Attack on titan: A Wolf Among Sheep
Chapter 3: The Female Titan, and The 57th Expedition Beyond the Walls
In the cold light of the dawn, the remnants of Sawney and Beane lay strewn about in the Scout Regiment's courtyard. The once imposing Titans had been reduced to lifeless heaps, their mysterious demise casting a heavy pall over the entire headquarters.
Erwin Smith, the stern commander of the Scout Regiment, surveyed the gruesome scene. His mind was still grappling with the revelations Fen had shared the previous night. The truth of the Titans, the human history entwined with brutal betrayal, and the deceit thriving within the walls of their own society – all of it made for a chilling tale that was hard to stomach.
His gaze fell upon Eren. There was a spark in the young man's eyes, a stubborn defiance and unyielding determination to fight for humanity. Yet Erwin couldn't help but worry about the burden this knowledge might impose on Eren.
Taking a deep breath, he called out, "Eren," his voice steady, though weighed down with the gravity of his question, "Who do you think our real enemy is?"
The question echoed in the silence that followed, filling the air with a heavy tension. Eren looked lost, his mind visibly scrambling to come up with an answer. Was it the Titans? The unknown entities who killed Sawney and Beane? Or was the enemy's closer home, hiding in plain sight, within the walls of their own society?
Erwin knew, however, that the real enemy was a lot more complex than any of them could fathom. It was not a singular being but a corrupt system, a twisted history spanning centuries that thrived on fear, deceit, and manipulation. Their true enemy was their distorted past, shrouded in layers of lies.
The sun was slowly rising, casting long, dark shadows around the grim scene of the Titans' remains. The journey to unravel the dark mysteries had only just begun. As they braced themselves to face these harrowing truths, they knew their lives were now inextricably intertwined with the story of Fenrir, and the titanic battles that lay ahead. Their struggle for freedom was no longer a battle against the Titans alone, but a fight against the deceptive chains of their own history.
Caught off guard, Eren stared at Erwin, his brows furrowed in confusion. "I don't know..." he admitted, a mixture of bewilderment and frustration lining his features. Erwin's question had left him stumped, and the silence that followed seemed to stretch into eternity.
As they broke off from the scene to discuss the possible culprits of the Titan killings, Fenrir's acute sense of smell came into play. His eyes narrowed; his nose twitched slightly.
"A soldier..." Fenrir finally said, his voice deep and steady as he picked up a scent only his superhuman senses could detect. A grim look crossed his face as he continued, "I can smell them... this individual was female.
As they continued to survey the crime scene, several members of the squad turned to Fenrir, curiosity glinting in their eyes. "Can you tell us anything else, Fen?" one of them ventured to ask, trying to keep the hope out of their voice.
Fenrir paused, his attention returning to the scent that lingered in the air. His eyes narrowed, and he inhaled deeply, as if attempting to separate and identify the different elements that composed the olfactory landscape.
"Nothing for sure, yet..." he admitted, his voice revealing a trace of frustration. "The scent is mixed with the dissolving Titans nearby. It's making it difficult to pinpoint specific details."
His revelation wasn't as satisfactory as they would have liked, but it was more than they had before. The knowledge that one of their own might be responsible for the death of the captive Titans was a hard pill to swallow. However, the added information that the perpetrator was a female soldier provided them with a crucial lead, a direction to look into. And as grim as the situation was, they were grateful for any clues they could get.
As the day faded into twilight, the recruits' equipment was painstakingly inspected, the air buzzing with unease as no conclusive evidence was found. Fen's senses, sharpened from centuries of survival, were alert, but he had yet to definitively match the scent from the scene of the crime to anyone within their ranks.
...
Later that evening, the newly minted soldiers gathered under the open sky for the graduation ceremony. An assortment of emotions played across the faces in the crowd – excitement, fear, determination, and trepidation. At the head of the assembly stood Erwin, his voice carrying a solemn weight as he addressed the graduates.
Standing slightly apart from the crowd, Fen's attention was divided between Erwin's impassioned speech and the scent-laden air. Amid the collective odor of sweat and anxiety, a particular scent suddenly struck a chord. His eyes instinctively landed on a solitary figure in the crowd.
Annie Leonhart.
The scent aligned perfectly with what he had detected earlier. His gaze hardened, and a silent challenge seemed to hang between them as he held her in his steady stare. He saw her fidget under his scrutiny, and a cold, triumphant smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
It was Annie who had killed Sawney and Beane. However, Fen knew that a confrontation here and now would be disastrous. Should she transform into her titan form, the resulting chaos would be catastrophic and she could easily escape before they could extract valuable information.
The setting wasn't right, the timing wasn't right. Patience, Fen reminded himself. He would bide his time, observe, and wait for the perfect opportunity to corner her.
Under the dimming glow of twilight, Annie Leonhart stood amid her fellow graduates, the rush of her own blood loud in her ears as the commander gave his congratulatory address. Yet his words were only a low buzz in her consciousness, drowned out by the pounding question in her mind.
Who was Fen?
She had heard the whispers, the stories that spread like wildfire through the ranks. An immovable titan who had taken a bullet to the head and shrugged it off as if it was a mere inconvenience. A man who could lift obstacles that ten men together would struggle with. An enigma who had, in an unheard-of feat, completed the 3D maneuver gear training course without the gear itself.
And now, this same man was casting her a challenging gaze from across the sea of people, his eyes holding a depth that was intimidating, to say the least. She couldn't read him, couldn't decipher what lay behind that stern exterior, and it unnerved her. For someone who prided herself in her ability to remain composed under pressure, the unknown was her greatest adversary.
She shifted uncomfortably under his unrelenting stare, feeling an instinctual urge to retreat from that predatory focus. His eyes, they held a knowing gleam, as though he had seen through her, had unmasked her secrets.
Annie was no stranger to suspicion. As a warrior trained from a young age, she had learned to live with a target on her back. But the gaze from Fen wasn't just suspicion. It was an affirmation. As though he knew, and was silently asserting his discovery.
His knowing stare made her heart thud heavily in her chest. What did he know? And how? Could it be that he had discovered her secret?
She shook her head subtly, dispelling the building anxiety. There was no way. He was new, an enigma, but not omniscient. She wouldn't let him rattle her.
However, as she stood amidst the applause and cheers of her fellow graduates, a single thought echoed ominously in her mind.
She had to be careful around Fenrir.
…
After the ceremony had ended, she made her way back to the quarters, the buzz of conversation and laughter fading into the cool night air. The stillness was unsettling. An eerie sense of being watched crawled over her skin, making the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
Her eyes darted around the moonlit surroundings, but saw nothing out of place. But there was a feeling deep in her gut that told her that something was not right. It felt like the calm before a storm. Her pulse quickened as she came to a halt, her instincts screaming danger.
Turning slowly, her eyes narrowed onto the rustling bushes a few meters away. The quiet of the night was shattered by a low growl, a sound that made her blood run cold. Emerging from the shadows was a wolf, it's fur as black as the night around it, reflecting the scarce moonlight. Its eyes, a piercing green, bore into her with an intensity that made her breath hitch.
Annie was no stranger to danger. She was trained to face it head on, to anticipate it. But this... this was different. The wolf was not just any predator. It was an embodiment of the unknown, a manifestation of her fears about Fen. It had the same green eyes, that same eerie sense of knowing too much.
She took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest as she met the wolf's gaze. It was watching her, not in the way a wild animal would, but with a calculated patience. There was no immediate attack, no charge. Just a silent standoff under the moonlit sky.
A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead as she slowly reached for the small blade she kept hidden in her uniform. The wolf did not move. Its growls had subsided to a deep, low rumble. Its gaze never wavered from hers, green eyes glowing ominously in the dark.
Annie swallowed, gripping the handle of her knife. This was her reality now, staring down a monstrous wolf in the dead of night. A wolf that shared the same eyes as the man she feared might know her secret.
This was her reality. And she had no choice but to face it.
Annie was on high alert as she noticed the wolf's eyes narrow, a challenging gleam flickering within. Then, the creature started to circle her, each step deliberate and measured, much like a predator sizing up its prey.
The black fur was an abyss against the moonlight, only interrupted by the piercing, green glow of its eyes. The way it moved, the raw power it displayed, it was nothing short of supernatural. The wolf seemed to embody the night itself, an imposing shadow that loomed over her.
"You are walking a very dangerous game, Annie Leonheart," the wolf spoke, the words rolling off its tongue as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It was an eerie experience, its deep, primal voice resonating in the still night. "And between us... I detest people like you who bind others to be oppressed... Marleyan."
The chilling familiarity of the voice was impossible to miss. Fen... the one who was unlike anyone she'd met. He knew her real identity, her purpose, her mission. That realization sent a shiver down her spine.
"You're a long way from home, aren't you?" the wolf – Fen – continued, its words echoing ominously in the silence that ensued. The circles it made around her grew smaller, more oppressive. Every word uttered hit like a blow, each revelation a gut punch.
"When you try and take Eren tomorrow," he went on, "try to keep the casualties to a minimum. Believe me... you don't want to provoke me too much. It won't end well for you."
The veiled threat hung heavily in the air, causing Annie's heart to throb violently against her chest. It was a challenge, a warning, a threat – all rolled into one. She was unmasked, her secrets laid bare to a formidable adversary.
Then, without another word, the wolf turned and vanished into the depths of the night. The only proof of its existence was the lingering echo of its voice and the primal fear it had stirred within her.
Alone, surrounded by darkness, Annie stood rooted in place. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts and emotions – shock, fear, uncertainty. But as the initial dread wore off, it was replaced with a steely resolve. She was a warrior, trained and prepared for all adversities. Even if it meant going against a foe as unpredictable and terrifying as Fen.
Annie entered the quarters she shared with Bertolt and Reiner with an air of tension clinging to her like a second skin. The pair paused in their low conversation, glancing up as she entered. Her complexion was paler than usual, her normally steady gaze darting nervously.
"Annie, you look shaken," Reiner observed, his brows knitting together in concern. "What's happened?"
Annie took a moment, trying to gather her scattered thoughts. Finally, she responded, her voice subdued, "I had a... run-in with something. Something I don't understand."
Both Bertolt and Reiner shifted towards her, their easy lounging replaced by alert attention. "What was it?" Bertolt asked, his tone laced with worry.
Annie released a slow exhale, summoning up the memory of her encounter. "A wolf, in the forest," she began, her voice so quiet it was almost a whisper. "But it wasn't any ordinary wolf."
Bertolt and Reiner exchanged puzzled looks. "Not... ordinary?" Bertolt echoed, his confusion evident.
Annie nodded, her mind replaying the events once more. "It spoke," she revealed, the words dropping like stones into the silent room.
"Spoke?" Reiner's disbelief was clear, but Annie held up a hand.
"Let me explain." Her voice was firm as she proceeded to recount the details of her unusual encounter. The way the wolf had watched her with knowing, green eyes, how it circled her like a predator. And most chillingly, how it had addressed her by name, revealing an awareness of their mission.
"It had to be him," she concluded, meeting their shocked gazes. "Fen."
The room fell into a tense silence as they absorbed the weight of her revelation. They knew of Fenrir, or 'Fen', the recruit who stuck out from the rest with his peculiar behavior. The same man who, according to rumors, had shrugged off a bullet to the head as if it were a mere inconvenience.
Reiner broke the silence, his tone heavy with uncertainty. "This Fen... he's more than human?"
Annie shook her head, her gaze distant as she wrestled with the uncertainty. "I don't know what he is, but he's not like us."
The implications hung in the air like a thick fog, obscuring the clarity of their mission. The three sat in silent contemplation, digesting the significance of this unexpected development.
"We need to tread carefully," Bertolt finally spoke up, his voice a soft murmur. "His capabilities are unknown."
Annie nodded in agreement. "Our plan may need reevaluation. If he's aware of our mission, everything could be at stake."
"Agreed," Reiner chimed in, a determined set to his jaw. "We need to learn more about this Fen, and quickly. If he poses the threat you suggest, we need to be prepared."
As the night stretched on, their thoughts were consumed by Fen and the enigma he presented. Their once straightforward mission now seemed steeped in uncertainty. The potential danger had morphed, adopting a face they did not recognize, and they had to brace themselves for what was to come.
…
As dawn's first light began to warm the enclosed district, the Scout Regiment stood tall and resolute, prepared for the mission that lay ahead. Bertolt and Reiner were amongst them, outwardly just another pair of soldiers ready to face their duty.
Amongst the regiment's standard issue uniforms and tense faces, one figure stood out. Fenrir, the subject of so many whispers and rumors, was a figure apart. His attire non-standard, his presence imposing, and his bright green eyes full of an age-old wisdom that unnerved and fascinated those around him.
As Commander Erwin began to address the regiment, Fenrir's attention seemed to shift to a sound that only his heightened senses could detect. His hand raised, signaling silence, and cutting Erwin's speech short.
"We have a visitor," he announced, his voice carrying easily to the corners of the gathered crowd, "There's a Titan outside the gate."
A wave of apprehension washed over the regiment, but Fenrir's calm demeanor, and his next words, staved off panic. "I'll take the lead," he stated confidently, striding toward the large sliding door that sealed the district.
Swiftly, the gatekeepers opened the massive barrier, revealing the world beyond the district's walls. Unfazed by the danger, Fenrir stepped into the wilderness, the speed of his movement rivaling that of any mounted scout.
The door slid closed behind him, hiding him from view. The soldiers waited in tense silence, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of fierce snarls, crashes, and what sounded like tearing flesh. A loud, gut-wrenching crunch echoed next, followed by a deafening silence. The scouts held their breath, their hearts pounding.
Then, Fenrir reappeared at the door, a smudge of steaming blood wiped from his mouth, giving the regiment a thumbs-up. The threat was taken care of.
Bertolt and Reiner watched the scene unfold with wide eyes. They were in unfamiliar territory, facing an unknown and unpredictable threat - Fenrir, the wolf-man of legend. This was no longer a simple mission.
Under Fenrir's confident gaze, the colossal doors slid open once more, this time to allow the rest of the Scout Regiment through. The soldiers mounted their horses, their expressions hard with resolve as they galloped past the barrier, stepping into the daunting wilderness beyond.
The sight that greeted them was as horrifying as it was fascinating. A large titan lay sprawled across the ground just outside the gate, but this was no ordinary scene of Titan-induced carnage they were used to. The beast was torn apart, quite literally. Its massive limbs lay scattered, shredded as if by some enormous force. The chest cavity was ripped open, the once threatening figure reduced to a mangled and grotesque carcass.
Awestruck soldiers slowed their horses as they passed, staring at the aftermath of Fenrir's swift and brutal action. This display of raw power served as a stark reminder to them all: they had an extraordinary ally in their midst, a force of nature that seemed just as terrifying as the Titans themselves.
Bertolt and Reiner exchanged worried glances, their unease growing. If this was the extent of Fenrir's capabilities, they had severely underestimated the challenge they were facing. They nudged their horses onwards, joining the procession of soldiers carefully navigating around the remnants of the Titan.
As the last of the soldiers passed by, the eerie silence of the outside world set in. The only sounds were the clatter of horse hooves and the distant rustling of trees in the wind, the carnage left behind a grim testimony to the war they were engaged in. But for now, they moved forward, towards the looming Wall Maria, led by the enigmatic Fenrir and his unworldly strength.
The formation spread out as they delved further into Titan territory. The Scout Regiment switched to their long-practiced formation, a strategy designed to maximize their field of vision and minimize Titan encounters. Each soldier took their place, with a handful of scouts on either flank and the bulk of the regiment nestled safely in the center.
Fenrir, defying convention as always, took his place at the forefront. His keen senses and raw strength made him the best choice for the vanguard. He would scout the territory ahead, detecting any Titans before they could pose a threat to the formation.
With the formation set, the soldiers pressed on, each of them alert and ready for what lay ahead. The mood was tense; every rustling leaf or distant bird cry could signify a Titan's approach. Yet despite the danger, there was a sense of purpose and unity. They were reclaiming their world, one step at a time.
As they moved deeper into the wilderness, Fenrir's wolf-like senses picked up on something - a disruption, a shift. He quickly relayed this information to the others. They knew that the real battle was just about to begin, and their mysterious ally was leading them headfirst into it. They could only hope they were ready for whatever lay ahead.
…
Sasha had just enough time to notice the low, rumbling growl approaching her flank. A strange, elongated Titan lunged at her, coming at her with a speed that was alarming. It was on all fours, making it even more terrifyingly quick. Her heart leapt into her throat, and she hardly had time to react.
But then, a blur of black fur and muscle was there, moving with a speed that belied its enormous size. Fenrir, in his full 17-meter wolf form, lunged at the Titan, intercepting it mid-air. His green eyes burned with a fierce light, his fangs bared. In one swift movement, he snatched the Titan out of the air, his powerful jaws clamping down around the Titan's midsection. Sasha watched in shock and awe as Fenrir tossed the Titan like it was a rag doll.
The beast came crashing down to the ground with a thunderous impact, a cloud of dust erupting from the site. But Fenrir was already on it, not giving it a chance to recover or regenerate. In a matter of seconds, he had ripped the Titan apart, his claws and teeth rending through the Titan's flesh with brutal efficiency.
Then, Fenrir's jaws found the nape of the Titan's neck. There was a terrible, rending crunch as he tore through it, severing the nape and killing the Titan before it could even begin to heal. The Titan's body began to steam and dissolve, leaving nothing behind but a gruesome scene of victory.
Sasha watched, eyes wide, as the now-formless Titan began to steam and dissolve into the wind. In the place where the beast had once been, Fenrir stood tall, the embodiment of a warrior, unyielding and ferocious.
Then, without wasting a moment, Fenrir resumed his patrol. His giant wolf form was a whirlwind of motion as he darted back and forth along the length of the formation, always a step ahead of the Titans. His sharp green eyes seemed to miss nothing, his enormous body moving with a grace and agility that was mesmerizing.
Whenever a Titan emerged from the trees or the scrub, Fenrir was there to meet it. With a savage growl, he would leap, tackling the Titans before they could get too close to the formation. His jaws would close around their necks, a terrible crunch echoing through the field as he swiftly and efficiently executed them.
It was a sight to behold, watching Fenrir work. Despite the inherent horror of the situation, there was a sort of grim beauty in the way he moved, the way he fought. It was like watching a force of nature, wild and untamed.
Each time Fenrir returned to the formation, he was met with awe-filled silence. He would pause for a moment, panting lightly, his bright green eyes scanning the group before bounding off to confront the next threat. His presence was a wall of reassurance, a bulwark against the fear that clung to each scout.
And so it went, Fenrir, the wolf of legend, dancing his deadly dance with the Titans, protecting the scouts as they navigated through the perilous expanse outside Wall Rose. There was a grim determination in his every move, a promise in his every growl - he would not let any harm come to them.
Another Titan loped toward Sasha, its limbs disjointed and uncanny as it sprinted across the broad, sunlit field. Fenrir reacted instantly, the world narrowing to the charging creature and his ally. A muscular spring coiled tight within him, and he surged forward to intercept the threat.
In the blink of an eye, Fenrir's massive paw connected with the Titan's head. There was a sickening crunch as Titan flesh and bone gave way under the sheer force of his attack. The creature's skull and nape were obliterated, and its form collapsed in an ungainly heap, starting to steam and dissolve even before it hit the ground.
The open field was briefly serene once more, filled only with the distant echoes of the Scouts' movements. But this calm was abruptly shattered as a distinctive figure crashed through their ranks: the Female Titan. Her movement was swift and deadly, scattering the Scouts with brutal efficiency.
She halted beside Armin, an intimidating sight with her towering stature. Lowering herself slightly, she reached for the hooded figure, her intent clear. However, before she could unmask him, a sound pierced the air, freezing her mid-action. A low, primal growl, echoing across the field. A sound she'd heard before. A warning.
From the corner of her eye, the Female Titan spotted an imposing form. The beast she had encountered the previous night stood there, but it was not the same creature. Now fully transformed, Fenrir stood over 17 meters tall on all fours. His massive form dwarfed her, his fur as black as midnight contrasting starkly with the bright daytime surroundings.
The Female Titan's gaze shifted from Armin to Fenrir, her movements halting entirely. For a moment, the field was eerily quiet, the tension palpable as two titans locked eyes. She, Annie Leonhart, had been taken aback. This was a different creature, an unknown variable she hadn't anticipated.
In the daytime light, Fenrir stood resolute, his gaze unwavering as he watched the Female Titan. The chessboard had been tipped, the pieces scattered, and a new game had begun. And for now, the hunter was the hunted.
Fenrir's eyes, usually a vivid green, began to transform before the Female Titan's gaze. They turned a ghostly white, adding an even more supernatural aura to the already fearsome creature. His black fur seemed to change as well, becoming rougher and matted as if caked in blood. It was an unsettling sight, making the giant wolf seem even more monstrous and intimidating.
Then, Fenrir snarled, pulling back his lips to reveal an impressive set of razor-sharp fangs. Each one was as long as a grown man's arm, and they glinted ominously in the daylight. This was not the snarl of a regular wolf - this was the threat display of a legendary creature, a myth given form.
But Fenrir was not done. Suddenly, his head reared back and he let out a bone-chilling roar. The sound was raw and savage, a promise of violence that echoed across the field. It held a power that was as real as it was terrifying, a primal force that resonated with the very essence of nature itself.
The roar created a gust of wind, sending a wave of dust and debris hurtling across the landscape. It was a demonstration of power, a clear message to the Female Titan and anyone else who dared to challenge him. The king of the wolves had made his stand.
…
As Annie, in her titan form, watched Armin, she was about to proceed with her mission when a powerful and chilling presence made her freeze. She knew this presence; it had haunted her dreams the previous night, but this was different. It felt...bigger, more threatening.
She turned her head slowly and found herself staring at the monstrous beast that had somehow haunted her despite their lack of personal interaction. The creature was just as she remembered from the night before - a massive, wolf-like being with startlingly green eyes. But now, those eyes were shifting, turning a stark, horrifying white. His dark fur seemed to become matted and rough, as though drenched in the blood of his enemies.
A low growl began to rumble in the wolf's throat, building in intensity until it was a full-blown snarl. His lips pulled back to reveal rows of sharp, lethal fangs, each one larger and more terrifying than the last.
She held her breath as the wolf roared. The sound echoed through the field, a thunderous declaration that reverberated through her very being. It was a primal roar, full of raw power and fury, like nothing she had ever heard before.
The roar picked up a gust of wind, stirring up a dust storm that blotted out the sun. It was an unspoken challenge, a display of power and dominance, a threat of impending violence. In that moment, she knew that the wolf was not just a creature of myth and legend. He was a very real, very dangerous adversary.
Her mission had just become a lot more complicated.
…
The appearance of the Female Titan had been startling enough, but what happened next sent a chill running down Armin's spine. Just as the Female Titan was about to set off, she froze, and the sense of dread that washed over him was almost palpable. It was then he noticed the monstrous presence that had just made its way into the battlefield.
Armin had never seen Fenrir in his full form. He had heard stories, of course, tales of a giant wolf beast, a creature from legends and myths. But seeing it now, right before his eyes, was something entirely different.
Fenrir was colossal, even for a Titan. His fur was black as midnight and glistening as if wet with blood. His eyes, once a vibrant green, now glowed with a sickly white hue, staring straight into the Female Titan.
Armin watched as Fenrir pulled back his lips, revealing rows upon rows of massive, terrifying fangs. The sound that erupted from his throat was primal, an echoing roar that rumbled through the ground beneath Armin's feet, an undisguised threat that resonated with every creature in its vicinity.
The roar was powerful enough to stir up the dust and grass around them, the force of it causing a minor wind storm that swept across the field. It was more than just a show of strength, Armin realized. It was a warning, a declaration, a promise of a fight to come.
And as Armin watched the Female Titan seemingly paralyzed in the face of Fenrir's challenge, he couldn't shake off a simple, startling realization. They were no longer the only ones hunting Titans. They were in the presence of a predator unlike any they had ever seen. And whatever was about to unfold, it was going to change everything.
…
As Reiner guided his horse through the field, his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes were locked on the unfolding spectacle before him. He had seen many disturbing things as a Marleyan warrior, but the scene in front of him was something entirely different.
The Female Titan, Annie, was in the field, her mission clear as crystal - to find Eren. Yet, an unexpected intruder had entered the stage, altering the course of their meticulously crafted plan.
Fenrir.
Reiner had encountered Fenrir in his humanoid form, heard the wild stories that circulated among the soldiers. Tales of a creature, a beast from Norse mythology, a monstrous wolf that towered above them all. He had dismissed them as mere exaggerations, folklore seeping into their reality. But now, witnessing the monstrosity, he couldn't deny the bone-chilling truth.
Fenrir was colossal, his black fur looking like an abyss against the backdrop of the day. His green eyes had transformed into a blinding, sickly white, and even from his position, Reiner could see the sharp fangs glinting menacingly as Fenrir pulled his lips back into a snarl.
The sound that erupted from Fenrir was something Reiner would remember for the rest of his life - a powerful, earth-shattering roar that carried the weight of a thousand thunderstorms. It was not just a sound; it was a threat, a warning, a declaration of battle.
For a moment, even the Female Titan, Annie, seemed to freeze, ensnared by the sheer force of Fenrir's presence. The tension was palpable, hanging in the air like a storm cloud. It was an unforeseen obstacle, a new challenge to their covert mission.
A knot of unease coiled in Reiner's stomach. The appearance of Fenrir, the legendary beast, was an unanticipated complication. And the worst part was, they knew almost nothing about him. This unknown entity had just thrown their well-laid plans into chaos. The game had changed, and they were walking on thin ice.
…
Annie Leonhart, the Female Titan, was a warrior. Fear was not something she was accustomed to. But as she faced down the enormous, mythical beast before her, she felt a chill snake down her spine. This wasn't part of the plan. This wasn't something she had been prepared for.
The growl that echoed from Fenrir's throat was nothing short of a blood-curdling threat, echoing across the plains. His white eyes were fixed on her, full of cold fury and lethal intent. But Annie had been trained for battle since childhood; she was a Marleyan warrior. She knew she had to fight, despite the fear coursing through her veins.
With a roar, she lunged forward, hands transforming into hardened crystal. Her heart hammered in her chest, adrenaline surging through her as she aimed to strike.
Fenrir was quick, far quicker than any creature of his size should be. He moved with an agile grace, evading her attacks and retaliating with swift precision. His fangs and claws, imbued with a primal, savage strength, tore into her crystalized flesh with ease.
The fight was fierce, neither side willing to give an inch. But just when it seemed the struggle would drag on, Fenrir's monstrous jaws latched onto Annie's leg. With a powerful jerk of his head, he flung her into a suddenly appearing glowing rift that had opened beside him. It was like nothing Annie had seen before, like a tear in the fabric of reality itself.
With a final, menacing growl, Fenrir leaped into the rift after her, and the pair disappeared, leaving the battlefield ominously silent.
…
The night before, Erwin had sat across from Fenrir, then in his human form, in the dimly lit mess hall.
"Fen," he had begun, carefully measuring his words, "we've heard...rumors. Rumors that you can open...portals, for the lack of a better term. Is there any truth to that?"
Fenrir had given a nonchalant shrug, his intense gaze never leaving Erwin's face. "Aye," he'd replied, a seriousness in his eyes, "tears in the fabric of reality. Useful for quick travel."
A plan had formed in Erwin's mind, a risky yet potentially game-changing strategy. He'd shared it with Fenrir, hoping the unique skill of his new ally could turn the tide of the impending battle.
And now, as Erwin stood in the Forest of Giant Trees alongside Hange, Levi, and several members of the Scout Regiment, he watched the glowing rift open, Fenrir emerging with the struggling Female Titan. Erwin knew the real challenge was just beginning. The capture of the Female Titan was in play.
…
The other side of the rift opened back into the battlefield they'd just left, the reality of the situation dawning on Annie. It was as if she'd been thrown through a portal, a shortcut through space. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized she was now facing a new group of enemies, led by Erwin, Hange, and Levi.
Levi's face remained as impassive as ever, his gaze cold and calculating. His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Beside him, Hange's glasses glinted in the sun, a manic spark in her eyes as she assessed the Female Titan.
Erwin gave a sharp nod, and with a single word, hundreds of specialized harpoon weapons were fired, almost simultaneously. They sprung forth from barrels, rushing towards the Female Titan with lethal precision, their aim to bind and restrain her.
Annie reacted on instinct, trying to harden her body in defense, but the sheer number of projectiles coming at her was overwhelming. She felt them slam into her, piercing her skin, tying her down. Panic rose within her, making her roar in rage and fear. She struggled against her restraints, but the more she moved, the deeper the barbs went, making her wince in pain.
The realization dawned on her then – they had planned this. They had been waiting for her. She shot a glare at Fenrir, the beast who had thrown her into this trap. She wasn't sure how he'd managed to move her so swiftly across the battlefield, but the rage in her gaze was unmistakable.
Meanwhile, Fenrir gave a satisfied growl. He had delivered the Female Titan right where she needed to be, setting the stage for the next phase of the plan. He watched as the Scouts quickly worked to fully immobilize the raging Titan, a silent observer to the unfolding chaos. The game was on.
Annie's gaze flickered to the rapidly closing rift, her blue eyes widening further as she caught sight of Eren, Levi and his squad making their way out of the area at Erwin's orders. She could see the dark-haired Titan shifter glancing back at her one last time before disappearing from sight. The rift closed with a finality that made her heart drop. She was so close, so incredibly close to getting Eren, yet this monstrous wolf had somehow managed to best her.
The fact that her ultimate objective was now moving farther away, combined with the realization that she was trapped, led to her starting to hyperventilate. Panic clawed at her insides as she realized the futility of her position. She was strong, but this situation was something she'd never experienced before. Her crystallization, which had previously been her strongest line of defense, was useless against the sheer number of restraining harpoons embedding into her skin.
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Jean, Christa, Connie, Ymir, and Bertolt found themselves discussing the mysterious roar that had echoed across the field, a sound that was abruptly followed by a massive crash. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Reiner, who recounted the incredible scene he'd witnessed.
Jean, Christa, Connie, Ymir, and Bertolt were huddled together discussing the inexplicable roar that had previously rattled their surroundings, causing the ground beneath them to shiver. The abrupt crash that followed had sent a shiver of apprehension down their spines, its force enough to create small cracks in the earth nearby. The air was rife with anxiety, a sense of unease creeping up on them.
Their murmured speculations were interrupted by the arrival of Reiner, his normally stoic face noticeably graver. His breathing was labored from what they assumed was a swift sprint from the front lines, and sweat was pooling at the nape of his neck.
As he approached, they noticed his grim expression, as if he'd seen something that had shaken him deeply. The anticipation grew as they gathered around, waiting for him to share what he'd witnessed.
"There was a wolf...," Reiner began, a sense of foreboding palpable in his tone. "Fenrir they call him," he added, their eyes widening at the mention of the mythical beast.
They'd heard about Fenrir, of course, everyone had. Stories of his raw power and terrifying presence had circulated through their ranks, passed down in hushed whispers from those who had seen him in action. They had even seen him themselves, the massive black wolf with unnerving green eyes, an unmistakable figure on the battlefield.
But what Reiner spoke of next was beyond anything they had heard before. "He created some sort of rift," he continued, pausing as if struggling to find the right words to describe the impossible. "It was like nothing I've ever seen."
His words hung heavy in the air, like a dark cloud threatening to unleash a storm. A chill of dread washed over them at the thought of what this creature was truly capable of. It was one thing to know of Fenrir, the legendary wolf of Norse mythology, but to hear of him manifesting such raw, unknown power was something else entirely. Reiner carefully sidestepped any details that could hint at Annie's identity, but the gravity of what he was saying was clear. Their situation had just become far more complicated.
…
Deep within the labyrinth of the colossal forest of giant trees, a high-stakes game of cat and mouse was unfolding. The Female Titan was cornered, her massive form shaking like a leaf in the wind, her panicked breaths reverberating off the sturdy tree trunks.
Hange, perched with uncanny grace on the titan's shoulder, her voice steady and determined, made a chilling promise. "We'll peel back your secrets, piece by piece, Titan," she declared. "We have all the time in the world."
The Female Titan, though cornered and overwhelmed, refused to submit. A sound, guttural and animalistic, tore from her throat. It echoed throughout the massive forest, a desperate cry for aid. It wasn't just a scream—it was a beacon, a rallying cry to her fellow Titans.
From his vantage point, Mitch, one of the scouts, was the first to understand the dreadful significance of that call. His face turned ashen, and his voice rang out through the quiet forest. "Titans are coming!" he shouted. "From all directions!"
A cold dread settled over the group. The titan's cry had served its purpose—it was summoning the other Titans. As they rushed to her aid from all sides, their carefully laid plans, their strategies, were about to be overrun by the unexpected onslaught. The situation had turned dire, and they all knew it.
Annie's Titan, surrounded by the vicious onslaught of her fellow Titans, suddenly went still. In the next instant, Annie had burst free from the nape, seamlessly transitioning to her 3D Maneuver Gear. Hidden by the chaos and the thrashing bodies of the Titans, she made her escape, disappearing into the dense forest. Her target was clear: Eren.
Meanwhile, the colossal black wolf Fenrir found himself in a similar predicament. He was encircled by the monstrous Titans, his magnificent form being lost under the sea of writhing bodies. His menacing growls were drowned out by the horrifying sounds of the Titans.
But then, something extraordinary happened. Fenrir's green eyes flared brightly, a peculiar glow that pulsated with an otherworldly energy. His mouth moved, and a low rumbling sound filled the air. To those who knew ancient languages, it sounded like Old Norse, a spell, ancient and powerful.
Then, with an ethereal shimmer, four green spectral figures materialized beside Fenrir. These spectral figures were wolf-like in form but emanated a supernatural aura. They bore a striking resemblance to Fenrir, albeit smaller. Unleashed, they pounced upon the Titans with a ferocity that mirrored Fenrir's.
Like specters of death, they tore into the Titans, their ethereal fangs and claws ripping through the Titan flesh like it was paper. Their spectral forms moved with an unnatural speed, darting between the Titans and taking them down with calculated efficiency. The battlefield turned into a whirl of green specters and falling Titans, the eerie glow of the spectral wolves casting long, dancing shadows across the forest floor.
With a swift, powerful movement, Fenrir charged forward, the spectral wolves following his lead. His eyes were trained on the final Titan, a grotesque beast lumbering clumsily in front of him. Despite the horde, his focus was singular.
With a thunderous growl that echoed across the battlefield, Fenrir lunged at the Titan. His powerful jaws snapped shut around the Titan's nape, tearing through it with a mighty crunch. The Titan let out a wail before it fell, beginning to disintegrate almost immediately. With the last Titan down, Fenrir's spectral wolves vanished, their mission completed.
Without missing a beat, Fenrir's attention was on the next target. His nostrils flared; the scent of Annie unmistakably present in the air. He had a direction. With an impressive leap, he launched himself forward, running through the dense forest. His eyes were sharp, his ears alert, and his senses honed. Every instinct in him was focused on one thing: finding Annie.
His muscular body tore through the forest, a blur of dark fur and lethal power. The forest, once filled with the shrieks of Titans and the chaos of battle, fell eerily silent. Only the sound of Fenrir's powerful strides and the steady drum of his heartbeat filled the air. The hunt was on.
…
As Eren and Levi's squad maneuvered with urgency through the forest, they were yet reeling from the bizarre sequence of events that had just occurred. Nonetheless, their mission was undeterred, their objectives clear.
The rustling of trees, a signature whoosh of 3D maneuvering gear slicing through the stillness of the forest, alerted them of a presence. A looming threat, an unknown entity approaching them at breakneck speed.
Alertness morphed into wariness. Gunther Schultz, a member of Levi's squad, was quick to pick up on the abnormality. "We've got company!" He yelled, springing into action with his 3D maneuvering gear, darting amidst the forest's towering trees, well aware of the danger lurking.
Just as he prepared to face the attacker, an unexpected sight brought everything to a standstill. A Titan's head, no longer attached to its body, came hurtling through the forest, skimming past the unidentified adversary.
The forest echoed with the sound of splintering trees and a loud, unearthly howl. Everyone froze, absorbing the unbelievable scene that unfolded before their eyes. The attacker was halted in her tracks, the realization slowly creeping into her consciousness. Fenrir, the monstrous wolf that chose to wear the visage of a man before he'd been exposed, had annihilated the Titans and was now on her tail. The tables had turned; she was no longer the predator, but the prey.
…
The figure, momentarily frozen at the sight of Fenrir's feat, didn't let her shock delay her mission for long. She moved with a fluid agility that suggested intense training, swooping down upon Gunther with an alarming quickness. He attempted to avoid her, but was not entirely successful.
She slashed at him, her blades making a deep gash in his side. But before she could deal the fatal blow, Gunther managed to propel himself away with his 3D maneuvering gear. Wounded, but alive, he found a temporary respite hidden among the dense foliage of the trees.
With her initial attack thwarted, the figure made a quick retreat. Using the 3D maneuvering gear, she adeptly swung herself deeper into the forest, disappearing from sight. But her retreat was short-lived. Just as suddenly as she had vanished, a familiar, terrifying form began to take shape.
From within the depth of the forest, an intense, blinding light erupted. The transformation was catastrophic and nearly instantaneous. When the light faded, the towering form of the Female Titan emerged, her daunting figure casting long, ominous shadows among the trees. The figure they had been pursuing was indeed a Titan shifter, a formidable one at that. She stood there, silent and imposing, her gaze fixated on the direction of Eren and the others.
A brave scout, riled by the sight of their fallen comrade, lunged towards the Female Titan. He swung his blade with all the force he could muster, aiming for the nape of her neck. But the Female Titan was quick, despite her massive size. In a swift, lethal movement, she swung her arm, catching the scout mid-flight and smashed him against a nearby tree with brutal force. The scout's life was extinguished instantly.
The brutal sight was enough to trigger a reaction from Eren and Fenrir. A red haze of fury washed over Eren's vision as he bit his hand, triggering his Titan transformation. An ear-piercing roar echoed through the forest as the Attack Titan emerged from the burst of steam, ready to engage the Female Titan in battle.
Annie's eyes, however, were not solely fixed on Eren. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Fenrir started to utter something. His voice was low and guttural, the words he was uttering were ancient, in a language that she didn't recognize, yet they resonated with an overwhelming power. He was chanting something, a spell, and it felt like the very air around them was charged with a strange, electrifying energy.
Even though she didn't understand what Fenrir was saying, she could feel its effects, and it made her heart pound with a mix of fear and anticipation. She steeled herself, for she knew she was not only up against a Titan, but also a mythical beast of unimaginable power. The battle had just become even more daunting.
As Eren and Annie clashed in the forest, Fenrir's fur bristled, the sense of urgency and danger mounting. His green eyes shone with a strange, otherworldly luminescence, and he opened his maw to unleash a torrent of words in a language that was long forgotten by human memory.
"Þursa ljósið, binda þetta veru!" His voice echoed, an ancient Norse incantation vibrating through the dense woodland, the very air seeming to pulse with the power behind the words.
The force of Fenrir's voice, the commanding authority of his spell, ruptured the stillness of the forest. An immense surge of energy cascaded from him, the raw power forming a visible, rippling wall of force that sped towards Annie.
Caught off-guard, the Female Titan had barely a second to react. She instinctively threw up her arm, the crystalline shield manifesting just in time to intercept the brunt of the spell. But the strength behind Fenrir's magic was too potent. Her crystallized arm shattered under the impact, splintering into thousands of shimmering fragments that scattered into the air.
Annie staggered, a roar of pain and surprise echoing from her form. For the first time since her transformation, her confidence faltered. She clutched her wounded arm, the crystalline stump quickly regenerating into flesh and bone, but the momentary lapse had already shifted the momentum of the fight.
Fenrir remained steadfast, his enormous form casting a shadow over the chaotic battlefield. His powerful snarl echoed through the forest, the beast's determination unwavering. His ancient magic had successfully deterred the Female Titan
The desperate battle raged on, but the Female Titan was losing ground. Eren, in his Titan form, had been doing significant damage, forcing her to retreat with her back against a tree. But just when it seemed that the tide was turning in Eren's favor, Annie managed to switch the situation around.
With a swift, brutal move, Annie decapitated Eren's Titan form, her crystallized hand slashing through the flesh and bone with terrifying efficiency. A raw, painful roar echoed through the forest as Eren's Titan head was sent flying, the body collapsing to the ground.
Before anyone could react, Annie swiftly bent down, her mouth opening to bite Eren out of the nape of his Titan neck. She was desperate, the fear of the monstrous wolf before her driving her actions. She had to escape. She had to get away from Fenrir, at any cost.
But just as she was about to make her escape, a blur of motion and a flash of blades streaked past her. It was Levi, the captain of the Special Operations Squad, and he was aiming right for Annie. He managed to slash her hand open, making her drop Eren.
"Fall back!" Levi shouted, as he grabbed Eren and swooped away, the rest of his squad covering their escape. "The commander's given the order! There's too many Titans - we're pulling back!"
Fenrir's raw growl reverberated through the trees, an echo of unfulfilled fury. His fierce green eyes locked onto the retreating Female Titan's, as if issuing an unspoken challenge. "This isn't over…" The words were low and menacing, dripping with the promise of retribution. The monstrous wolf then turned abruptly, bounding away in the opposite direction.
Gunther, gravely injured, was hoisted onto the shoulders of Levi's squad members, their faces grim but determined. His breathing was ragged, a chilling reminder of the battle's brutal intensity that had just ensued.
The monstrous wolf named Fenrir lead their desperate retreat, his massive form swiftly blending with the dense foliage and disappearing from sight. The cacophony of the battlefield dwindled into a chilling silence, punctuated only by the whispers of the wind through the trees and the distant echoes of chaos.
The pursuit was temporarily abandoned, but the tension remained, a tangible entity in the eerie calm. The shadow of the threat still hung heavily over them, as tangible as the silence that Fenrir had left in his wake.
…
Eren's eyes fluttered open, taking in the blurred shapes and muffled sounds of movement around him. As his vision cleared, the confines of the wagon and the faces of his comrades came into focus. Mikasa was at his side, her usually impassive expression showing a hint of relief as he regained consciousness.
"We're heading back," she informed him, her voice a steady anchor in the confusion of his foggy mind. "We're almost at the wall."
A sense of exhaustion was evident in her tone, speaking volumes about the intensity of the fight they'd just survived. Eren's gaze then landed on the figure seated opposite him, the green eyes a telltale sign. It was Fenrir, in his human form. The monster wolf looked calm, his gaze alert and watchful, scanning the surroundings for any signs of Titans.
Yet, there was something else in his eyes, a simmering suspicion. The smell of Bertolt and Reiner was familiar - too familiar. It was the scent of Titans. However, Fenrir appeared to be biding his time, not letting on about his suspicions.
"How many did we lose?" Eren asked, his voice hoarse.
Armin turned to look at Fenrir, his usually cheerful face somber. "Thanks to Fenrir's intervention, we lost only seven," he said, a note of awe slipping into his voice as he added, "Fenrir singlehandedly eliminated an estimated sixty to seventy Titans."
Eren nodded, his gaze meeting Fenrir's green eyes. For all the monstrous wolf's mystery, one thing was clear - they owed him their survival, at least for now.
"What about Gunther and the rest of Levi Squad? Are they-"
A weak voice interrupted Eren before he could finish. "I'll be alright," Gunther assured him, managing to force a small smile despite the clear discomfort etched on his face.
Petra, who was sitting close by, monitoring Gunther's condition, finished the sentence for him, her tone encouraging. "We all are," she chimed in.
Her gaze drifted back to Gunther, an unspoken promise of looking after their wounded comrade. The assurance in her voice filled the wagon. Even in the face of such adversity
As the ragtag group finally arrived within the safety of the district, the air was heavy with the usual disdain and ridicule. Every return from a scouting mission was met with scornful looks and whispered judgments from those who didn't understand their sacrifices. However, this time, something was different.
People weren't just focusing their attention on the Scouts; their eyes were drawn to the unique figure amidst them, Fenrir. His massive form, even in human shape, was impossible to miss. His green eyes bore into every onlooker, unflinching and unabashed.
Among the crowd, members of the Wall Cult had gathered, their expressions a mix of fascination and disdain. One of them stepped forward, a fervor in his eyes as he pointed an accusing finger at Fenrir.
"Look at this abomination!" he cried, his voice echoing off the walls of the district. "This demon... this wolf in sheep's clothing!"
The accusation caused a stir in the crowd, but Fenrir remained unperturbed. His eyes only flicked towards the man, acknowledging his words with a grim, stoic silence. There was a sense of raw power, a palpable tension emanating from him that had people stepping back, their whispering increasing. The wall cultist's words had an impact, but Fenrir's calm indifference held more weight. It was clear that the people didn't know what to make of him, and for now, that was just fine.
As the crowd's murmuring swelled, a sudden movement from one of the onlookers caught Fenrir's attention. A man with an infuriated look had picked up a stone, his arm pulled back in a clear indication of his intentions. Before anyone could react, the stone was hurtling through the air, aimed squarely at Ymir.
But Fenrir was faster. In one swift, fluid movement, his hand shot out, intercepting the stone mid-flight. His fingers closed around it, stopping it dead in its tracks. A startled gasp went through the crowd, and all eyes shifted back to Fenrir. The rock hung limply in his grip before he dropped it, letting it clatter harmlessly to the ground.
The impact of what had just happened registered in the shocked silence that followed. Ymir blinked, taken aback, and the others were staring at Fenrir with wide eyes. His intervention had been unexpected, but it was clear to everyone that Fenrir was no ordinary individual. The whispers in the crowd started anew, this time carrying a tone of wary respect. And for the Wall Cultist, his disdain was quickly replaced by a fear-laden silence.
Caught by the surprising warmth in Fenrir's gaze, Petra ventured to ask, "That ring... are you married?"
Fenrir's green eyes softened at the question. He glanced down at the ring hanging from his neck, his hand reaching up to gently caress it. "I was going to be..." he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper, "In Shiganshina District. Her name was Lilia."
He paused, swallowing hard as he stared at the ring. "She was the daughter of a bread-maker... and she was crushed when the Titans breached the walls. I...I managed to pull her out of the wreckage, but it was too late. They were already..."
He broke off, his voice thick with emotion. Petra watched him, her heart aching at the pain evident in his expression. Fenrir then raised his head, his gaze meeting hers, a flicker of something akin to recognition in his eyes. "You know, she looked a lot like you, Petra..." he admitted softly.
The words caught Petra off-guard, a flush creeping up her cheeks. She wasn't sure what to say in response, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the surrounding noise and chaos seemingly forgotten.
Ymir, observing the exchange, finally broke the silence with her own question. "Exactly how long have you been around, Fenrir?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine intrigue.
Fenrir shifted his gaze from Petra to Ymir, his expression inscrutable. "Long enough to witness too much human cruelty," he responded cryptically, but then sighed and added, "If you must know... the rumors are true. I lost count several times but since I started counting again... I'm nearing the 7000-year mark."
The revelation hanged in the air, as the wagon rumbled on, each of them lost in their own thoughts, wrestling with the weight of Fenrir's words. For someone to live through such vast stretches of time, what horrors and wonders they must have witnessed. The very thought sent shivers down their spines.
The wagon went silent for a moment, each occupant visibly taken aback by Fenrir's admission.
Eren was first to react. His eyes were wide, his mouth agape as he turned to stare at Fenrir. The concept of Fenrir's age was astonishing, almost too much to comprehend. Eren had always known that Fenrir was older, had lived far beyond normal human years, but to actually hear the number, 7000 years, was utterly mind-boggling.
Armin was next, the typically analytical and thoughtful scout seemed to have been thrown into a deep well of thoughts. His gaze had an intense far-off look as though he was mentally sifting through centuries of human history, trying to place the immense timescale of Fenrir's life within the context of everything he knew about human civilization.
The ever stoic Mikasa wore her usual emotionless expression. But even she, the unshakeable Mikasa, showed a fleeting flash of surprise in her eyes. It was clear, even though she tried to hide it, that she too was taken aback by Fenrir's revelation.
Jean was rendered speechless, a rarity in itself. His eyes darted nervously between Fenrir and the others, as if he was checking to see if this was some elaborate joke being played on him. He seemed unable to fully process the information he'd just been given.
Sasha and Connie, always the dynamic duo, exchanged bewildered glances. Their expressions mirrored each other, both of them gaping open-mouthed at Fenrir, their surprise evident.
Christa, the kind and gentle soul of the group, looked at Fenrir with an expression of awe. The idea of someone living for millennia was clearly astounding to her.
Meanwhile, Reiner and Bertolt, the two scouts who hailed from the hostile Marley and were secret titan shifters, had been quiet throughout the conversation. But now, they wore expressions of sheer shock. Bertolt, usually the more reserved one, had his eyes widened to an extent that they hadn't seen before. This revelation, it seemed, was something that not even these covert enemies had been prepared for. The magnitude of Fenrir's existence had left everyone in awe, shrouding him in an even deeper layer of mystery.