans. In his Titan form, Eren was the pure embodiment of rage and hatred. A killing machine, some might say. But that also made him weak. Because he couldn't control his rage, it would be easy for another shifter to defeat Eren. Finn will have to work on that once he's in a clear.
„Where does he get so much energy from?" -Finn wondered, a small smile appearing on his lips.
„He's always been like this…" -Mikasa commented with a smile."Always rushing towards the danger."
„It makes you worry about him even more." -Finn stated, and Mikasa nodded."So…Making any moves on Eren yet?"
„Huh? What are you talking about?" -Mikasa blushed at the question."What? What moves?"
„Come on, We had this talk before." -Finn said with a sigh."You know what I mean…"
„…" -Mikasa averted her gaze.
„Listen, neither of you will admit each other feelings at this point." -Finn said tiredly."Considering our current situation, I don't think there will any better time for this."
„Each other feelings…" -She mused. Mikasa remembered their talk a few years ago, but she was still having difficulties letting Eren grow. She wanted to be him with more than anything. But was this the right time? Would she have the courage to tell him how she feels?"Can We even have time for that? With this sudden development…"
„Once We get Eren under Survey Corps custody, I will make sure that you have time." -Finn promised with a grin.
„Hm? How will you do that?" -She asked, tilting her head.
„Remember what I said before?" -Finn asked."I'll explain it in time. Let's just say that I know Commander Erwin."
„Commander Erwin?" -Mikasa was shocked. She knew that Finn was hiding something, but how much exactly? How would he know him? Then again, he did seem to know Commander Pixis.'No…Now it's not the time. Focus on the task at hand.' -She told herself.
„Anyway, We should stay focus." -Finn suddenly said, snapping Mikasa out of her thoughts."What the hell?"
„Hm?" -Mikasa looked at where Finn was staring. Eren was standing still in his Titan form. There was no Titans insight too."Why did he stop?"
He just stood there in the middle of a bloody street. Eren was covered head to toe in blood with Titan's corpses surrounding him. Not knowing what happened, they decided to investigate and see what made Eren stop. He just stood there, motionless.
„Hey! Eren! Are you okay?" -Finn called, but there was no response. Mikasa suddenly jumped and landed on Eren's face."Mikasa?!"
„Ereh! It's me! Are you alright?" -She asked, looking at him with worry.
Eren glared at her with glowing emerald eyes. He shakingly tightens his fist and lets the steam out of his mouth.
„Shit…Mikasa! Look out!" -Finn yelled, causing Mikasa to blink and quickly jump away. She narrowly avoided getting swapped like a fly."This isn't good. Eren! It's us! Come back to your senses!"
It was no use, Eren lost control over his Titan form. He charged his fist as soon as Mikasa landed on the roof. Fortunately, she and Finn managed to dodge his attack. Looking at Eren, Mikasa felt a Sting on her right cheek, just below her eye. It was a deep cut, but nothing too serious.
„Mikasa! Distract him!" -Finn yelled to her."Keep him one spot!"
Nodding, Mikasa dodges another attack from the Attack Titan. Making sure that Eren remains in one spot, Mikasa circled him a few times. Landing on his hand, Mikasa looked for a sign from Finn.
Mikasa felt the ground shaking beneath Eren and saw eight massive spikes erecting from all sides. Quickly jumping away, Mikasa landed near Finn who was panting.
„Hey, are you okay?" -Mikasa asked, and Finn gave her a thumb up.'What the hell are these?'
„I'm fine. There is no use in trying to talk with him." -Finn said, and saw how the Attack Titan was trying to get out."I will be a pain in the ass to get him out like this. I'll need your help."
Hooking into the Attack Titan back, Mikasa and Finn propeller themselves and landed just below his nape. Despite his best efforts, Eren was unable to get out.
„How do We get him out?" -Mikasa asked, trying to find her balance.
„We need to cut his nape vertically. We have to be careful not to cut too deeply." -Finn explained, pointing with his sword."But that won't be easy. If this won't work, then We might be forced for a quicker and more painful method…"
„Let's avoid that!" -Mikasa said, and Finn nodded. Then, they heard loud footsteps."Shit… Five Titans of 12-meter class."
„Go! I'll get Eren out!" -Finn yelled, and Mikasa reluctantly agreed. Giving a sad expression, she jumped down and charged at the Titans."Will you fucking stop?! I can't get you out like this!"
If that wasn't bad enough, then there were more loud footsteps. This time, there were coming from behind. Turning his head, Finn saw two 10 meter class Titans slowly creeping their way toward them. Groaning, Finn drew out his swords and charged at the enemy. It didn't feel right to leave Eren alone, but he had no other choice. With his friend out of control, it'd take too long to get him out. Finn and Mikasa had to clear the area.
'Where the hell are these three Garrison soldiers?' -Mikasa thought while slicing the nape of a Titan.'How come that there so many Titans? Finn said that he sealed the breach…I'm guessing he did it the same like with Eren.' -She dodged a hand trying to grab her.'Just what is he hiding? Finn….'
Mikasa's eyes widened, shocked to see three Titans coming toward Eren. She ignored killing the last Titan and changed her target. She launched herself with a blinding speed, hoping to reach Eren in time. Finn also saw the approaching Titans and rushed to kill them. They wouldn't make it. Titans were abnormal ones. Eren was completely defenseless.
„Dammit! I might have to…" -Finn was considering transforming into his own Titan.
Something zoomed past him. Finn had to blink to see if he wasn't imagining things. He saw a blur, zooming around Titans, slicing every part of their bodies. Realizing who it was, Finn smirked. The Survey Corp was back.
Levi scowled at the feeling of blood on his body. He hated that feeling more than anything. But for the sake of the mission, he was willing to ignore it. Killing the last Titan, Levin landed on a nearby roof. He narrowed his eyes at the trapped Titan. Knowing that it was Finn who trapped it, he wondered why.
„So…? Is it a shifter?" -Levi asked after Finn landed next to him.
„Yes, but it's not an enemy." -Finn explained, making Levi raise his eyebrow."It's an unexpected ally…"
„Is that so?" -Levi mused, and glanced at Mikasa who landed next to them."You're not half bad for a cadet. Are you on your own?"
„We're with three Garrison soldiers. We decided to split up." -Finn replied, causing Levi to sigh.
„Even with you, leaving two cadets on their own is reckless." -Levi said and made sure to remember to talk with the Garrison soldiers."Anyway, shouldn't We get that 'ally' out? He seems to be pissed off."
„It's a bit of a story." -Finn said, looking at Eren who calmed down a little."We should really get him out."
Afterward, thanks to coordinated efforts of the Survey Corps and Garrison Regiment corps of engineers, Wall Rose once again stood as a bulwark against the Titan hoards. It was a full day's work of dispatching the Titans who remained in Trost District. Most of the Titans nearest the wall were wiped out by cannons. The few that remained were cut down by the Survey Corps. During the so-called, 'cleanup' operation two Titans, a four-meter and seven-meter, were captured alive and successfully restrained. However, about 120 people were either dead or missing. 500 were counted among the injured, so while the reclamation of Trost represented the first, true victory for humanity in its fight against the Titans; too many soldiers had fallen for celebration to be in order.
Eren gasped for air. He felt like someone just squeezed his lungs. He got up and blinked a couple of times. Looking around, Eren realized that he was in a cell. He wasn't alone.
„Ah, you're finally awake." -Said a familiar voice. Eren rubbed his eyes and saw Finn. There two other people with him too."You're out for like two days."
„Huh? Finn? What are you doing here?" -Eren asked, his voice raspy. His throat was dry.
„I guess you can call it a visitation." -Levi said while leaning on the wall. Eren's eyes widened. Captain Levi and Commander Erwin.
„Any questions?" -Erwin asked calmly.
„What's going on?" -Eren asked, completely confused. The last thing he remembers was biting his hand.
„Long story short, You're in the custody of MP." -Finn explained, pointing at the cell."I'm sorry, but I won't be sticking for too long. We had to pay the MP's guarding you not to tell that I was here. I have a few minutes left, though."
„Indeed. Only two of us were allowed to see you." -Erwin pointed at Levi."But Finn here wanted to check on you."
„I still don't understand…" -Eren said weakly.
„Don't worry, Eren." -Finn said with a sympathetic smile."Once We get you under the Survey Corps custody, I promise to explain everything."
„Custody? How?" -Eren blinked in surprise.
„Right now, you're under the custody of the MP." -Erwin explained."There a lot you need to know, so it's best to get this over with soon."
„Which is why We're going to the court." -Levi added."But it's just a formality. We've already arranged that you'll end up in our care." -Eren tilted his head."Let's just say that it's good to have people on the inside."
Mikasa and Armin were sitting alone in the barracks. They were contemplating their situation. There was no word about Eren so far and it made them worry. On top of it, they knew the truth. Their whole lives within the walls were a lie. Not only that but there were traitors amongst them. It was a lot to take in, and even now they had no idea how to grasp their situation. At first, they felt disappointed by not being told about this by Finn. After hearing everything though, they could not blame him.
Suddenly, they heard doors being open. They saw Finn entering the room.
„Finn! Did you see Ereh?" -Mikasa asked, her eyes filled with concern."Is he alright?"
„Yeah, he just woke up." -Finn said with a small smile. Mikasa and Armin were both relieved.
„You didn't tell him…did you?" -Armin asked.
„No… He should learn later." -Finn said with a sigh."For now, let's focus on getting through with the court."
„Do you think he'll able to handle it?" -Mikasa wondered out loud."You know…the truth…"
„It won't be easy." -Finn admitted with a frown."But if you could handle it, so can he…"