Chapter Twenty-Two
Attack On Stohess District
A/N: Merry Christmas or Happy December 25th! Whatever you celebrate, please stay safe out there!
Also, I bring you the new title: There Is A Reason. I hope you all enjoy.
Disclaimer: Attack on Titan does not belong to me, I only own Emalina and any other OC's. The new story picture does not belong to me; I hold no Copyright and found the picture through Google Images.
~ oOo ~
EMALINA
"Squads Three and Four, GO!"
The last twenty-four hours had been exhausting.
Rising before the crack of dawn, Jean and I woke in each other's arms, wishing we had extra time for ourselves, though we know it would only push back the mission. Sadly, we rose. I dressed as casually as I could; dark pants, my blue shirt and basic shoes instead of the knee-high boots. My ODM straps were wrapped around my limbs in preparation for when we arrived in Stohess. And, last but not least, a basic, green cloak was placed over my shoulders.
Jean, on the other hand, was Eren's decoy. So, he had to dress like him.
Watching as the man dressed in khaki pants and a white button up, I could feel my mouth drooling just watching his body. He chuckled as I had to slap my cheeks.
Dressed as he was, Jean looked nothing like Eren, until Levi stopped by with the piece that would seal the deal. Handing him the wig, I swore Levi snickered. Helping Jean place the wig on properly, it took several minutes to adjust the piece so it lay correctly with the right amount on fringe in just the right spot. Knowing there was nothing else to be done, Levi and I stepped back, as he had to ensure Jean was adequate enough to look like Eren before we could leave. He received the Captain's approval, which meant we were ready to go.
Once everybody was ready, we departed for Stohess District. Armin and Mikasa wore their cloaks the entire time with Eren keeping his hood up to conceal his identity. We wanted any and all who saw Jean to believe he was Eren Jaeger.
It was a long and quiet trek, most people keeping to themselves. Jean and I chatted, but it was quick. The weight of today's events weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders.
By the time we made it close enough towards the gate into the district, Jean said goodbye, opting not to kiss me in case we were to be seen. We had to keep the facade, after all. Stuck by Levi's side, we all followed behind. The Military Police were waiting just outside the gate before we were even granted access inside. Navigated to enter the provided carriage, Jean gave me one last glance as I nodded, his return gesture confirmed we were ready for this.
Leading the carriage away, the Military Police followed in sync, with the rest of the Scouts treaded on their heels. It was unnerving not knowing what was coming. Hange and Moblit eventually split with the main group in search of their specific destination as numerous others moved to hide within the shadows. Last night, we had most of the Scouts traverse to Stohess where they could lay in waiting, dressed in civilians clothing to blend into the crowd. All had been prepared, everything was now set up. We simply had to trust Armin to successfully persuade Annie in helping them into the underground tunnel.
Just as the gate closed behind us, the carriage hoisting Jean had set off, trolling through the city. Erwin, having appeared by my side, grasped my arm and gently pulled me into shadows. Knowing it was time, I glanced up at the taller man.
"Emalina, you're sure you can handle this?"
"Yes sir," I stated prominently.
"Good, we're counting on you." Taking hold of my shoulder, Erwin's face fell slightly. "Hange and Moblit have already secured their position with Squads One and Two, as have Eren, Armin and Mikasa. I want you to find Squads Three and Four and wait there with them. These Squads are under your control. They will only move in when you give the order."
"We'll surround the tunnel location and only advance if she transforms," I stated as a matter of fact. Securing both blades in hand, I nodded at the Commander. "I'm not sure how, but this will end in our favor."
"Yes it will, Emalina, I have no doubt. I'll be following the carriage carrying Jean; inform me of any changes in the plan asap. Now go; they've probably found Annie by now."
"Sir!"
Sending myself flying, I quickly maneuvered across the roofing, noting Hange and Moblit location near the wall across the way. They had secured the location between the streets with their explosive wired barrels. As it worked last time to secure the Female Titan, it should hold this time as well.
It didn't take long for me to find Squads Three and Four.
Falling onto the roofing, everyone gathered towards me as I glanced to the street below. Eren, Armin and Mikasa could be seen with Annie leading them away. Glancing at the men and woman behind me, I said, "They're down below. Are all those as civilians in place?"
"Yes, they're waiting for the attack if needed," one answered.
"Perfect. We'll follow them on foot, and will only cross buildings once they're ahead of us. Understood?"
"Sir!" They all answered in lowered voices.
"Good, let's head out!"
And so, we followed along the trail, watching from above how Annie guided our friends in the shadows of each building. The tunnel we specifically chose was located near a dead end street. l If Annie doesn't turn, she only has one way to run on foot. Except, if she uses her ODM, my Squads would capture her from all angles.
Suddenly grasping my thigh, I groaned; one of the Scouts noticed and walked up to my side. "Emalina, you ok?"
"Yes," I said a little too quickly. "My thigh's just tender, but I'll be alright."
"Are you sure? We can handle this if you want to stay here, and - "
"No, no," I interrupted him. Waving off the rest of the conversation, my eyes followed the four below. "Alright, they're on the move, so it's time. Let's go!" And so, we followed.
Sticking close to the edge of each building, we only crossed when necessary once Annie was in front of our location. There were a few close calls as Annie peered upwards towards the sky. Other than that, it was smooth sailing until we finally reached the dead end street with the tunnel. I held up my hand for all others to stop as I watched the scene from above. Their voices couldn't be heard, though that didn't matter. Turning to everyone beside me, I said, "Alright, Squad Three you'll stay on this side. Squad Four, loop around the buildings and spread out, it'll be a better advantage to surround the area in case she transforms. Once she does, do not attack her nape, go for only her ankles or arms to bring her down. If she runs off, guide her towards the wall where Hange and Moblit are!"
Another Scout questioned, "You seem certain she'll transform."
"I know she will. Once she deduces we know her true identity, she'll want to escape at all costs. We cannot let that happen."
"Sir!" Everyone said in unison before departing to their specified areas.
By the time everyone was in place, Eren, Armin and Mikasa had just entered the tunnel, leaving Annie behind. From my position, I could not hear what they were saying. Clearly they were in deep discussion as Annie refrained from entering the tunnel. Why though? I wondered. What is stopping her from…oh shit. My eyes widened at the thought, peering closer to see her frozen frame.
She knows!
Her piercing laughter entered my ears. Taken back, I watched as the woman we trained with roared with laughter, the sound echoing across the barren street. I glanced around at the others, just as confused as I. What in the hell, why is she laughing? What are they even discussing?! And then, everything after happened in slow motion.
Armin triggered the flare gun.
Those dressed in civilians clothing ran towards the target, capturing her so she couldn't move.
Then the explosion of a titan transformation.
Hand held high, I didn't want the Squads heading in just yet, we needed to see what Annie's plan was. I could here several Scouts yell that they needed to fight the titan and I should let them go. When I remained silent, their voices fell as well. We watched, waiting to see what would take place when the Female crashed her foot into the buildings, laying waste to stone and wood. Armin and Mikasa suddenly escaped from the tunnel, each exiting from a different location. Mikasa immediately started attacking Annie as Armin looped around, digging through the rubble that was now the tunnel. My guess was that Eren was still trapped inside.
"Squads Three and Four, GO! Stop the female at all costs!"
All Scout members jumped into the air, flying their way towards Annie as they maneuvered around her fists and feet. I only stayed long enough to see everyone flying around the titan, trying their best to avoid being caught. They slashed her ankles, sending her flying towards the ground, only for her to stand up once again and move. I had to report to Erwin as instructed, though he already knew Annie had transformed. Just as I did, he knew from the beginning she would. Then again, who hadn't seen the enormous explosion? I'm surprised there wasn't an alarm system set in place in case this ever happened.
Then again, this was Wall Sina. I bet their own Military Police aren't even prepared to tackle one titan.
I didn't run. I couldn't run. Instead, I used my ODM gear the entire way. Swinging through the city my dad told me to avoid would've been thrilling if it wasn't for the giant human-eating titan parading around.
Hovering above the tall buildings, I focused on trying to find the carriage. Poor Jean was most likely wondering what was happening outside his little cage, as no one would tell 'Eren Jaeger' what the explosion was. It took a few minutes to find the carriages, and once I did, I could see the confrontation between the Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dawk, and Erwin Smith. I slowed my acceleration, dropping nice and easy due to my leg as I scrambled towards Levi just as I heard their conversation. Levi nodded in my direction as I scanned around, waiting for the opportune moment before I decided to intervene.
"Deploy all troops immediately!" Erwin was smooth with his command, which is one of the reasons I respected him so much. "We should assume a titan has already appeared."
"Are you out of your mind?!" Niles didn't seem to believe his fellow comrade. Disbelief was written all over his face as Levi and I shared a glance. "This is Wall Sina! There's no way a titan would just suddenly show up here!"
His remark made me snort as Levi smacked my arm, his own smirk threatening to grow. From behind, we heard one of the carriages opening to reveal Jean in all his disguise glory. The MP guarding his carriage shoved Jean against the door, yelling, "Who told you to move, Jaeger?!"
"How 'bout this damn wig said I could! Moron!" We watched as Jean pulled the wig off his head, revealing the true hair beneath. Caught off guard, the soldier had no idea what to think or do as he watched my boyfriend run away, cloak in hand. "Call me Jaeger again and it's your ass, you got that?!"
Running up to my side side, Jean grabbed my hand, glancing between Levi and Erwin. "Commander, what's the plan?"
"That all depends on what Emalina has to say," he pointed in my direction.
Levi nudged me with his non-injured foot. "So what's the verdict, shorty?"
"Obviously Annie's turned. Squad's Three and Four are keeping her at bay from outside the designated pathway. I've instructed them to lead her towards Hange and Moblit's squad by the wall. However…"
"What of Eren?" Levi asked, fully turned towards us now.
"I-I'm not sure. My plan was to check after leaving here. The Female collapsed the tunnel and nearby buildings. Armin and Mikasa escaped but Eren's trapped inside."
"Alright." Holding his chin, Erwin considered my words as he glanced back at Niles. "Jean, ask Squad Five for equipment."
"Sir!" Taking hold of my hand, Jean stepped away, only for my brother's voice to stop him.
"Like the brass balls, but try not to swing 'em so hard they get you killed. Oh, and one more thing." Pointing his index at me, Levi said with his typical stoic expression, "Keep her safe. And make sure she doesn't fight."
"Sir!"
Still holding my hand, he pulled he aside, only realizing I hobbled against his side as I couldn't, more like shouldn't, run. Instead, Jean grasped me from underneath my legs, opting to carry me towards Squad Five's location. Levi chuckled as I waved goodbye.
As we traversed through the city, there were screams. Lots of screams. Individuals ran in all different directions, though mainly away from where we could see the top of Annie's head. Maneuvering through the frantic crowd, we were soon upon the Squad as Jean gently placed me on the ground. Helping loop the leather straps across his body, we then placed the gear against his hips, working together to tie the contraption together. Once everything was in place, he picked me up once more, carrying my body through the city as we dashed between the panicked crowd.
The screams of the crowd were horrendous. Children clung to their mother's; men ran around frantically, not knowing what to do; any and all were crying out because they had never seen a titan.
"It's the titans! Run!"
"We're all going to die!"
"How'd they get inside the Wall?!"
Honestly? There was a part of me that wanted to laugh. One of the reason's my father told me never to live within the Inner Circle was because they believed they truly were impervious to the titans. Seeing the people run around screaming and crying was hopefully a wake up call for them to acknowledge: no one is impervious to the titans.
"Watch it!" Jean suddenly screamed. Dragged from my thoughts, I glanced around, noting the crowd had grown thicker as my arms tightly held Jean's neck. "Useless MP bastards!" Following his line of sight, I noted how the Military Police merely stood in their places, watching while frozen in place from the safety of the rooftops. "I can't believe there was ever a time I'd have given my left arm to be one of 'em. I don't know what the hell I was ever thinking."
Leaning forward as much as I could, I kissed his cheek. The red against his skin grew as he quickly glanced down. "I'm very proud of you, Jean. I would still love you regardless of what regiment you chose."
"Heh, I'm aware," he replied cockily. "This way, I get you all to myself." He then proceeded to hold myself tighter, never allowing me to fall against the ground.
We fell silent after that, watching the view around us. The Scouts were fighting Annie in the background, and, from what I could tell, they were guiding her in the direction of the Capture Squads. It wasn't until Jean suddenly dropped and leaned downward to place me on my feet did I realize where we were. It was Armin's voice that brought my attention back to our location.
"Eren! Talk to me! Wake up!"
"What the hell's going on?!" Jean yelled, now running towards Armin as I quickly hobbled. We both knew something was wrong, my gut screamed Eren was definitely beneath the rubble. Actually, it screamed something was far worse. I had wondered why he hadn't turned into his titan form when Annie attacked.
"Help me! He's stuck in here!"
"Why-Why didn't he just changed into a titan?!"
"He couldn't transform. I think there's something holding him back from being able to take on Annie."
That's because he cannot accept it, is what I wanted to say.
"…what?!"
"We'll worry about that when he's safe. Just h-help me get him out!"
I watched the two as they pulled the massive stone slab off of him, his blood starting pooling around his body from an unknown injury I couldn't see. Once the slab was removed, Jean fell to his knees, head shoved up close to Eren's. "Wake the fuck up, Eren!"
Hobbling towards him, my hand grabbed his shoulder, but he moved my hand away, deciding to take in his.
"Did Emalina and I tell you this day would eventually come?! Look at yourself; our fate's in your hands! We're out there putting our lives on the line and this is all we can expect from our last best hope?! Is this what Marco…" Dropping his shoulder's, I could hear the cry in my boyfriend's voice. Somehow kneeling, my arm wrapped around his shoulders. "…we? Ugh…damnit!"
Placing my spare hand on Eren's visible shoulder, Jean stopped as both he and Armin stared down at me, wondering what I was to say next. "Eren," in the calmest voice I had, it was smooth and low. He needed to hear what I had to say. Jean was right. We had warned him this day would come when we would need to rely on him at some point. Today, well, today was definitely that day.
"Listen to me, Eren. I understand the pain you feel, the horror of facing the facts. But you have to face this, you cannot run away anymore!" I noticed his eyes were bracing themselves to move. Maybe he could hear me after all. "You're in disbelief that Annie could be one of them, that she could be one of the titans that destroyed our lives, the reason you lost your mom. I've had to face the same thoughts. If she and whomever she's accompanied with hadn't broken through the wall, I-I'd still have my parents.
But you can't give in right now! This isn't the time to give up simply because you can't handle the truth. I struggled with the my own doubt that Annie could be one of them. We trained with her for three fucking years and this is the news we get after that?! You have every right to be skeptical about this, but we've all accepted this; it's time you step up and do what you've claimed to do for the last five years: to kill all the fucking Titans out there. Well guess what?" Leaning forward, I whispered in his ear. "It fucking starts with Annie. Pull yourself up and take her down!"
Head jerking towards the area behind us, I was able to see a giant slab bracing for impact against one of the district's towers. "Look out!" I screamed. Jean and Armin were able to see what I had anticipated. Armin jumped backwards as Jean grasped my shoulder, shoving the two of us out of the way. The impact was loud and dangerously close as dust and debris fell against our frames. It didn't seem my stitches had opened, but I still clasped my leg in pain.
"E-Eren!" Armin cried from his position on the ground.
Jean, after helping me to my feet, pulled his blades out, watching me as I merely grasped my handhelds. As hard as it was, I was going to keep the promise that I wouldn't fight. "Leave him! We can't do anything unless we take down her!"
"You two distract her and lead her to the Capture Squads!" I screamed while my ODM gear lifted me upwards. "I'll inform Hange of what's happened!"
"You got it Ema!"
Swinging through the air, I went in the opposite direction as my friends, who bravely began fighting Annie. I reached Hange in no time as I could see two sites of the barrel shrapnel equipment, across the street from one another. Falling beside Hange, I first noticed the crazy look in her eye and the creepy smile she wore. Moblit noticed me as he nodded, while the Section Leader did not.
"Uh, Hange?"
"Mmm, yes my dear Emalina?"
Her eyes sought mine as I said, "Is everything ready on this end? Because Jean and Armin are leading the Female this way, they should be here soon."
Moblit dropped his head. "Good, because she's had that look in her eye site we set up."
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.
"Well, now she can use her invention, because the culprit has arrived."
Hange grinned murderously. "It's about damn time!" She squealed with delight. It was then everything after than seemed to fall into slow motion.
Glancing backwards, I saw Jean and Armin whiz by, both exerting all the gas they could to escape the grasp of the Female Titan. Hange then stood up. Just as she did, Annie came on through, her eyes actually staring into mine as I waved at her and grinned.
"Now!"
Nearly thirty different barrels shot in Annie's direction, all shooting sharpened wires into her thick titan skin. She was attached at all angles. From her head all the way down to her toes, I couldn't see a way she'd be able to escape. And then, due to the running position she was locked into, Annie fell backwards, crashing into the street below. Across the way, two Scouts threw a wired net attached with knives across its entirety onto Annie, further keeping the monster in place. Watching as Armin and Jean dropped onto the street, I followed, my gear keeping my leg straight as much as it could.
"Mhm, nice!" I could hear Hange from up above. "And here I was convinced having a Plan C was nothing short of paranoid. Oh, Commander Erwin, you genius. Right, so…" Dropping to our level, Hange walked closely towards Annie, straight to her large eye. Place the edge of her blade right up to the iris, Hange was all seriousness and no play at this moment. "Do us a favor…behave yourself. Oh…and calling your cohorts to dinner isn't an option, so let's not waste that lovely singing voice. In fact, let's not waste anything. No, no. I'm going to read you like bullet trails. Every part of you has its own precious story to tell."
Annie's eye grew even wider.
"Get out of the way!" I yelled, taking hold of Armin and Jean's arm. Activating my gear, they followed, and just in the nick of time, too. For Annie somehow was able to loosen her leg as she swung it against the barrels on the street, knocking her restraints off as the others became useless. As she ran away, I flew in the air, leaving everyone else behind. "Squads One through Four with me! Keep the titan in the city all all costs. No matter what happens, do not let her escape!"
"Yes sir!" I heard a plethora of Scouts scream their conviction, all following behind.
It then became a race against the Female Titan. She swerved, we swerved. If she circled around, we then did the same. And as promised, I stayed out of the way, managing the spectacle from the side, observing all my friends and comrades fight as if their lives depended on it. As it did. If we didn't catch Annie now, who knows where she would go, what she would then do. Back to the enemy, whoever that would be? Probably, and then, we wouldn't have any leads against those trying to murder us all.
We fought hard and valiantly, but it seemed no matter what we did, she either anticipated our very moves or was able to heal quick enough to escape. Still, our efforts were all for naught. A second titan roar echoed across the entire district, freezing everyone in their place, even Annie.
And out from its smoke rose Eren, in all his glory.
Racing towards our direction as if his life depended on it, Eren rose from the ashes of death to bring light into this cruel world. Thumping his way across the district, debris flew around him, his speed fast enough to break glass of the surrounding buildings. And then, as he closed in, Eren's fist landed directly upon the Female's jaw, sending her flying into a large, circular structure which crumbled upon impact.
From there, it was a matter of following the two of them towards the wall.
"Well, I can say our boy's in control of himself this time," Hange stated. The four of us were now bystanders on a roof watching them attack one another. Limping towards the edge, I had to admit it was fascinating to see them breeze by.
Armin seemed to agree, but I could tell his face wanted to say otherwise. "Yeah. Still, there's no guarantee this will turn out any differently than our last meeting."
"Come on, he wouldn't have transformed unless he knew for sure he could take her the time. He's got this, ok?"
"I don't doubt that but determination alone isn't enough to win a fight. You of all people should know that. It'll take more than that to beat Annie. A lot more."
"I think…" They turned to me. "I'm think I'm with Jean on this one, Armin. Eren couldn't transform earlier and now he can? That does seem a little coincidental since we both said something to him." Jean moved to say something except I held a finger up. "Although, I do also agree with you Armin. Eren doesn't let things go as easily as some people can. He simply cannot get over the fact Annie was our classmate."
Hange gasped. "Shit, she's headed for the wall! Split into two teams ago and go around! Do not let her reach the wall!" As everyone moved, Jean glanced back and me as I nodded, still upholding the promise I made last night. "Emalina, you follow the right side, I'll cover the left."
"On it!"
Following the right side, it soon didn't matter where we were placed, all Scouts crossed the others as they followed behind the titans. All we did was watch, that's all the power. Though we could deflect movements and weaken Annie, it was better to stay out of the way. Two titans battle each other left no room for the Scouts. It was best to wait and live, rather than interject and perish.
The fight seemed evenly matched. Eren punched Annie, Annie kicked Eren; one flew to the left, one to the right. As they moved further and further towards the wall, all available soldiers followed, until we stood on the building beside the two when Annie's antics suddenly switched. Eren had cornered her against the wall, and when she kicked her leg with the hardened flesh, he decided to bite instead of block. Once caught, Annie continuously bashed Eren's head until his arm and skull were nearly ripped apart. It didn't take long for Eren to rejuvenate and heal all injuries for him to pursue Annie once more. Tackling the female, they rolled around right at the base of the wall.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: all I could do was watch, gaze, linger my sight on something terrifying and inspiring at the same time. I don't think I wanted the powers Eren held, but the possibility to obtain them we scary to consider. It was then I realized Annie's plan. Thinking of the different abilities the Female Titan held, I had to consider why she traversed towards the wall. How would she escape via a fifty-meter slab on stone? How would she break through the gate?
Because she wouldn't break through, she'd…
"…she's gonna climb up the wall," I muttered aloud. Holding my chin, I considered the use of her hardened skin, turning her hands or fingers into crystals.
Upon hearing my voice, Jean glanced down to see me thinking. "What did you just say?" As I was about to answer, Annie's cries faltered as she did exactly what I assumed she would.
"She's gonna climb up the wall!" I screamed. Pushing myself away from everyone else, I ran towards the corner of the building, observing how Eren's quick thinking grasped Annie's leg, tearing it apart at the knee as he fell back against the street.
"Emalina! You promised!" Jean's cry had me falter, leg wobbling as I came to a complete stop. Head hanging low, I gave up my pursuit as I would, in fact, keep the promise I made. I knew I could take Annie down; I wanted to take her down. Instead, I turned towards the Scouts behind me.
"Mikasa!" Running up to my side, we faced Annie struggling to climb the wall. In a smoldering whisper, I said, "Cut the bitch down."
"With pleasure."
Appearing by my side, Jean took my hand. "Thank you," was all he said.
Sighing, I was left in defeat. I truly wanted to be able to bring Annie down myself, except, I couldn't. "I made a promise, didn't I?"
"You did, but you also figured out what Annie was going to do; how?"
"I merely considered her abilities and wondered why she was headed to the wall. That's it. She's ran specifically towards the wall, we know this. And she can also harden her limbs. Combine the two and she would have the chance to climb her way out."
Jean shook his head, seemingly rattled. "I don't know how you or Armin do it, but you two are simply geniuses."
"I wouldn't call myself a genius, Jean."
If he had said anything after that, I wasn't listening. Instead, I looped my arm through his as we followed Mikasa's form. She easily maneuvered herself up the wall, flailing as she swung her blades straight through Annie's knuckles on one hand, and then through the last. Falling, it was then I felt we were on the path to success. If only Eren wasn't about to eat our evidence, this most likely would've been successful. I screamed his name, though I doubted he could understand my words. All those around me seemed to understand what I was seeing.
Hange screamed, "Oh fuck, he's gonna devour her whole!"
Jean yelled, "Eren, back off!"
All the while, Eren ripped to shreds the nape of her neck. Even from our position, we could see Annie, perfectly cradled in her titan flesh. And then, the most peculiar thing began to happen. Annie's flesh and Eren's began to merge. They actually were joining together as one!
"No, no!" I screamed, trying to run off the edge, except Jean kept me firmly by his side.
"What's wrong Ema?!"
"We need to get Annie! She's using her crystal ability on herself!"
Hange gasped, glancing down at the street to see what I was saying was, indeed, the truth. Her perfect cradle in the nape of her titan form was suddenly encroached by a surrounding crystal, encasing the woman inside. Eren, at the point his skin was merging with hers, screamed bloody murder. He pulled, he screamed, nothing could tear him away from the Female Titan. It seemed they would be trapped together in crystal - forever.
"Eren, you dumbass!"
And there was my brother.
He, out of nowhere, flew down from the sky, slicing Eren's own nape and pulled him out. With a successful rescue, all remaining Scouts met on ground level, with Armin and Mikasa hovering over a now unconscious Eren. With both titan owners removed from the larger bodies, steam billowed throughout the air as the bodies lay in decay, gradually decaying as they would leave nothing behind.
Limping towards my brother, I smacked his arm upon arrival. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! I'm injured as are you! And you don't see me swinging around titan necks!"
"Someone had to stop him, shorty. He was about to eat our best evidence." He growled, though I doubt it was addressed towards me as he stared back at Eren. "Looks like it doesn't matter, seeing as the person we were after is now fully encased on crystal." Following his sight towards the giant diamond, crystal, gem? I wasn't sure what Annie encased herself in but whatever it was, she was not coming out.
Jean had moved away from my side towards Annie, eyes deeply narrowed as he raised his sword. The clanging and breakage of his blade was the only noise to enter everyone's ears. Limping to his side, I said nor did nothing. What Jean was doing was something everyone wanted to do. Including myself.
We were supposed to catch Annie, supposed to interrogate her and discover just what the hell has happened over the last few years and why. Probably all Scouts wanted to know why, but I'd imagine those who lost loved ones on the initial attack five years age held a different vendetta. Along with Eren, Armin and Mikasa, I wanted to know the why.
Why did my parents have to die? Hell, why did anybody have to do and what for? Who outside of our walls hates us so much that they would send three separate titan welders set to destroy all that we know and love?
"Damnit!" Jolting, my sudden movement was ignored by Jean whose voice had frightened me. "All the shit we've been through and this is what we get?! Annie, wake up! Come on, face the music, you owe us! Don't be a coward, I know you can hear me!" Raising his arm again, Jean moved to attempt in stabbing the crystal when an arm shot out and grasped his shoulder.
"That's enough." Levi had stepped in, either from annoyance or knowing Jean would get nowhere with attacking the damn thing. "It's over."
When he still didn't lower his arm, it was my turn to take over. Taking hold of the hand holding the blade, I was the one to pull it down. "I know you're angry Jean, we all feel it. But right now, we need to let that anger go." He seemed surprised by my answer, casting his sight away. "We should just be thankful we caught her. She didn't escape, and you were part of the reason she didn't. That is something you should feel proud of."
"Emalina…" Dropping the blade, he engulfed me in his arms. After such a long day, I was thankful for the reaction. Gripping my arms tightly around his waist was soothing. A flush coated myself as I remembered last night where we were just skin-against-skin.
"Thank you for keeping your promise to me."
~ oOo ~
Nearly an hour or so later, we were all within the Military Police Headquarters. Eren was taken to a spare room where he was watched over by Mikasa and Armin. Once we had reached HQ, Angela pulled me off to the side with orders from Erwin and Levi to be seen for my injuries. Jean, not wanting to leave me alone, traversed by our side as we maneuvered through the large castle-like structure. Once in a different room, I was asked to remove my pants in order for the gauze to be changed. Jean, having already seen everything my body had to offer, merely leaned against the wall observing the entire ordeal as Angela argued with him to turn and look away.
The entire ordeal was hilarious.
"Jean, I'm going to politely ask you to leave." Angela said, though she had a knowing smirk on her face. "I believe Emalina would appreciate some privacy."
"And I appreciate you keeping an eye on Ema, but Angela, I have a right to be here with her, you know that."
"Yes, I'm aware Jean, but right now she - " She stopped when he chuckled. "This isn't the time to be laughing!"
They both continued arguing back and forth before I finally stepped in. "Angela it's alright, just let him be."
"But, Emalina? You, and-and he…!"
Smiling, my expression winced as Angela removed the gauze. "It's alright, he is my boyfriend after all."
"I…hmm, alright. If you're ok with it." She turned sharply back to Jean. "No funny business, you hear me? We need to keep our precious Emalina safe."
"How can we even do anything remotely funny here?" He retorted, winking in my direction. I stifled a laugh while the female glared at the only male in the room. Hands held up in defense, Jean removed himself from the wall to stand by my side, hand always desiring to grip mine.
Ignoring his comment, Angela continued her work, slowly removing what was left. "You're very fortunate, Emalina," Angel stated, removing the final layer of gauze. Her words pulled our attention to her. Glancing down, I saw no blood had looked through my still fresh stitches, very thankful they were able to withstand the rough excursion from just an hour ago. Tenderly, I traced the outline of the scar forming into my skin. Only three days had passed.
Only three days? Shit, it seemed longer than that. Nevertheless, the wound looked as if it was beginning to close. Thankfully the healing process had finally begun, and now the hard part would start. The itching with the scabbing, the removal of the stitches, and then lastly, the actual scar itself. Jean had reassured me that scars were unique and, in his own words, sexy. The thought of a large scar on my thigh didn't bother me; it was the one on my neck.
Absentmindedly, I touched the fresh gauze now wrapped around my neck. This one hadn't bled either, and I didn't expect it would. I kept my promise to Jean as I wouldn't engage in battle, and I hadn't, even when I merely wanted to cut Annie from escaping.
"It seems your leg can withstand the pressure of your ODM gear, which is a good sign. There's no signs of infection or bleeding. You're on the path to making a full recovery."
"I was just thinking the same thing." From my peripheral, Jean smiled. "I made a promise to withhold from fighting; and I was a good girl. Wasn't I, Jean?"
"Yes, you were a very good girl," he dropped a kiss to my head. Sticking my tongue out at him, I grasped my pants, now that I was free to leave. Slipping them on, as we had removed our gear and straps when first entering HQ, it was simple to slip them on and let them be.
Barely noticing the glance from Angela, I knew she wanted to share something other than the basic knowledge regarding my injuries.
"Emalina, Jean - there's something we need to discuss."
Caught off guard, Jean tensed his shoulders, not sure, after everything they've been through this afternoon, what else needed to be discussed. "Right now?"
Not expecting my friend to be so formal, I asked, "Angela, what's wrong?"
Taking a few steps forward, she kept both hands behind her back. "Nothing's wrong, per se, there's just something between you and Jean, that we need to discuss." Taking a deep breath, the Scout's Medic opened her mouth to speak, only for it to close. Repeating the same notion several times, she waved away an unspoken statement before being able to finally speak. Still though, nothing came out.
My head began to hurt as I watched the woman struggle with her words. If this regarded Jean and I, there was only one thing they could want to mention, and that was something regarding our relationship. Something private that deserved to stay between him and I. "Alright, just spit it out. We're all adults here."
The woman sighed. Stepping beside me, her friend, Angela was finally able to say something!. "Look, it's not unknown to the Scouts how serious you two have been as a couple. As the only medic in the Regiment, and as your friend, I would like to talk about…"
Rubbing my temple, I groaned. What the hell was such a difficult topic she couldn't just spit it out? "Come on, just what the hell is going on?"
Falling silent, Angela clasped her hands in front of her face, which was now slightly turning red. "Look, I care about you both and just want to make sure you're…you're both being safe with each other."
"Safe?" Jean questioned, eyebrow arched in clear confusion. We both shared the same expression.
"Yes." Angela stated, as a matter of fact. "Safe."
It then hit me; I remembered a conversation between Jean and Levi several days prior regarding our safety. But it wasn't our physical safety my brother was concerned for. He was talking about our -
"Oh god, not you too!" Screeching, my head fell, hands cradling my skull. "Seriously? Why are we even going to talk about this?!"
"Wait a sec, what the hell is - oh no." Rolling his eyes, Jean turned his head away. I swore his cheeks were red as a tomato as he rotated away from me, back turned the rest of us. "No, no way am I discussing this!"
"Emalina, as the medic here, and as your friend, I have noticed the closeness you two share and think it's time we ask if you two have ever…you know…?"
"I know," I growled. Sighing, I know she was merely looking out for the two of us. As rookies, we'd been through enough shit this last month to be considered veterans, but we were still new to being Scouts and in a relationship. Leaving Jean's side, I stepped forward, circling Angela in a tight embrace. "Listen," I dropped my voice so Jean wouldn't have to suffer. "I'm very, very thankful to have someone such as yourself in my life. Nothing makes me happier knowing you are wanting to protect us. But trust me when I say this: Jean and I have had this same discussion before and we won't be risking our positions in the Scouts."
Shaking her head, Angela was at a loss of words before finding her voice. "I think you misunderstand my concern. I just…I…well…Ugh, Emalina, listen…" Angela grasped a shoulder go mine. "We know…we know that since your mother's not around, we just thought that…well…"
"You wanted to keep an eye on me?" I was a little peeved they mentioned my mother.
"No, no!" Angela was adamant with her her answer, head shaking violently. "I merely wanted to make sure, that…" She sighed. "Emalina, this sound petty to say this aloud, but we need you." She stared at Jean. "We need both of you within the Scouts, we can't risk Emalina becoming…"
"No way." I stared at her in shock, staring back towards Jean then back again at the medic. "No way Angela. You're worried about me getting…pregnant? Don't you think this is an inappropriate time to bring this up?!" Beside me, Jean tensed, his muscles hardened as he peered down to notice we had the same expression.
"It is, don't get us wrong, I know you, Jean and everyone else has had an extremely long day; and it's not even over yet. I just…" Angela was leaving her sentences off a lot while talking with me; something she never does. The woman is always confidant, never before acting like this. "We care for you Emalina. Trust me, we had no idea how to bring this up!" Angela suddenly captured me in a third hug. "I'm very sorry, Ema. How about I just leave it at that? I had no right to bring this up. I trust you both. Jean…?"
"Yeah?" He turned slightly back towards us, face still beat red.
"You've heard this from her brother, and now you'll hear this from us: take care of her, you understand?"
Jean merely rolled his eyes and huffed. "What the hell? I'm not gonna do anything to her!"
"Oh good!" Angela smiled bright, back to her normal overly-cheerful self. "Then we'll just get out of your hair. Um…if either of you need me, I'll be with Levi, I need to check in on him and any others. You two just…be careful."
And then she was gone. From outside the door I could Angela talking to herself.
"That's not how it was supposed to go. I didn't want it to be that awkward! Ugh…I am worried she'll get pregnant. They're so young, but we need her more to be a soldier rather than a mother!"
I heard another pair of footsteps echo into the hallway.
"Angela, what's wrong?" It was Hange!
"I just reapplied gauze to Emalina's thigh and talked about…what we discussed."
"Oh! And how'd it go?"
"Terrible! It was so awkward in there I just had to leave!
"Come on, I'm certain they were understanding with your concerns."
"I guess…but they didn't seem to really understand the seriousness of the issue."
"Hmm, maybe…if she were too become pregnant we'd lose the best Scout we have. As cute as a little baby Kirschtein would be…we cannot afford to lose either of them."
"I know…but then again, what right to we have to impede on their happiness? You've seen the way they are, they're super adorable and would make great parents!"
"Let's continue this somewhere else. They can probably hear you speak through the door."
"Aww fuck…Follow me, I'm to see Levi next."
And then they was gone.
Dumbfounded, shocked and confused. Those were the three prominent sensations coursing through my blood right now. "Just what the hell was that?!" Jean exclaimed as he maneuvered to my side.
"I have absolutely…no fucking idea." Muscles shivering from the awkward conversation still at hand in my head, I shook it all off. "My only guess is they were trying to have the 'safe-sex' talk with me. The same one they did during training, remember?"
"Oh yeah, that day was awkward as hell, especially with Reiner in our class."
"Goodness he made it terrible!" Chuckling, I still cleared my eyes.
The thought Angela and Hange merely wanted to know I was sexually safe was weird, but the thought was more than nice. They were trying to look out for me the way a mother would for her daughter. I think…I think they realized that too. Granted, I knew it wasn't difficult to see the state of the relationship Jean and I held; it was pretty obvious we're together for the long run. But for Angela to come up and try to have this conversation? After such a day like today? I don't know why they did it today of all days.
But they did. And for their courage, I respected and admired them even more, despite the anger I was feeling deep within.
"You know, with the day we've had, I didn't expect I would add the sex talk to my day."
"Neither did I."
"Are you ok? I mean, they did kinda invade your privacy." He huffed. "And they said I was invading simply because you took off your pants," he muttered underneath his breath.
"As random and weird as this was, I mean, they're right, are they not? We discussed this last night too. We're not ready to become parents. If we're not careful…"
"Hey, hey…." I was now engulfed for the fifth time. Was today a hugging day, or something? With Jean, I didn't mind, his were the warmest of everyone's. Except my brother's, but his was a different warmth I missed, having not really seen him all day. "We were safe last night, and if it ever happens again, we'll be careful."
I shook my head firmly. "No if, but when," I said slyly, watching the grin widen on his face. "Oh come on, do you really think one talk about safety was going to stop us? You're kinda the rebellious one in the Scouts, if you hadn't noticed."
"I thought that was Eren."
"No, he's just an ass. Then again, the same thing can be said about several members in the Regiment." I earned a laugh, though it quickly fell into a firm line. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I…do we have the right to laugh after today?"
"Why wouldn't we?"
"I mean…we lost. Annie didn't necessarily escape, but she's frozen in crystal, making today a huge waste."
Standing on my tip toes, I kissed his nose. "I think maybe that's why we were bombarded by Angela. I think they saw how we've been acting and decided to focus on something other than the outcome of today. Can't blame them though, even I was thankful they were able to distract me." Heaving a sigh, I gripped his hand, pulling him along towards the door. "Come on, let's at least go and check on Eren to see if he's awake or not."
"Ugh…do we have to?"
"No, but you know it's the right thing to do. Come on."
And so, we left such a topic behind, knowing that was a private conversation for Jean and I to have another day.
We trudged up through the castle. There were Military Police scattered within, and as we passed by, some sneered in our direction, others whispered beneath their breaths. Several times I had to refrain Jean from saying something he would regret. His words would've been the same I wanted to speak; now was not the time. Ignoring those around us, we made our way up to the fourth floor, Armin allowing us entry as we knocked on the door.
"How is he?" I asked, stepping inside to see his head bandaged, body beneath the covers.
"He seems stable, just hasn't woken up yet. Though I think he deserves the rest, just like we all do."
We all grew quiet. Jean and I took positions against the far wall, Armin stood in the center of the room, Mikasa sat right on front of the bed, tightly holding Eren's hand. No one spoke as there were no words to be said. Everyone most likely had their own thoughts on how today passed. I could probably assume there was one thought we were all thinking: we were upset we couldn't properly capture Annie.
"Hey." Mikasa finally spoke and I knew Eren was awake. "You feel ok?"
"…yeah," he said quietly. Sheets rustled as he maneuvered himself into a sitting position. "In fact…it's weird how ok I feel."
"That's to be expected," I said.
He ignored what my statement. "…so, is Annie still stuck in that thing."
"Uh-huh," Mikasa whispered.
"Yeah…you'd think after all we sacrificed to get her back fate would cut us a little slack." Arms crossed, Jean's lighthearted attitude from earlier had now dwindled, as to be expected. I was right. Before, we were using the moment to escape our problems, forget the anguish we were all feeling. Now, when faced with the truth of the events, we couldn't forget.
Armin spoke next, his words actually surprising me. "It's humbling, knowing how far she would go to keep her secrets."
"Humbling?" Jean scoffed, eyes furrowed in irritation. "More like infuriating."
"Either way," I interjected, my voice finally releasing the defeat threatening to capture my heart. "It's cowardly. No matter how you look at it, she chose the easy way out."
"Hm, maybe so." Armin glanced over at me then turned his attention back to his friend. "Why'd you let her go, Eren?" Everyone fell silent. A gentle breeze from outside filtered into the room, billowing my hair around my shoulders. "You did, didn't you? You gave her an out." Jean peered curiously down at me as I shrugged my shoulders. I hadn't noticed what Armin had. To me, it just seemed as if Eren was trying not to eat Annie.
"I know," Eren eventually said, rather quietly. He seemed to guilt ridden himself for what he'd let happen. "I didn't mean to, I…I just couldn't help it. When I saw her face, I just froze." No one spoke a word against Eren. I had to admit this must've been troubling for him.
"I…wouldn't beat yourself up too much, Eren." He cocked his head towards me, though I didn't spare him a glance. There were many things crossing my mind I had to deal with. One of those things was Eren and his actions, but I could say this: I wasn't mad at him. "In the end, we captured he. Better than her escaping and returning to the people who wants us all killed." Eren's eyes widened as I finally turned my attention to him. He clearly wanted to say something in return. Mouth open ready to speak, he wasn't given the chance.
"Armin Alert! Jean Kirschtein! Emalina Varlen! You three are up first." A soldier from the Military Police appeared in the doorway, clipboard in hand. I sighed, knowing exactly what waiting for us ahead.
"Yes sir," Armin stated.
Jean sighed just like me, taking hold of my hand. "Debriefing time…here we go." Knowing exactly where our session would be held, we left the room, not once glancing backwards.
Trekking down to the first floor, we made our way outside ,walking alongside the open courtyard as it would take a few minutes to enter the room for our individual debriefing sessions. All three of us were quiet. There was so much to say and so little at the same time. We were all struggling to accept the fate that has occurred. Though having still captured Annie, our initial mission was to infiltrate her mind. Interrogate her for answers to see who she was working for, why she had done the murderous deeds she had done.
Our individual thoughts were enough to drive a civilian mad. And yet, this is the struggle we were left to deal with.
"This whole…fighting fire with fire business or whatever? Is that really the only option we've got?" Jean's voice was soothing, soft. Though laced with irritation, he genuinely wanted to know if our actions this day were worth it.
Armin seemed to understand. "Not necessarily. Just the only one that's presented itself. And now we know Eren can do it."
By Jean's expression, he seemed shocked. Maybe Armin was able to accept our fates easier? I had no idea. Myself? I wasn't so sure. Maybe I just simply moving with the flow, allowing myself to simply be because they were my orders. Then again, I agreed with Armin. Sometimes you have to become a monster in order to take one down. And sometimes, you have to stoop to your enemies level in order to understand their weaknesses.
"Yeah well, if it's that easy for the fight to turn us all into monsters, then maybe we don't deserve to win."
"I don't think it should be about winning or losing." Holding my hand tighter in Jean's, I was relieved to feel his grip was firm. "I get how you can see this as a loss…but in the end, we did the right thing, didn't we? Unfortunately…I think there will be more times where we're in the right, yet lose at the same time. It just depends how you want to look at the situation."
"I think Ema's right, Jean. No one ever promised us we'd come out of this unscathed."
"The Military Police probably would've been he same. When going after the enemy, you have to think how they would to determine what strategy works best to take them down." Leaning my head against his shoulder, my voice grew quiet. "Everything will fall into place."
"How can you be so sure, Ema?"
"I don't; that's the beauty of it. But I'd like to believe I hope everything will turn out alright."
If only I knew I'd be eating my words within the next few days.
~ oOo ~
I'm like Jean, I think scars are sexy as hell.
DragonGoddess629