Chapter 4: The 104th Cadets
The four of them sat near three trees. Reiner was wrapping a bandage around Armins head, and Jean was whistling for his horse.
Jason sat away from the group, lamenting his death.
He for sure knew that it happened. He remembered the pain of the spear piercing his heart. Maybe it was a dream? Hera was testing him again for some unknown reason. All he had to do was figure out why…
He glanced down his shirt at his chest. It revealed two spear sized scars. One was on his heart. The other closer to his stomach. He took off his shirt and went back to the group.
"Do you guys see these scars?" He asked, knowing the answer.
Reiner and Armin nodded. Jean wasn't paying attention, still whistling for his horse.
He put his shirt back on.
Jason felt despair.
He had died. The emperor had killed him.
So why was he still alive?
In a world where the mist doesn't exist? Where his powers don't work? Where mortals fight monsters? What was going on? Did Piper and the others survive?
How am I still alive?
"Jason!"
Armin's yell took him out of his funk.
"Breath."
Jason realized he was hyperventilating. Armin coached him through his breathing. "That's it, just take a deep breath and hold it."
When his rhythm came back to him, Armin gave him a pouch.
"It's water. Drink."
Jason took a swig. He took four huge gulps. He hadn't realized how thirsty he was.
Giving the water pouch back to him, he wiped his mouth.
"Thank you."
Armin smiled.
"So, who are we leaving behind?" Reiner asked, "One horse can't hold all four of us."
"Why are we leaving anyone behind? Can't we just walk?"
Jason regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.
Jean gave him a dirty look. "Sorry to disappoint, Mr. Perfect, but we all can't run like you do. Titans will eat us for lunch unless we get our horses back."
"You make it sound like there are multiple titans."
The three of them gave him a suspicious look. He regretted his words again.
"Maybe he lost his memory?" Armin asked.
"Or maybe he's tricking us so we don't think he's a threat." Jean stated.
"Jean, this man risked his life to help us. I don't think he's a threat." Reiner interjected.
He then turned to Jason.
"Do you really not know what titans are?"
"I'm sorry, I really don't." Jason replied honestly.
Reiner sighed.
"Do you remember anything? Your parents? The name of your hometown?"
Jason looked to Armin. His face was neutral, but his eyes screamed: LIE!
Jason rubbed his hand against his head. "I'm sorry, I don't remember anything before waking up in this field." He hated the irony of the situation. He never thought he would have to act like he had amnesia.
Armin gave a small sigh of relief. "To answer your earlier question, Reiner, I'll stay behind. You three go on your horse and catch up with the other scouts. I need you to report something to commander Erwin for me."
"You can do that yourself, Armin." Jean pointed behind the group.
Jason looked behind him. Another rider in a similar get up had two horses next to her with no riders. This soldier (Jason was assuming they were soldiers) was a girl. Blonde hair and blue eyes, she called out to the group. This was the forth blond haired person Jason had met in the last two hours (yes, including the titan). Maybe he really was in California?
"You guys!" she yelled out.
"Christa! How did you find us?" Jean asked.
"I saw your smoke flare from behind the trees. This horse was so spooked. Did you encounter titans?"
"We can explain on the way, Christa. Right now we need to catch up with the formation." Armin stated. "Jason, you ride with me."
"Okay… Still, I'm glad you're all okay." She smiled genuinely. Jason saw the faces of the three soldiers, and knew exactly what they were thinking. He had made the same face when he looked at Piper.
Piper… was she okay? Did she really survive the emperor?
Armin helped him onto his horse. He didn't have time to think about that. He needed to figure out his situation, and hopefully Armin would be able to help. Checking his pocket for his coin, they rode forward.