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"Colossal incoming! GET TO COVER!"

Whoever that was had a damn good pair of lungs on them. I closed the basement door again and flung myself down the stairs, shoulder screaming as me as I tumbled and rolled. The impact of the colossal swept across the place before I heard it, and long before I saw any evidence. Boom. I crawled under the table nearby, dust and grime clinging to me as I panted, trying not to panic. Who was left out there exposed? Who was–

WHOOSH.

The second wave of impact, the heat and pressure of the Colossal's transformation.

The house above rattled and groaned, the whole structure being swayed by the impact and heat. And that came next. The sheer heat of the transformation at this range was blistering, and the air around me immediately became thick and hard to drag into my lungs. And that was before the smoke hit. Whatever was left of the structure above ground now smouldered, flecks of softly glowing splinters falling between the boards above. Daisy's world, obliterated. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes.

My heart hammered. Don't go back there, don't do it.

You're not a little girl anymore, you're not at the mercy of that animal, no.

This was a new set of bastards.

The smoke clung to my throat and my nails dragged against the stonework. It wasn't the same. I wouldn't get out of here via that little window and find myself alone in the world. No. Not everyone would be gone. It didn't have to repeat. It didn't have to. I wouldn't have to start all over again, peering at the world from behind my own walls. Afraid to let anyone know me. No. Please no.

A deep cracking noise appeared above me. Shit. No time to move. I curled tighter and braced myself. Thunder descended and fire followed. Slam. Crash. Splinters erupted around me and beams pinned the table, splitting it and trapping me beneath. Something caught along my arm, curling me in the other direction. Something pierced my leg and burned, ripping a scream from me. I'd be buried alive down here. Move. Move or die. Right where you were meant to die all those years ago, buried below your Mother and little brother. Shit. No. MOVE! An opening appeared. I took the chance. It was that or die in that hole, and I wasn't about to let that place be my grave.

I owed that to myself and that little girl that crawled away the first time.

The beam of light was small, barely bigger than the window I'd used to escape when I was a child. But it was that or die. So I just started clambering, doing my best not to look down at my leg. It always hurt more once you realised how bad an injury was. Just keep moving. You can do this.

If the Colossal had appeared, the fight was just getting started. Vincent's notebook dug into my ribs as I squeezed past another beam, the weight above me groaned as the fires continued. Fresh air hit my face. Closer. I kept scrambling. Hang on guys, someone else is alive, someone else could fight. But the spaces were so small, I had to abandon my gear. Every part of me as a Scout said not to, but I had no choice. It gave way. Clunk. Clunk. I'd be stranded on street level, but better that than burnt alive. Dammi t. One last haul. Nearly there…

It was almost nostalgic, heaving myself through a small opening, clambering out the back of the house, surrounded by flames. I landed in a heap and stared up at the blue sky. Clouds drifted past, and then the tendrils of smoke. And then I heard the screaming. I blinked and sat up, making myself take stock of the damage to my leg. Ew. Not good, but at least I couldn't see bone sticking out. I grabbed a small piece of debris and strapped my leg as best I could with my uniform's spares. It would at least get me back to the others. If there were any 'others' left.

I used the rubble to hold myself up, dragging myself along the street. It was slow progress, but progress all the same. I had to get back to the group, to find out what the hell was happening, to let them know I had survived, to find out who else was alive. What had happened beyond the wall? So many questions, and yet here I was reduced to a damn crawl. I knew the streets so well, the echoes of old memories rattled in my mind. Every broken cobble, every bit of debris, it jarred with the memories of me and Keza running together. Of sun-filled afternoons, or rain pattered mornings. Of course there was pain as well – it was no secret that my life was a mess – but what can I say, I was feeling nostalgic. And revisiting days with Keza was a hell of a lot better than focusing on the present.

The quiet worried me, but the low ringing persisting in my ears also indicated that my hearing might be slightly damaged. No need to panic yet. I had just narrowly dodged being incinerated after all. Flaming debris rained down again and as it rebounded and smashed around, I slipped and hit the dirt. Ow. I bit lip, the scream burning at the base of my throat as my damaged leg seared. Had I made it worse? Shit. Don't look. Don't fucking look. And I suppressed the scream because I had no idea who was nearby, it could be foes as easily as it could be allies. Beyond that, I didn't want to distract Levi if he was in earshot – by now I assumed he would know my scream amongst any others. Likewise I would know his. A moment later I drew in a smoke soaked deep breath, and released it shakily. All right, keep moving. The Colossal was almost at the wall, his slow progress having outpaced me by miles obviously. Was everyone else already dead? If so, Humanity was fucked. I could barely stand, let alone take that shithead on. Beyond that, I didn't have my gear. The breeze shifted and thick smoke clogged my path, sending me into a choking fit. Concentrate on your own progress, idiot. Trust that the others are there to do something. If not… Crawl across that burning bridge when get that far.

I hauled myself upright and kept moving, hearing the vague echoes of something happening with the Colossal but unable to see much with my smoke bleared eyes. Dammit what was happening over there? It looked like he had stopped moving. But what was with all the extra steam? Maybe the others were trying to attack and he was defending himself, but surely he couldn't keep that up forever? Maybe that was the point. Maybe they were wearing him down. Maybe. I kept my head down and concentrated on staying upright, my leg having begun to feel strangely numb. That couldn't be good.

It felt like hours, but finally I reached the main road, and then I realised the Colossal wasn't letting out steam any longer. Not on purpose anyway. No. He was vaporising. He was dead? Cut out? Shit. They had done it? Or had the enemy already won? I dragged myself a bit quicker. The voices ahead were familiar at least, but understandably they didn't exactly sound cheerful. Shouting and bickering sounded from a few roofs further along. I broke into the house in question and climbed to the attic, finding a hatch up there to get me to the roof. Something that should have taken a mere few minutes nearly taking ten. As I made progress my body ached all over, the shock of my fall, the debris pinning me, whatever new damage I had done to my leg. Were my ribs also fractured? Maybe? Breathing was starting to hurt. Bugger.

My bloodied trail continued, until finally I opened the latch and got out onto the roof. The group went silent, a few blades already drawn and pointed at me. Good to know they were still being alert. And that answered my question on whether we had beaten the other bastards yet – not quite. But then I blinked and took in the scene. What the hell was happening?

Hanji stood holding Mikasa back, one of Hanji's eyes bloodied behind a broken lens.

Levi stood over the body of Commander Erwin, syringe in hand.

Another body lay nearby, but I couldn't tell who the hell it was, they were burnt to a crisp.

Flock was nearby, looking confused.

And Eren was a metre or so away, blood dribbling from his chin, tears streaked down his panicked face.

And finally Bertholdt lay partially chopped into pieces, unconscious at the side.

Well, shit.

And they looked at me in total shock and surprise. Presumably they had assumed I was dead. I gave a small wave and hauled myself a little closer, noting the greyness of Erwin's complexion, and the bandaging wrapped tight around his middle.

I tried to find my words. "W-What's happening?"

"We're saving the Commander." Levi spoke, not raising his eyes to me, not moving them from his Commander.

Mikasa sobbed. "But Armin–"

"Stop!" Hanji shushed, looking more like she was hugging the girl than anything else.

And then I felt cold all over. The burnt body was Armin? My eyes bleared as the choice became clearer to me, and I didn't envy Levi for a moment. He had known the Commander for so long, their bond was deep, and Levi genuinely believed in Erwin's ability to save Humanity. But Armin… He was damn brilliant as well. He had done so much for us, the regiment and Humanity recently. His ingenuity had saved us many times over. But it was Levi's call.

I cleared my throat. Clearly there had already been a debate over the subject, and their hearts were all in tatters. I didn't even know who remained alive beyond this small group. Maybe this was it. I had no idea. But they were all hurting. All in pain.

My voice cracked. "If you're doing this, we better move away. Don't want the pure Titan getting confused and eating a non-shifter."

Eren looked at me with wide eyes. "Don't you have any opinion?"

"On who deserves to be saved more?" I asked, and he nodded slowly. Looking at me like I was some kind of life-line, a saving grace. I swallowed hard. "I… I care for them both dearly, and rate both their abilities to help Humanity on equal standing. And… A-And this is Levi's call, not mine, not yours."

"But Armin–"

"No Eren." I snapped, and he sobbed. "As much as you care for your friend, one you've known for years, consider how Captain Levi and Hanji feel. They've served with Erwin for years. Hanji may have even trained with him, I'm not sure. They were comrades and friends. This isn't as simple as you're pretending." I sniffed and looked at the bodies. "It's an impossible thing."

"D-Damn it…" Eren cried and I was glad. Feel it kid. For fuck's sake keep feeling.

I sucked in a breath. "Though I will ask one thing, if I may?"

Levi glanced my way, a look of pleading in his eyes. I can't be sure if it was pleading for silence or help, but either way, I had to ask. He gave me a nod.

I was shivering. "Are you making this decision as a man, or as a Captain?"

He closed his eyes. I didn't need the answer per say, and I think he knew that, but it seemed like he needed to be reminded of that line. And in all honesty, I couldn't be sure which side he should have been focused on for that decision. Of course I don't know that. Whatever he chose, we were losing a brilliant mind, and more importantly, a friend. And perhaps Keza was losing a husband.

"Come on guys, we need to move. Good luck, Captain." I gave a salute and turned to Hanji who had managed to let go of Mikasa. "Can someone help me up there? No gear and a few too many injuries."

Hanji nodded, and held her arms open to me, the hug doing us both more good than I think we thought possible. As we ascended, I could hear Eren crying still, I could smell the smoke from all the destruction, and I could see Levi looking up after us. And in that moment I was immensely thankful to have managed to get away with only some non-fatal injuries, and beyond that, the ongoing proof that the serum simply didn't work on me. I had been removed as a choice by chance as well as circumstance. There was no telling how messy it might have got otherwise.

Atop the wall, Hanji eased me onto the ground and laid me back. Others were being tended to up there as well, and judging by how focused Hanji was on my injuries, we had no reason to fear the other enemies appearing. I wouldn't question it. For now, I just bit down on a spare strap while Hanji cleaned my leg wound, rebraced it, and then strapped my ribs.

She gave me some water. "Where were you when the Colossal appeared? We assumed you were caught up in the blast, but you must have had cover."

"I'd been about to leave Vincent's basement when I heard the warning call. Dove back down there and crawled out as the building collapsed."

Hanji held my hand tightly. "Another close call then?"

"Mm, perhaps." I squeezed. "You should let me have a look at that eye."

"I'll wait for a proper medic love." She smirked and shook her head. "It's what Moblit would have said, anyway."

I shuddered. Past tense. "So he…"

"Yes. Saved me instead of himself." She pursed her lips. "We've lost so much in this mission."

"The Scouts always go on missions, ready to lose it all, don't they?"

"I guess." She closed her eye and drew a shaken breath. "But they're all gone, Robyn. Those who were posted beyond Shiganshina, down there, they're just… gone."

From where I was lying I could only look along the horizon. The bloodied field was hidden from my sight long before the world blurred by my tears. They had been mainly fresh recruits, new to the life. And now? Dead on the field. Left to only serve the next cycle of plant growth. Fertiliser.

"The Beast Titan?"

"Mm. Levi was meant to take him out, nearly managed it I think, but this Beast guy is a practised fighter. I'd guess he was some kind of soldier in his own right."

I looked up at the sky and watched the clouds for a few moments. So not only had the Beast taken out the majority of our regiment, was likely to blame for the death of Mike, but he had also bested Levi? Not as egregious a crime, but very much as terrifying. How the hell could we fight against something like that? Could we? Yes. Yes of course we fucking could, we just had to keep adapting, keep learning. And a big step towards that will be Dr Jaeger's basement. I think. I hope. Please. Please be worth at least some of this pain.

"Did you find anything in your father's basement?"

I reached into my pack and brought out the old diary. "I wasn't able to read much of it, but it seemed like the best bet going forward."

"I'm sure it'll have something useful in it." Hanji took it and put it in her own bag. I hadn't looked but it seemed likely mine was damaged or soaked in blood.

For the time being I just watched the sky, well aware that we still had plenty of work to do. And just then a dull roar from a fresh Titan sounded from below, and I closed my eyes to the reality that someone had been chosen. Armin or Erwin? And how much was Levi going to torment himself over that decision? Hanji's grip on my hand tightened for a moment and then eased as I heard others sigh in relief, presumably the horrible part was over. Someone new had become a shifter. Bertholdt was gone. Thinking back to the sweaty, unsure kid from the training camp, I felt a swell of pity. But then I recalled the devastation of Shiganshina, the first time, and now. He strode through those streets, casting fire all around him. Whatever his true motivations had been, we wouldn't likely ever know. But regardless, I hoped it hurt like hell when he died. For every life stolen by his actions, every family torn apart by his will. Burn you fucker. Burn.

"Why're you crying, Robyn?" Hanji wiped my cheeks free of the tears I hadn't realised were falling.

I frowned and closed my eyes. "Because we just lost one of them… whoever Levi didn't pick. And possibly because I was just rejoicing in the death of someone who essentially was just a fucking child… This world is insane."

"Glad to know I'm not the only one confused about being glad of Bertholdt's death."

"Just think how the one who ate him is going to feel." I opened my eyes as a shadow passed over, a couple of birds skirted by the clouds and gave soft calls to the wind. Keep going guys, don't pause to look down here, don't linger.

The sound of wires approached and I asked Hanji to help me sit up. I wanted to see who had been chosen, who was now our newest Shifter, who had taken on the role of the Colossal Titan and all that complicated shit entailed.

Armin.

Relief, confusion, heart-ache and joy swelled up inside of me and burst free in a sudden sob. He was laid onto a cloak and covered, his uniform having been mostly burnt away when he was helping them take down Bertholdt. Of course he was unconscious for the time being; though really we had no way of knowing for how long. Eren had no frame of reference for how long the initial transformation could take to recover from. Still, he sat by his friend, staring imploringly at his sleeping face. He and Mikasa had got their wish. No doubt there was some punishment headed their way after all this, if we survived. I hadn't seen anything, but the fact Eren had some teeth knocked out tended to indicate something major had gone down on that roof before I arrived.

Levi landed a moment later and he came over to me and Hanji, where he knelt and busied himself with some bandaging on my leg. It was fine, it didn't need any attention, but I didn't dare stop his hands. Something had to distract him from this. He had chosen Armin, and now Erwin was no doubt lying down there, dead. Our Commander was gone. Keza was now a widow. Hanji would now be the fully-fledged Commander, not just a stand-in. So much was changing.

"Breathe." I said, briefly touching the back of his hand, but not lingering. Right now he would need space, and it was the least I could do.

"We should prepare for finding Jaeger's basement."

The mission. Right now he couldn't look beyond that.

Hanji nodded. "From the fact Robyn's still with us, I don't think too much of the destruction reached that side of town. We should have a fairly clear path."

I tried to get up, but both of them held me down and shook their heads. Perhaps it was one trip I didn't need to go on. I laid back down and concentrated on my breathing.

Levi glanced back at me, the corners of his mouth twitching ever so slightly. "See you soon, Brat."

"I'll be waiting, Captain."

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