Before Jason could even utter a word, Eren wasted no time as he went to attack. This in turn caused Jason to follow after him, knowing right away that Eren wouldn't just stop. Best to help then have him die 'No wonder they call him suicidal'
Suddenly in the place of Eren, a version of his younger self appeared as Jason blamed his subconscious for reminding him once again about his failure to listen to orders 'Is this what Bruce felt?'
Back to the battle at hand, the Colossal Titan used his arm and went straight for the cannons, something that wasn't missed by either teen as they dodged the attack
'He went for the cannons! He didn't take out the gate by accident then either! He does have intelligence!'
'I thought these things were said to be mindless! Either the information is wrong or something is missing... this one clearly has a mind to use'
Suddenly the Colossal turned back to the duo trying to battle against him and reached out to make a grab for either one of them, but he was too slow. Both used their gear and shot a cable towards the Titan as they landed on his arm. Eren once again charged forward, running up his arm much to Jason's annoyance 'Does this kid even have a plan?'
The Colossal Titan took notice of this and turned his arm, making Eren lose his balance, while Jason was able to use the cable still attached to swing around and saw that Eren had once again attached his own gear to the Titan. At least he seemed to know what he was doing Jason hoped
Locking eyes with Jason's blue ones, the former Robin seemed to get what Eren wanted to do and nodded as a sly smirk appeared on his face
Both went for the weak point... only to get steam blown in their face. However as much as it burned, neither was determined to just up and let go
Instead they charged into the steam!
Cutting through, they were shocked at the fact that there was nothing
Hanging from the wall, after regaining their senses, Jason turned to the brunette "Where'd he go?"
"It's just like 5 years ago. He appeared only to suddenly disappear" Eren replied, this made Jason look confused 'How could a Titan as tall as that disappear! No way something as big as that could disappear... unless they could change their size or had a human form to blend in'
Once back on the wall, Eren couldn't meet the eyes of his teammates "I'm sorry. I let him get away"
"I was also there with you Eren and let him get away. As much as I hate to admit these sorts of things, not all the blame is yours" Jason added still trying to understand how the Titan disappeared
"What are you two apologizing for? We were so scared-"
"Hey! There's no time for that! The Wall's been broken! We have to hurry and seal it before the Titans get in again!" Connie snapped
Suddenly a Garrison solider appeared, making all the teens salute him, even Jason who was distracted, having a ton of thoughts running through his mind gave a lazy salute as well "What are you doing? The Colossal Titan Response Operation is already underway! Return to HQ at once! Anyone who's come into contact with it, remember to give a report!"
"Yes sir!" Eren said
"We pray for the advance team's success!" Connie added as the group left for HQ
A couple of minutes later
At the HQ, a Garrison solider was seen giving orders "You trainees have successfully graduated! You are now proper soldiers! I have high hopes for you in this operation!"
"You're telling me you got a first hand look at this Titan!" Tim whisper shouted to not draw much attention their way
"They weren't kidding about the size of these things. That Colossal Titan is bigger than these freaking walls! Worst of all is the fact that it got away without anyone noticing" Jason said
This caused Tim to raise an eyebrow "What do you mean it got away?" he asked, getting everything he needed and double checking his own equipment
"One minute both Eren and I are fighting it. Then it released some burning hot steam to our faces and when we went in to land the killing blow... it was just gone. Disappeared like how the old man does with Gordon" Jason explained and in a lower voice added "Unlike the information we've been given about how Titans are mindless, this one seemed to have intelligence. You're the brains here... so tell me this, is it possible for these Titans to change their sizes or have a human form?"
Before Tim could even respond, a voice called out "Everyone to the courtyard once your finished up!"
Jason was about to walk away, until Tim grabbed his sleeve, making the older teen stop "If what you said is true, we need to keep our guard up and be prepared to give it our all. No holding back. Use your own gear if you have to, just try not to be seen since I'd rather try and avoid confrontations if possible"
"This coming from the guy who literally made me promise to hold back my skills with the threat of burning all my limited edition classical books" Jason sarcastically commented as the two walked towards the courtyard
Tim sighed "I was there Jason, you don't need to remind me about every single thing I've said since we got here... Just do whatever you want" and with that he left his adopted brother behind, neither noticing the onlooker who had been listening in on their conversation as they turned away
Once everyone was in the courtyard, in the front stood a brown haired male solider "As practiced, you will now split into yours squads and resupply, message relay and Titan-clearing duties under the command of the Garrisons! The Garrison incept squad will take the vanguard. The trainees, led by the support squad, will take the middle guard and the Garrison's elite squad will take the rearguard. Additionally, I've received word that the advance team has been wiped out!"
Everyone looked shocked at this, while two particular teens looked as they expected something like that to happen
"The outer gate has been breached and the Titans have been allowed inside. In other words, the Armored Titan could very well appear again and demolish the inner gate at any time!"
"You can't be serious!"
"You gotta be kidding me!"
Jason sighed and turned towards Tim "This guy looks like he's about to drop death on the ground. Look at his face, it screams terrified! No way would he survive in Gotham"
Tim nodded in agreement "I would have hidden my true emotions and tried to inspire confidence into everyone, not scare them even more to death"
"The vanguard is currently engaged with the enemy. This defense operation has but one objective: Defend Wall Rose until the citizens have finished evacuating. Also, as I'm sure you're well aware desertion is punishable by death! Be prepared to lay down your lives! Dismissed!"
'Did this guy literally just ask all these kids to die?!'
"Sir!"
Soon everyone was running around as they prepared for the battle
"Why today? I would've been on my way to the interior tomorrow" Jean said as he covered his face in despair and moved pass various other trainees who seemed to have just given up
Due to not paying attention to his surrounding, he ended up colliding with Eren
"Hey Jean, what is wrong with you?" asked Eren as he grabbed ahold of his arm
"What's wrong? That's easy for you to say, Suicidal Maniac! You wanted to join the Survey Corps! You're ready to be Titan chow anytime! But I was heading for the interior tomorrow!"
Jean's screaming caught the attention of Tim as he and Mikasa both moved towards Eren
"Calm down" Eren said
"You expect me to calm down and accept death?!" now Jason's attention had been caught, as he stood close enough to hear the exchange
Eren in response pushed him back against the pillar behind him "No. Think back! Think back to the three years of sweat and blood we endured! So many time we came close to dying those three years! Some people did die. Some ran off. Others were kicked out. But we survived. Right?"
By this point, many trainees had stopped and were listening to Eren's speech
"I'm sure we can survive today, too! You can just survive today and leave for the interior tomorrow!" Eren finished as Jean was seen blinking and soon walked away with Daz following him soon after
Jason was planning on talking to Tim about something, but was called over by another solider as they assigned him his position
"Eren" Mikasa spoke, catching the brunette's attention "If the battle gets chaotic, come find me"
"Huh? We're in different squads!"
"In amidst the fray, things don't go according to plan. I'll protect you!"
"Trainee Ackerman" the Garrison solider Ian suddenly interrupted the two "You're in the rearguard. Special orders come with me. Trainee Drake, you're on the same squad as Yeager"
Mikasa looked shocked "I-I'm not skilled enough! I'll only be a burden!" she protested, Eren looking at her, while Tim realized her problem
"I am not asking for your opinion. The citizen's evacuation is behind schedule. We need as many elite soldiers near them as possible. Your adopted brother Todd, is also going to be included there Trainee Drake" Ian said, as Tim nodded. Better Jason be there than him, after all should things get really bad he'll be there to help knowing he has his gear hidden on him
Eren tilted his head, Tim and Jason were adopted brothers? He thought they were actually related since they almost literally looked similar
"B-but-"
"Hey!" Eren spoke snapping out of his thoughts as he gave Mikasa a head-but, shocking Tim slightly "Quit freaking out like everyone else. Humanity's on the verge of extinction here. This is no time to go and impose your own selfish rules!"
Before Mikasa could respond, Tim suddenly spoke up "She's just worried about you. When Shiganshina was attacked, you both lost your family. For Mikasa, you and Armin are all she has left, so it makes sense she'd want to be at your side and be there should things go wrong. She's worried of losing her only family left. Aren't you worried about her own safety? She is gonna be on a different squad from you after all"
Eren looked down at the ground. If you think about it that way... Tim was right, both her and Armin are his best friends, the people he treasures the most and if something should happen to either one of them when he could have protected them... he'd never forgive himself
"No, you shouldn't defend my actions. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly" Mikasa said and suddenly grabbed Eren's sleeve "I do have one thing to ask. Please don't die"
He noticed how her eyes wouldn't meet his and saw how terribly worried she actually was. He sighed and lifted her head up, making Mikasa look at him. Eren gave her a determined look "I don't plan on dying anytime soon. After all, both Armin and I made a promise to see the ocean and see what the world outside is really like. Also I promised you when we were younger that I'd never leave you either... Mikasa, you be careful out there as well. Try and focus on your own safety more and don't do anything reckless because you were distracted by us" with that, he walked away with an uneasy expression, thinking about Tim's words
Tim on the other hand looked at the raven haired girl and gave her a small smile "Don't worry, I'll do my best to keep on eye on both him and Armin for you. Promise" he sincerely said, making Mikasa's eyes widen
"Thank you Tim"
With Squad 34
"Hey Armin! This sure is the perfect chance, don't you think? If we prove ourselves in this first battle before we've even joined the Scouts, we rookies will shoot up in the ranks for sure! Eren said with a grin
Armin seemed to be in agreement as he nodded "Yeah. No question about it"
"Just so you know, quite a few of us wanna join the Scouts this year" Mina suddenly said
"You beat us to the punch earlier, but you won't outdo us this time!"
"Whoever takes out the most Titans wins!" Thomas replied
"You're on!"
"Count me in!"
"May the best person win!"
Turning towards Tim, Armin asked if he was gonna participate in on the competition. Seeing the eager looks on everyone's faces, Tim just chuckled and nodded "Alright, I'll join in. Just don't expect me to go easy"
Eren grinned "Wouldn't dream of it!"
"Squad 34, move out! Bolster the vanguard!"
"Alright! Let's go!"
"That many Titans got in already?" Mina said, taking note of the various Titans walking around
"The vanguard's been totally routed!"
"What are our glory-hounded seniors doing?"
'I figured things would be bad, but this...' Eren thought, only to suddenly notice a Titan "An Abnormal! Look out!"
Everyone quickly moved out of the way, as it slammed into a tower. The group watched, with Eren hanging from the edge in horror at the scene before them
With half his body inside the Titan, Thomas gasped looking at his teammates. The Titan soon threw its head back and swallowed the poor teen, ending his life and walking away
Tim couldn't help but tighten his hold on his swords. He was ashamed at having gotten someone on his squad killed, not being able to do anything other than watch
Eren on the other hand became enraged "Where the hell are you going?!"
"Eren, don't go off on your own!" Armin shouted
"Get back here, damn it!" Eren shouted, taking off after the Titan and Tim not wasting any time in chasing after the teen
"Eren! Tim!" Armin yelled as he and the rest of the squad chased after the duo
Still in his clouded anger state of mind, Eren continued his chase "You're gonna pay for killing Thomas! I won't let you get away. I won't!"
Just as he shot forward, something collided with him and saved him from the incoming Titan that he wouldn't have noticed. Both teens landed on a roof... scratch that, one landed on the roof perfectly, while Eren rolled and only stopped after hitting a wall
"Are you crazy?! Jumping into battle without any sort of plan is reckless! You didn't even notice a Titan was this close to making you its lunch either! Flying in blind rage won't do you any good!" said a voice to the brunette, trying there best not to snap, but failing
Eren looked surprised at who was in front of him and slowly turned his attention at the Titan he hadn't even realized was coming towards him. Suddenly realizing what Tim said was true, Eren wondered what might happened had the teen not arrived in time
"Eren! Tim!" Armin called, landing on a roof away from them
The others on the squad weren't so lucky however as Armin could do nothing but watch in horror at the scene before him, Eren and Tim doing the same. Mina, Milieus and Nic were all seen dying at the hands of the Titans
'Why? Why am I... watching as my friends get eaten?' the blonde thought as a 15-meter suddenly appeared, standing there with a smile
"Armin! Get out of there!" Eren's voice called out, but even if Armin wanted to move... his body wouldn't listen 'Why won't... my body... move?' went on in Armin's head as he felt himself get picked up by the Titan, positioned above his mouth
Just before Armin could be dropped into the Titan's mouth...
The Battle of Trost has started and what a cliffhanger! With Tim in the picture I don't think he would have let Eren get his leg chomped off or eaten, especially after promising Mikasa he'd look after him for her. Due to this Eren wouldn't become a Titan yet, but he will, don't worry or scream at me😓 Also Tim and Jason might have a lot of training, but even they couldn't have known the true threat Titans possessed when faced with one for the first time