Chapter Twenty-Six
She Is Revealed
A/N: Not my best work, for which I apologize, and a shorter chapter than normal. But we are almost to Season Three!
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 ~
JEAN
As the woman fell from my arms, I was startled to find her body glowing, soon followed by a powerful, yellow explosion, one I had grown accustomed to see. My eyes flared open.
"Bertholdt he, stabbed my neck with something sharp, I don't know what it was!"
Gasping, I realized what it was. They had given her something to turn her into a titan!
Watching the explosion before me, I could feel my lip tremble. How dare they do this to Emalina. How dare they do this! After everything we've been through…after everything we've shared, they do this?!
Before me now stood the Emalina I once knew. With long, brown hair, her face resembled Annie's, though I could clearly tell it was Emalina. Her hair flew behind her back, and the way her eyes shone bright blue; it was definitely her.
Somehow mesmerized by her titan form, I attached my wire to her and climbed up to stand on her shoulder as she wasn't moving. I was captivated, but feared what I saw. First off, she was covered in blue flesh. There was a blue line that extended from the corners of her lips almost to her ears. And from what I could see, she had places upon her skin that seemed hardened, almost as if she had armor similar to Reiner's titan form.
"Emalina?" I called her name.
Nothing.
"Emalina! It's me, Jean!"
Tapping my foot against her shoulder, I was waiting for a reaction when a roar from the area entered my ears. Surprised to find it was from Reiner's titan form, I watched as his form ran off into the distance, Scouts and MP's following closely, leaving us behind.
"RRRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!"
Hands covering my ears, I was surprised to hear the next call come from Emalina's mouth. As I watched her scream, I noticed she had canine teeth, sharp and protruding just like Ymir's. But it was her eyes that got me. The color swirled, turning from their majestic blue to black. As soon as the color swapped, he were running. It took all my strength to hold on to her hair as we quickly caught up with the remaining Scouts and MP's.
"Emalina!" I screamed. There was no reaction before as there was none now. Racing forward, I tried thinking of a plan. What could I do to get her attention? Then, as soon as we reached the back of the formation, she screamed again, flailing her arms about as she attacked the MP's closest to her. Holding onto her hair, I stood shakily, maneuvering myself next to her ear. "Emalina! What the hell are you doing?!" Another roar from Reiner followed by a scream from Emalina. The more he roared, the more she attacked.
But what I noticed was how she missed every single time she swung her fist. The Scout's and MP's scattered away, realizing what was happening, but the woman - now turned titan - was quick on her feet.
"Emalina, you need to stop this, this isn't like you!"
Another screech.
"Knock it off!" I yelled. "Emalina, I know you're in there. Whatever Reiner is doing to you, let it go! Please!" Her next swing missed entirely, her feet slamming into the ground, coming to a complete stop. Her head shook from side-to-side, nearly knocking me off in the process.
"I don't know what's going on," I began. "But you have to get out of this, Emalina! You would never attack another soldier, that's not who you are! So why now? Why when Reiner screams? Is he…is he controlling you?"
She turned her head and I was able to see the depth of the darkness in her eyes. Black as can be, there was no trace of the blue from when she first transformed. We stared at one another. From the distance came another screech from Reiner, causing Emalina to shift on her feet as she prepared to run.
"Please don't, Ema. This isn't you, this isn't who you are." Hand touching what would've been her cheek, I leaned forward, my forehead pressed against her cool, titan skin. "Where's my kitten? Where's the woman I love?" She stood straighter, feet firmly planted into the ground. Head turning to me once more, I noticed her eyes were now back to the beautiful blue I loved so much. "E-Ema?"
She nodded. She…she understood!
"Do you understand what I am saying right now?" She nodded again. "Good. Listen, we need to catch back up and rescue Eren!"
She nodded again, and without waiting for me, she took off running at a pace Eren couldn't even match. Her titan form seemed quick and agile as she zoomed past lingering Scout's and MP's. They moved out of the way, confusion on their faces as we raced forward. Some stood from their horses and raced to try and annihilate this new threat, but I stopped them before they could do anything.
"No wait, stop!" One Scout landed next to me with his blades drawn. "She's on our side!"
"The hell, Jean?! She attacked us!"
"That's not the point right now! I need you to trust me!"
The Scout seemed apprehensive until he scanned the ground below and saw Emalina was running on the outside of the formation, avoiding the other Scouts and MP's. Huffing, the male relented, dropping back to his horse on the ground.
"Guys! Get down from there and take cover!"
I could hear Hannes screech from below, and that was when I glanced upward and gasped. "Oh no."
"Jump, damn you! Get the hell outa there!"
I watched as our friends quickly maneuvered themselves back to their horses. I glanced upward towards Emalina's face to see her eyes narrowed. "I'm headed back down too, alright? Can you manage this?!" My response in return was another scream, her large eyes darting to mine.
Jumping off, I joined the others on our horses as we watched Commander Erwin and the rest of the formation run straight towards us. He had gathered numerous titans who were fresh on their heels, leading them in our direction. Holding the reins to Trigger, I watched as Reiner collided with the masses, throwing nearly three off into the distance, almost securing his way through. Emalina had caught up to him at this point but her attention diverted when she noticed several titans headed in our direction. She changed tactics and direction as she maneuvered towards us, tackling the first titan she could.
"What's going on?" I commented as Reiner continued to scream and roar. Watching Emalina, I noticed she had stopped and grasped her head, eye color swirling from blue, to black, then back to blue. Her eyes found me in the crowd, nodding in my direction as if to say that she was alright. "Is this hell?"
"Not yet, but it will be!" Commander Erwin rode past me to take his place before everyone else. "All soldiers: CHARGE! We've come to the moment of truth! Mankind's fate is decided now! There is no future in reclaiming these lands without Eren, and there never will be!" He turned to everyone. "Go! Recover Eren from the Armored Titan and retreat! Your heart and soul to the cause!" And then he was off.
Mikasa was the first to ride off, and then we were all behind her, following the Commander to rescue Eren. The closer we ran towards Reiner, we all watched as he released his hands to push himself away from the other titans climbing upon him.
"It's working. His hands are down!" I yelled.
Mikasa was next to speak. "Now's our chance!"
"Uh Mikasa, you can see those titans, right? I mean I get it, you're strong, but that's one hell of a mess! Living through it isn't going to be easy."
It was then our world came crashing down.
"ADVANCE!"
Our Commander screeched, when a titan came out of nowhere and slammed its teeth into his arm, dragging him along as we all sped forward.
"COMMANDER ERWIN!" Someone screamed from the back.
"I said ADVANCE god dammit!" The Commander yelled, ignoring the fact his arm was being bitten off. "Eren's right in front of you! Do not falter!"
We all ran forward, but Erwin was right; it had become hell. Immediately soldiers were taken from the seats upon their horses and swallowed hole. Some were stepped on, some were half-eaten. My friends and I avoided the titans, ignoring those being devoured as we raced forward. Mikasa jumped from her horse and tried taking Eren back, but Bertholdt was able to move out of the way. That's when a titan came behind Mikasa and grasped her around her waist.
"You piece of shit!" I yelled. Jumping from Trigger, I ignited my ODM gear as it penetrated the monster's flesh as I stabbed it in the eyes.
We both fell to our horses and watched as Armin was able to get close enough to land on Reiner's face. He was speaking to Bertholdt, though I couldn't hear what he was saying. The only thing that mattered was Bertholdt's reaction as he screeched, "I'll kill you!" Then Erwin came out of nowhere and slashed Eren straight from Bertholdt's body. Mikasa jumped upward and took hold of Eren, catching him before he could fall towards the ground.
"Everyone! RETREAT!"
We were all on our way back towards Wall Rose when suddenly a massive titan flew through the air towards us, but thankfully missed our location, only to land before us. Rubble, debris and rocks went flying through the air. I managed to escape whatever was thrown in my direction as I glanced back to Reiner's position.
"He's tossing titans now?! That son of a bitch has gone berserk!"
Ignoring the titans being thrown throughout the air, I found Armin and we ran in the direction of Mikasa and Eren. At this point, I had no idea where Emalina was or what she was doing. We watched as Hannes took on the large titan that had advanced upon the two. "Hurry! He needs backup!"
Another titan was thrown in our direction, followed by another. When the dust finally cleared, Armin and I noticed that Reiner was pointed straight in our direction.
"Move it or lose it asshole! I'm tired of your shit!"
Around us, people were still being devoured; Armin and I were nowhere close to Eren ignorer to assist. I was ahead of Armin, racing forward when my blonde friend called out my name.
"Jean!"
Peering backwards, I didn't even see the titan that was thrown in front of us. Barely able to stop in time, Trigger and I ran straight into the damn thing. Flown from my horse, I tossed and tumbled across the ground. Pain erupted within all parts of my body; everything turned black.
Emalina.
~ oOo ~
EMALINA
Everything was dark.
Where am I?
What're those noises?
Stop. Stop it all.
I just want to sleep…
Eyes opening, I was taller than I typically was. How in the world…? That's when I saw everything. All the death and turmoil surrounding me. It was just that. My head was stuck and I couldn't move. I was surrounded by this…fleshy substance and it was connected to my entire face. I tried to scream, though nothing vocal was produced.
Just what in the hell was going on.
Then through my eyes, I saw the titans. The Scouts, MP's, my friends; they were all fighting.
That's right. I was captured by Reiner and Bertholdt and then…then we were running from the forest. Bertholdt stabbed something into my neck and…that's all I remember. Glancing down at my hands, they were streaked blue and a fleshy color, seemingly larger than I remember. Fiddling with my face, I felt all across my body until it dawned on me.
I was a titan.
With no time to contemplate the sudden realization, I watched all around me, noticing soldier after soldier was eaten alive. Reiner was off in the distance, throwing titans into the further distance. People were fighting for their lives and here I was, idly standing by when I could be helping them! Forget the fact I was suddenly now a titan, I had to help! But there was one voice that caught my attention over everything around me.
It was Armin.
"No, Jean! Stay with me ok? Jean!"
Blinking wildly, I knew something wrong had happened. Searching across the land, I ran, straight towards Armin's voice. I don't know if I had been helping everyone else before I woke, but now was a moment I had to be selfish and ignore all those around me.
Near the tree-line up ahead, I could see Armin holding onto Jean with one hand while trying to fight off a smaller titan with a sword in the other. I didn't think I would make it, so I screamed and screamed loudly. Pushing my voice even further, I tried calling out to them as I neared but the only word that was able to be spoken was his name.
"JEAN!"
Armin's head turned towards me as I ran closer. The more I screamed, the more the titan glanced at me, wondering who he should attack first. As close as I was, I pounced on the monster, opening my mouth to bite the damn thing's nape. Tearing it to shreds, I threw the body away from our position, not even caring if it fell on someone we knew.
Turning to Armin, he still held his sword up until realization dawned upon his features. "E-Emalina…?"
I nodded, reaching my hand out to caress my finger along Jean's body. There was blood trailing from his mouth and he wasn't moving. Mustering my voice, I said, "J-Jean?"
Armin's eyes widened at the fact I could speak. "He's unconscious, Emalina. Here, watch him, I'll be back!"
Armin laid Jean on the grass as he ran off. I watched the male breathe in and out slowly. So he's alive, that's good, I couldn't help but thinking. I know Armin said he's unconscious, but…still…
Taking hold of the man in my hands, I held him carefully, my thumb rubbing against copper-blonde hair. I waited patiently, never tearing my eyesight away from Jean, even as I heard footsteps protruding against the ground.
"Emalina!" Catching my attention, I noticed Armin was astride a horse with another one in tow. "We need to hurry! Place Jean on my horse!" Doing as instructed, I was careful as I placed Jean behind Armin.
Beyond that, everything became a blur. Suddenly all the titans were attacking Reiner and we were on our way back towards Trost District. I followed closely behind the remaining soldiers, though thankfully all remaining titans surged past us towards Reiner and Bertholdt. By the time we were fleeing, the sun had drifted past the horizon, meaning any other titans to cross our path wouldn't be able to move.
It wasn't long before we reached the wall. I could tell there were some soldiers who were apprehensive about me, continuously glancing back in my direction as I still stayed in the back. I kept my position near Armin with Jean, who, at this point, had regained consciousness and was staring upward at me as he leaned against his friend's back. By the time we had most of the horses and soldiers up and over the wall it was completely dark. Everyone worked rigorously as I kept an eye out for any titans that might still be out there.
During the entire venture, I was beginning to feel weak. My limbs had grown heavy, and as Armin's horse was the last to be carried to the top of the wall, I could feel my knees fall to the ground, arms stretched out before me as if I was reaching for someone. There was only my name being called before my world turned black.
~ oOo ~
JEAN
"I allowed myself to be kidnapped."
It was the following evening, and myself, Armin, Eren and Mikasa were all waiting around outside of Trost Headquarters. Having been beside Emalina's side all evening, morning and afternoon, I was instructed to step outside for some air. Emalina had been asleep the entire time since arriving back to Trost; she had not once woken up.
The previous evening, Armin had carried me back towards Wall Rose, though I was conscious enough by the time we reached the wall to know what was happening. I had watched the entire time as Emalina protected everyone as they traversed up the wall with their horses. By the time everyone was upon the wall, I had to watch and endure as Emalina collapsed against herself, not once voicing any sound whatsoever. Without listening to those around me, I scurried down towards the nape of her neck where she was beginning to emerge.
Having pulled the woman into my arms, I watched Emalina's eyes flutter open, then close for good. I hadn't expected anything else as this is exactly what had happened with Eren the first time he transformed. Using one of the lift for the horses, I carried her in my arms up the wall where I was met by Connie and Sasha, seemingly confused as we were all wondering why she was a titan. I remembered Emalina's words, but refrained from speaking.
And so, I waited.
Waited for her to wake up so I could hold her within my arms once more.
"It's my fault." Eren's words hurled me away from my own thoughts back to the present situation at hand. "Because of me, the Scouts lost over half of their Veteran contingents. All in a single rescue attempt."
"Still though," Armin spoke. "There were no casualties on the way back. The titans completely ignored us. They were too fixated on Reiner and the others. Jean and I? We rolled it over between us once we got back. Hear me out," he then said when Eren glanced at him curiously. I watched with my back turned. This was important, I knew, but Emalina was the only matter currently on my mind. "Suppose the titans acted that was…because of you."
Eren gasped.
"Just a thought, of course." I turned my whole body to him. "But as far as an explanation, it's about as good as we've got. I'm not saying I envy the position you're in, maybe all those people really did die for nothing. That all depends on you. If you're really worth the sacrifice, you better prove it. There's no time for second guessing."
"You're right." Eren clenched his hand. "I have to be decisive. If this is real, if I can control titans, I have to plug up Wall Maria, and make Reiner answer for what he's done. People died for me, I have to earn what they gave."
"Jean!"
Turning, I was surprised to find Hange and Connie together. They were running in my direction as they stopped before me. "E-Emalina…!" Connie was bent over, trying to catch his breath.
"What about Emalina?!" I asked, concerned.
Hange placed a hand on my shoulder. "She's finally awake."
Eyes widening, I didn't even wait for the others to see if they wanted to go; I just ran. My legs carried me through Headquarters up to the third floor, narrowly avoided Garrison soldiers as I maneuvered through the castle-like structure. By the time I reached Emalina's room, I was out of breath and could see why Hange and Connie were the same. Bent over with hands on my knees, I breathed slowly, in and out. Head peering upward, that's when I saw her.
Emalina.
She was sitting upwards in bed, head turned to the side to stare off into the distance through the window. Breathlessly calling out her name, she turned her head for me to see she was crying. Tears coursed down her face as she stared at me, the blue of her eyes dull and fragmented.
"Jean…" she cried.
I was by her side in an instant, arms wrapped around her, pulling the woman against my chest. The moment we connected to each other, she let the waterworks down, my shirt soaking in everything she had. And we stayed in that position for some time until I pushed Emalina back to cup her face. Seeing her reddened eyes, mine drew together, eyebrows knotted together.
"Oh Ema…"
"Jean…" she cried my name again.
Using my thumb, I washed away anymore tears that were to fall down her cheeks. "What're you thinking?"
She shook her head. "I don't…I don't really know. Everything? I…" She stared upwards at me as I leaned forward, my lips landing on her forehead. "Jean? I need you to tell me the truth. I'm a…I'm now like Eren, aren't I? I'm a titan?"
Sighing, I rubbed the back of my neck, glancing off into the distance. I had been worried about this conversation all day considering Eren couldn't remember much from his first transformation, I wondered how much Emalina would. Stroking her cheek, I said, "I know this is hard, Emalina…but yes, you are now a titan."
"So," she was quick to reply, wiping at her eyes. "Everything I remember is true."
This caused my head to tilt. "What do you remember?"
"I…remember waking up in the forest with Reiner and Bertholdt staring at me. I remember losing my leg, learning that they were the Armored and Colossal Titan, running away…and then Bertholdt stabbed something into my neck. After that, everything's blank, but then I remember…almost like I was waking up from a nap. I realized I was a titan."
"So you don't remember me talking to you?"
She shook her head. "No, not at all. What happened when I first turned?" Her tears were now dry, and now she seemed inquisitive about the events of last night.
"Well, umm…" I scratched my neck again. "You weren't yourself, I'll just say that. I…don't know exactly what's happened, but Reiner screamed, causing your eyes to change color and then you were trying to attack any of the Scouts or MP's you could reach."
"No! I attacked them? Seriously?!"
"Yeah," I nodded my head. "But I began talking to you and after some time, your eyes changed back to their original color and then you were off fighting the titans and Reiner."
Emalina stared, moving her attention between me and the window when she suddenly stilled. Suddenly throwing the blanket off her, she checked her left leg to see it was now there. The only evidence to show it had been gone was the section of her pant leg was missing and her boot. She then touched her neck and thigh, cringing when she noticed her previous injuries had been healed as well.
"So…I really am a titan now…"
"Um, yeah…it appears so." Just what in the hell was I supposed to say?
"Does this…" She turned her attention back towards me. "Does this change…how you see me?"
It took me a moment to realize what she was asking. Me head shook rigorously as I held her shoulders. "No, no! Absolutely not! Titan or not, you're still the same Emalina I fell in love with." I dropped my forehead to hers. "Nothing about that will change."
"Oh thank god!" Her arms were immediately wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer to her. "I thought…I was so scared you wouldn't want me anymore because of this…"
"Oh no. Never, Emalina…" Kissing her softly, I dropped my hand to the necklace bouncing from her neck. The rose pendant I gave her several days ago seemed like such a lifetime had passed since then. It hung perfectly against her collarbones. "Nothing in this world could change my feelings for you. I am here to stay. Though I must say…" Pulling back, I could feel my cheeks begin to burn. "…can I admit something?"
"Of course?"
"Your titan form…is kinda sexy."
She swatted my arm before sniffling. "You…you really think so?"
"…yes," I admitted quietly.
"That…that helps a little, just so you know." Emalina was able to give me a small smile, turning my lips upwards in return. "You know what I'd like to do? I'd like a shower and some fresh clothes."
"Oh! Here, I bought you some already." I pointed towards the dresser alongside the wall to show a small pile of clothing that would fit her size.
"You picked something out for me?" She asked and I nodded. "Thank you, I - "
"Knock, knock."
~ oOo ~
LEVI
I watched the door long after Hange and Connie had left, uneasy with the new information we had learned. The most disturbing piece of evidence to learn was about my sister. Apparently, she had somehow been transformed into a titan, just like Eren. I had been furious to not have been there the night before to protect her, though I learned Jean had done a decent job at that. Guess I'd have to thank him for that; maybe.
"It seems we have an interesting matter on our hands," came Commander Pyxis' voice. Turning my head slightly to stare at him, the man gave me the same look in return.
"Yes, it seems we do," I said cooly.
"So…what are we to do about this? Do we send her off to the central government and have them deal with her? Or should we call for a hearing just as Jaeger had?" Pyxis leaned forward against his legs, confusion written across his face.
"No," Erwin interjected. "We will not ship off Emalina like that. She's done nothing wrong in this scenario."
"You know the remaining MP's will talk," I said, crossing one leg over the other.
"Let them," Pyxis stated.
"We'll just have to keep an eye on her. From the reports I've read, she did attack the Scouts and MP's first before helping…"
I ground my teeth. "You're suggesting we just hand your sister over then? Do not insinuate I would treat my sister in such a way, Erwin." The man was already on my nerves for smiling earlier.
"My apologies, I wasn't trying to insinuate anything." Erwin calmly stated. "But right now we must think of something to keep her safe. I doubt once Dhalis Zachary hears there is another titan among our ranks that he'll give the same reaction as he did with Eren."
"True, but there are more accounts of Emalina working on your side then attacking you, is there not?" Pyxis asked.
"Yes, I witnessed it myself as well," Erwin stated, who then sighed. "I believe we must speak with Emalina and Jean Kirschtein on the matter."
"Why Kirschtein?"
"Because the two of them are in a relationship," I answered. "Most likely, he has more knowledge on the matter than we do."
"There is also the notion that when the Armored Titan dropped Emalina from its clutches, Jean was the one to go after her before she turned," Erwin added.
Standing from my seat I stretched my back and my ankle, which was on the mend to doing better. Before I could say anything next, there was knock on the door when Hange entered unexpectedly.
"Levi," she said breathlessly.
"Hange, what is it? And why're you all sweaty? Gross."
She ignored my statement. "Oh, well then I guess you don't want me to tell you that your sister is awake now."
My eyes widened, then shrank to their normal, narrowed size. "Thank you, Hange, I…appreciate that. Has Jean been told?"
"Yes."
"Good, thank you." She left again as I looked back at the other two men. "I'll go fetch the two of them."
Walking out of Erwin's room and across Headquarters, my mind was playing tricks on me. My thoughts were waging war against themselves with all the new information I had to digest within the last half hour. First, the titans I had been killing were actually humans? Hange says she doesn't have any clear evidence to support that theory, but Connie's mother and the entire village he came from.
And then there was my sister.
I now had to worry extra on her behalf because I then learned she had been given titan powers just as Jaeger. Slamming a hand against my forehead, I sighed. First she fights throughout the night to save herself and her comrades, then she is kidnapped and loses a leg, and then she's somehow given something to be given the ability to become a titan? My sister…how the fucking hell she's able to survive this, I would never know.
Still, it didn't take long for me to reach her room to find the door open. Once I was close enough, I could hear her and Kirschtein talking to one another.
"Oh thank god! I thought…I was so scared you wouldn't want me anymore because of this…"
"Oh no. Never, Emalina…Nothing in this world could change my feelings for you. I am here to stay. Though I must say…can I admit something?"
"Of course?"
"Your titan form…is kinda sexy."
"You…you really think so?"
"…yes,"
"That…that helps a little, just so you know. You know what I'd like to do? I'd like a shower and some fresh clothes."
"Oh! Here, I bought you some already."
"You picked something out for me? Thank you, I - "
"Knock, knock."
I wasn't fazed by their conversation. They've known each other for almost four years and had been in a relationship for over a month. Shaking my head before I entered, I tried getting rid of some parts of the overheard conversation as it was something I did not need to hear.
Stepping through the open doorway, I noticed Emalina sitting upright in her bed with Jean sitting on the edge. As soon as I entered, I heard my sister's voice say, "Levi!" She threw the blankets off her legs and ran towards me, engulfing my waist in a tight hug. I staggered backwards before my arms found their way around her as well. Jean watched on, a lopsided grin plastered across his face. It was good to see my sister again as I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
"Emalina…"
Stepping back, Emalina wiped away some tears falling from her eyes as she glanced back between Jean and I. Stepping more inside the room, I grasped the desk chair, turned it around and claimed my seat as she curled her legs in a seated position on the bed. "I am glad to see you're finally awake, shorty."
"It's good to be awake," she offered quietly.
When the room fell silent, Jean intervened. "So…how's Erwin doing? How's his arm?"
"His arm?" Emalina blinked. That's right, she wouldn't know. "What's wrong with Erwin?" She glanced at me for answers.
I crossed my arms. "During the mission to retrieve you and Eren, Erwin lost his arm; he was attacked by a titan."
She gasped, hands covering her mouth. "Oh no! Is he alright?!"
I waved off, knowing old Erwin would hold up just fine. "He'll survive," I said bluntly.
"That's…" She sighed. "That's good. How many…casualties were there?" We peered directly into each other's eyes.
"Enough," I said solemnly.
"Alright." Scratching her head, she sighed again. "I'm surprised Hange isn't here trying to question me like she did with Eren."
"Erwin gave everyone orders to let you sleep first, especially telling Hange to avoid asking questions about your, um…titan, for the time being."
"I…I appreciate that. I don't think," Emalina dropped her face. "I don't think I'm ready to talk about it."
"And you don't have to," Jean intervened, taking hold of her hand. He stared at her for a long time before moving his attention to me. "So what do we do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Does she have to have a trial like Eren did?"
"That's actually why I'm here." Standing, I moved towards my sister's side. "Erwin and Commander Pyxis want to speak with the two of you and gain some insight on what happened yesterday."
"Right now?" She asked.
"Right now."
'Well, can I at least take a quick shower first?"
I blinked, not thinking she would agree so quickly. Nodding, I left the room stating I would be with Erwin and that they were to join us she was ready. Not even half an hour after I made it back did they greet us. Emalina was freshly showered and changed. I could understand why she wanted to do so. She had been wearing the same clothes for several days and had been fighting titans and trying to survive.
Gross.
"Commander Pyxis," Emalina greeted.
"Emalina, Jean," the older Commander nodded in their direction.
"Sir," Jean said calmly. He then acknowledged Erwin. "How's the arm, Commander?"
"I'll survive, Jean, thank you for asking. Now, we must get down to business. Emalina," he called for my sister who stepped forward, Jean stayed closely by her side. "I hate to be so direct, but we must speak of your newly found titan powers."
"…I figured. What are you wanting to know? There's not much information I can give you."
"Maybe Jean can give us more of an insight. Jean?"
Shaking his head, Jena said, "I'm not sure what you're looking for, but here goes."
He spent the next several minutes explaining exactly what had happened. How Emalina fell from the Armored Titans grasp, he screams about how Bertholdt stabbed something within her neck and then how she suddenly transformed. Jean then described how she was unresponsive for the first few minutes until her eyes turned black when the Armored Titan screamed. That was the moment she began attacking the Scouts and MP's until her eyes turned back to their original color. Only then did she start attacking the titans and helping the Scouts in retrieving Eren back.
"Hmm, that's interesting," Pyxis admitted, holding his chin. "And you, Emalina, don't remember any of this?"
My sister shook her head. "No, nothing sir. The only thing I remember is waking up inside my titan, which must've been sometime later because the first thing I did was run towards our friend Armin who was guarding Jean from a titan. Anything before that is a blank."
"Old Dhalis probably won't like that, Erwin."
"No, I don't think so either. But then again, from what I've heard, when Eren tried to transform to move the giant boulder during Trost, he went berserk for a bit and tried attacking others, did he not?"
"That he did," Pyxis answered. "What I find most interesting about your account, Jean, is how you think Emalina was being controlled by the Armored Titan."
"It's the most logical reasoning, sir," Jean admitted. Glancing at Emalina, she shrugged, not knowing what to say. "She only tried going berserk whenever Reiner screamed. It almost happened a second time, but she was able to come out of it on her own."
Pyxis was intrigued. "I see."
"…what's the purpose of me being here, if I may ask?" Emalina suddenly brought all our attention together. All three of us males glanced at one another.
"We're trying to decide if you should have a trial like Eren…" Pyxis began.
And then I continued bluntly. "Or if we should keep your titan a secret."
"Keep it a secret!" Emalina cried. "Won't that just make things worse in the long run for you three?"
"Probably," Erwin said, looking straight at her. "But we're more concerned about your wellbeing, Emalina."
"I have an idea," I suddenly said, gaining the attention of the other four. "Let's send her off when Eren and Historia leave."
"That would mean she needs to leave tonight. So, I guess that means we're keeping her a secret then," Erwin said.
"Yes," I nodded. A decision needed to be made. Sooner or later, someone was going to spill their mouths, leaving some military official to come after my sister.
"Is this really such a good idea?" Jean asked, stepping forward.
"What, are you wanting the officials to lock Emalina away?"
"N-No! That's not what I'm saying! But keeping this all hush hush…"
Standing, I moved to Emalina, placing my hands on her shoulders. "We leave this up to you, shorty. What do you want to happen?"
She glanced at everyone in the room before settling on my eyes. "Keep me a secret," was all she said.
"Wait, Ema, do you think that's really the smart decision?" Jean asked.
"No," she turned to him. "But this was unfairly pushed upon me and I don't want to be treated the same way Eren was. That's not fair to me."
It was settled.
Later, I brought together Hange, Moblit, Eren, Historia and Emalina, to which I explained the plan how they would be taken to a safe-house in the morning. Hange and Moblit would drop off the other three at the discreet location of my choosing where the new members of the Levi Squad would meet them the following day. Until then, my sister wanted to wonder the district to meet with Jean's mother. I had no issues with it as long as they were back by the time the sun settled.
~ oOo ~
JEAN
Hand-in-hand, we walked through my hometown, glancing at the destruction still laid out from the invasion one month prior. It was difficult to see the city I was raised in such a manner, but I knew we had done everything we could to save the city. As we left Headquarters, Emalina placed on the Scouting cloak as I remained in my trousers and button-up shirt. Ema clung to her cloak. When we left the presence of her brother, Erwin and Pyxis, she had gone quiet; that's why I thought a trip to see my mother would put a smile on her face.
Walking through the city, we remained silent. It was a comfortable silence, but there was still tension cloaked in the air surrounding us. I wish I could understand the situation Emalina was currently in. I couldn't imagine randomly waking up and realizing I had become a titan. I wonder if she's feeling the same as Eren had when he discovered his powers.
I had to wonder more if Emalina would even tell me what she was feeling.
By the time my thoughts rampaged the inside of my skull, we were near the familiar door. Knocking upon the wood, I hoped my mother was home, and was soon met with footsteps from within. As the door opened, we were greeted with the face of my mother who took a moment to realize who it was.
"Mom," I said, smiling.
"Jean?" She stepped forward. "Jean! Oh my goodness, it is you! And Emalina too!" My mother pulled us both into a hug before ushering us inside towards the kitchen table. We were soon met with fresh tea as my mother claimed her usual seat, simply staring at us. "I can't believe it's really you! You're here…oh! I've been so worried."
I took a sip of my warm tea. "We barely got to Trost last night, otherwise we would've come seen you sooner but there were loose ends we had to take care of."
She waved off her son. "Oh don't give me that, Jean. You're in the military now! I can't expect to see you every single time you're in town."
This had Emalina chuckling as she nestled with her own cup of tea. "It is good to see you Jacquline," were her first words since we left HQ.
Leaning across the table, my mother covered Emalina's hand with her own. "Oh sweetie, I am so happy to see the both of you. So! How're things in the Scouts? I heard you recently with on another mission past the walls?"
I nodded. "We can't give full disclosure of the details but, yeah…we went out past the walls."
My mother visibly shivered. "Goodness gracious! Well I am just…so thankful you both made it back alive. This world would be so bleak without the two of you lovebirds in it."
"Mother!"
She shrugged, downing the rest of her tea, her eyes watching how my hand tightened around Emalina's. "I think it's adorable. Two young people in love…oh! Reminds me of when I met your father…oh!" She clamped a hand over her mouth, staring directly into my eyes. "I am so sorry, Jean…"
"It's ok, really. Actually…" Stealing a peek at Emalina, who all but grinned devilishly, I looked straight at my mother. "I found dad in Stohess District."
She had removed herself from her chair, and with her backs towards us, froze. "You did now, huh? Did he…recognize you?"
"He did."
"Did he…mention me at all?"
"…he did," I remembered everything the man had said about my mother. I couldn't even believe that was only a few days ago. "What's more important is that he got what he deserved."
My mother turned sharply towards us. "What're you talking about?" She asked worriedly.
"I socked him. Plain and simple," Emalina answered with a laughter leaking past her lips.
"You…you hit him?!"
"I had to!" Emalina cried. "He was insulting you and Jean, I couldn't…I couldn't just let him speak of whatever he wanted!"
My mother stepped besides Emalina and squeezed her shoulder. "How'd it feel?" She asked. My eyebrow raised, thinking at first my mother was going to be mad. But that smile on her face was saying something else.
"Considering I've never met the guy before, it felt really, really good," Emalina answered.
"Good girl," my mother said, returning to the kitchen to mix something in the pot she had over the stove. "I'm proud of you," she called out.
"Wait…what…?" I was really confused.
"What?" My mother mimicked. Returning with three bowls of stew and some bread, she reclaimed her seat. "I have nothing against Emalina for what she did. I've been wanting to smack your father for as long as I can remember."
And that was how we spent most of the night, sitting at the kitchen table simply talking with my mother. We had enjoyed a wonderful meal she had made, Emalina consuming several bowls. It didn't surprise me at how much she ate, considering she probably had gone without food for almost two days. We talked for most of the night and by the time I realized the time, the sun had long been gone past the horizon.
Taking our leave, my mother clung to me for a long time. I held the woman in my arms before letting go, stating we had to return to HQ. During the walk back, Emalina fell silent once more and once we reached the entrance, Levi was leaning against the giant doorframe, arms crossed as his narrowed eyes followed us inside. He didn't say anything and neither did we as we made our way upstairs to the third floor. Following Emalina to her room, I shut the door behind us as she removed the cloak from around her shoulders.
"Would you…like me to give you some space?"
Head snapping upwards, Emalina froze, her eyes seeking mine. She had been talkative around my mom, but now around me, she was silent. If she needed some time alone I would give it to her, I just needed to know. "W-What're you saying?"
"You were quiet on the way to my mother's and on the way back. If you want some alone time, I can give you that," I said simply, waiting for her to say yes; I was assuming she would say yes.
She didn't say anything at first as I turned towards the door. Then there were quick footsteps behind me as Emalina's arms wrapped around my waist. "I don't want to be alone, please don't leave me!"
Rotating back around, I held the woman within my arms tightly. "I'll never leave you alone, Emalina. Come on, let's get you to bed, I think you could use some more sleep."
"After the entire time I was asleep earlier?!"
"Yes." Her response in turn was to yawn. I knew she needed more sleep. Guiding her to the bed, she took go her pants, leaving herself in just the dark blue shirt I bought her earlier as she tucked herself inside the comforter. Pulling the chair beside the bed, I ran my fingers through her long hair, admiring the beautiful color in the firelight.
"I need you to tell me something," I said.
"And what's that?"
"What're you thinking right now?"
"Right now?"
"Yes," I leaned forward to kiss her head. "Right now."
"I'm scared," she admitted after several seconds.
My head tilted. "Scared? Of what?"
"This…this titan in me." She curled the blanket tighter around her lither frame. "What do I do? Do I use it like Eren or ignore that this has even happened to me?"
Cupping her cheek, I stared into the woman's eyes. She was scared, that much was evident without her even having to tell me; her face was screaming. In truth, I had no idea what to say. I was only bothered by her titan because it was bothering Emalina. Other than that, I didn't care she could now transform into a giant titan.
"Unfortunately, I can't answer that, Ema, only you can."
She fell quiet. "I don't think I want to even think about it." Rotating in the bed, she fell silent once more, now facing the window as she curled tighter against herself. "What did I do to deserve this…?"
I really wish I could answer that, Emalina.
~ oOo ~
DragonGoddess629