I rode on Wisteria with the squadron we were assigned before taking off. We all assumed the long range formation of the Scouts once again. I rode alongside Sasha, Krista, and Connie. I heard pops as red smoke signals filled the sky.
"There's Titans that close already?" Sasha questioned.
"Doesn't matter. We stay on course. We need to get to the forest. I'm sure the Commander would send out messengers when needed. For now, we keep pressing on." I stated.
An hour had gone by as we rode towards the large forest. We only had an hour left until sundown. I heard some more pops in the air. I looked up and my eyes widened seeing red smoke signals all around us.
"What the hell?" Connie exclaimed.
"We're surrounded by them!" Sasha yelled out. A green smoke signal fired in the air next.
"We have no choice, we need to merge with center rank! The forest is up ahead so we're close!" I proclaimed. I leaned Wisteria to the side as we headed for the center rank.
In minutes, the entire formation was moving in the center rank. The forest was just now entering view. My eyes widened seeing a light come from the forest.
"Pretty sure that's someone turning into Titan. We can't say for sure who though." I commented.
"It's coming from the forest. One of them transformed into a Titan!" Armin yelled out.
"Soldiers, disperse! The enemy has assumed Titan form in the forest! Find Eren and get him out of there!" Erwin ordered.
"Battle is not our objective! Locate, recover, and retrieve!" My squad broke off into the right.
"I'll gather up the horses!" One of the Garrison soldiers with us volunteered.
"Right, thanks." Sasha thanked him.
"Switch to ODM Gear!" I yelled out and jumped off Wisteria. My hooks landed into a branch and I took off into the trees.
"Right!" Sasha, Connie, and Krista were behind me. Two other soldiers followed right behind us. A sudden Titan roar sounded in the forest. It came up from just ahead.
"Be on guard!" I ordered as I readjusted my ODM Gear to go around.
As we got closer I could see a five meter Titan holding onto a tree trunk. It had long brown hair, dark eyes, and sharp pointed teeth.
"There it is!"
"Wait, stop! This is Ymir's Titan form! She's one of the ones who was taken!" Connie yelled out. That's Ymir? One by one we all stopped and hung on the sides of trees. Connie and Jean were trying to talk to Ymir but she didn't seem to care.
I watched her carefully. She seemed to be agitated in a way? She was constantly looking around. What is she searching for? No, she's looking right at us. She's looking for someone, but who?
"Ymir! There you are, thank goodness you're alright!" My eyes widened as Ymir jumped from the trunk she was on. Her mouth opened and closed her jaw around Krista. Ymir began to run in a direction.
"Did she just..?" Connie asked, surprised. She's not running away mindlessly. She had an objective and it was to get Krista. Is she…heading back to…
I shot off from the tree I was resting against, "After her! Ymir's going somewhere and I bet you it's where Reiner and Bertholdt are!" I exclaimed. I heard the ODM Gear sound behind me.
"Viv, slow down! You're burning too much gas!" I heard Jean behind me. I only need enough to make it to him.
I'll admit Ymir is surprisingly fast. She's easily thirty meters ahead of me. I can't lose her though. In the far distance, I could see another yellow light shine. As I got through the thickest part of the forest. I could see the Armored Titan.
I pushed the hurt back down with the anger I had. I gritted my teeth and my lip twitched as I stared ahead. You're not going anywhere, Reiner. I need to know the truth.
As I got to the edge of the forest. Ymir jumped off the last tree towards the Armored. Reiner was already ahead in running. Bertholdt was on his shoulder and Eren strapped to his back. Ymir landed on Reiner's other shoulder.
Without another hesitation, I dropped down towards the forest ground. I let out a sharp whistle for Wisteria. She should be just below me with the other horses. I heard galloping hooves just below me. I looked down to see Wisteria speeding to my location where she heard me. I dropped lower to the ground and released my hooks from above. I landed on Wisteria's saddle and quickly sheathed both blades. I kept hold of the handles and gripped the reins.
I looked at Reiner's back as Wisteria slowly gained ground on him. He was already slow with his armor but the added weight of Ymir slowed him down more. I looked over my shoulder to see I was far ahead from the others. They were all on horseback now themselves. I turned back to Reiner. I can catch up with them. Reiner can't answer any of my questions while in Titan form. Guess, he'll just have to listen then.
I could see Ymir take Krista out of her mouth. I could make out steam from Ymir's nape and her human figure appeared. They must be talking, which gives me the advantage to get up there. My eyes narrowed on the muscle lined in between the armor plates. I can get up there.
I took a deep breath in as I released the reins, "REINER!" I shot hooks into the flesh. I took off from Wisteria and swung around the right side. I could see the shocked looks of Bertholdt, Ymir, and Krista. Eren still laid unconscious on Bertholdt's back. I released the hooks as I had curved around and now at the same level as Reiner's face.
I reached out my hand and grabbed hold of the edge of Reiner's face armor. I lifted my head and stared angrily into Reiner's one glowing eye that was looking right at me. My showing up didn't stop him from running however. He kept his same pace but I could tell I had his attention.
"Where the hell do you get off with apologizing then pulling a stunt like that? I know you can't talk back in this form but I know you can hear me. Right, Reiner?" Silence fell for a brief moment. Reiner's attention remained on me while he continued to run.
"This time, you're not running away before I give you a piece of my mind. I really do wish you could give me an answer here and now but beggars can't be choosers. So you'll just have to listen. I want to know…was anything between us real? Or was it all a lie as part of your false life here? Was I just something for you to toy with while you spent three miserable years here hanging around a bunch of idiots?" I threw his words back from hours ago to his face.
My lips curled into a frown as I leaned closer, "Did I actually mean anything to you?" I asked my final question. Everything I asked were all the questions that formed in my head on the way here. That's what drove me here.
"Vivien, he wasn't tricking you!" I turned my head to see Bertholdt staring up at me. I stayed silent, allowing Bertholdt to continue talking.
"He never faked anything when it came to you! Even when he struggled to tell the difference if he was acting like a soldier or a warrior at the time. You were the one that could keep him grounded either way! I've witnessed it myself!" Can't tell the difference if he's a soldier or a warrior? What is Bertholdt talking about?
"Annie and I tried to warn him about getting closer to you but he ignored our warnings. He said he didn't plan on it but that he couldn't help it. Reiner truly does love you, Vivien! He wouldn't have planned to risk coming back to the walls to get you if he didn't!" My eyes widened as I stared back at Reiner's glowing gold eye. He was planning on coming back to get me?
I was snapped out of it hearing Ymir's scream come from behind Reiner. I happened to look up and see Mikasa. Her eyes trained on Bertholdt. Eren was still strapped to his back.
"Reiner, protect us!" Bertholdt called out. Reiner raised his hands and protected Bertholdt as Mikasa slashed down with her swords. I could see the crystal skin on his fingers. He can harden his skin just like Annie too?
I noticed Ymir lifted up her hand in the air, "Mikasa, look out!" I yelled out. Mikasa jumped in the air and dodged Ymir's hit. Mikasa readjusted her hooks and headed for Ymir next.
"Mikasa, stop!" I could hear Krista's voice. I couldn't see or hear what was going on behind Reiner. I didn't hear any cuts so Mikasa did stop. My eyes glanced back at Reiner.
"Don't think that just because Bertholdt talked for you that this makes anything better. I'm still royally pissed off at you." I reminded him.
I looked down as I heard struggling and I could make out Eren's muffled voice.
"Quit struggling, it's not going to help." I could hear Bertholdt. I heard several ODM Gears and witnessed Jean, Connie, Sasha, Armin, and Mikasa all land around Reiner's hands. All of us of the 104th Cadet Corp were here now.
"Good luck talking sense into that one, Bertholdt. When something lights a fire under him, that's it. Getting Eren to calm down is a lost cause. Take my word for it. I've been on the receiving end more than you have. What do you say we teach him patience? Come on, show yourself. " Jean called out.
"Give him back, right now!" Mikasa exclaimed.
"Guys really? This is some kind of joke right? No way this is you. You've been lying to us this whole time? We were supposed to be comrades!" Connie said with hurt clear in his voice.
"They still are! This is all just a misunderstanding!" Sasha said in denial.
"I don't know where you two are planning on going but you can't keep running forever." I spoke up.
"We're not going to let that happen, rat bastards. Through thick and thin, we slept under the same roof as soldiers for three years. Matter of fact the positions you could sleep in were an art form, Bertholdt. I'm not kidding. We all loved waking up to see your contortions in the morning. We use to predict the weather with them." Jean paused for a moment. His expression turned from one of friendliness to pain.
"How'd you do it Bertholdt? Must've not had a care in the world. Laying beside your victims, yet you slept like a log." Jean stated.
"Was this just all an act to you? What about when we use to talk about surviving it together? About growing old, looking back on the worst of it over drinks? Remember? Was it all bullshit? Answer me! Go on, what was the point? What were you trying to do?" Connie pleaded.
"It doesn't matter anymore. Shut up and focus on opening the traitors neck. Hesitate for a moment and we forfeit Eren. Who cares what they pretended to be. This was their choice." Mikasa stated coldly.
"No! You're wrong! Who chooses to be this? Tell me!" My eyes widen at Bertholdt's sudden yelling. I looked back and Reiner and even though his eyes were glowing. There was sadness in them.
"What do you think I am? Huh? What, you think this is what we aspired to be?! People loathe us and why wouldn't they? We're monsters! We deserve to die for the things we've done. We're lost. We could live for a thousand years and never know peace. Try to imagine that darkness. Our only brief light was our time as soldiers. It was never a lie! Do you understand?! We're not who we said we were, but it wasn't an act! We genuinely thought of you as our friends! Some even more than friends!" Bertholdt explained.
My grip on the edge of the armor tightened. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the armored plate. I gritted my teeth as I opened my eyes and looked down. The hurt was beginning to surface back up again.
"I'm not stupid." I lifted my head back up as Bertholdt continued, "I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness. But please, I beg of you! If we were comrades, please someone find us." Bertholdt pleaded.
A long silence fell between us. The only sound being Reiner's heavy footsteps as he ran.
"Give him back. I won't ask again." Mikasa broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. One of you has to do it. One of you has to stain your hands with my blood." Bertholdt apologized.
"Be careful what you wish for Bertholdt." I reprimanded him.
"Guys! Get down from there and take cover!" I looked across the way and saw Captain Hannes on horseback.
"Look! The lunatics leading the Titans straight for us!" We all looked over and my eyes widened seeing Command Erwin and several Titans behind him.
"An ambush." I muttered under my breath. Reiner wasn't stopping as he got closer to the Titans.
"Jump, damn you! Get the hell outta there!" Captain Hannes ordered. We all jumped off from Reiner and my eyes spotted Wisteria still riding next to other horses.
"Squadrons, break! Make the Titans scatter!" Erwin ordered.
I landed on Wisteria and immediately steered her to avoid clashing with other soldiers. I rode Wisteria up a hill where some of the others where. I froze when I heard a wail come from behind me. I turned my head to see it was Reiner making the sound. He had Titans swarmed all around him. Ymir was fighting some of them off but Reiner was pinned.
"What is going on? Is this hell?" Jean questioned.
"Not yet, but it will be!" I watched as Erwin rode past us, "All soldiers, charge! We've come to the moment of truth! Mankind's fate is decided now! There is no future in where we reclaim these lands without Eren and there never will be! Go! Recover Eren from the Armored Titan and retreat! Your heart and soul to the cause!" He ordered.
Erwin charged forward and I had Wisteria charge ahead. Mikasa took off at the same time as me.
"Mikasa, Vivien wait!" Connie yelled after us. They followed suit behind us.
I watched from horseback as Reiner had to uncover Bertholdt to fight off the Titans.
"It's working! His hands are down!" Jean called out.
"This is our chance. We can get him." Mikasa stated.
"Uh, Mikasa I know you're strong and everything but look how many Titan's there are. How are you planning on getting through all that?" Jean questioned.
"We don't have much of a choice here, Jean." I reminded him.
"Advance!" My eyes widened as Titan came from the side and chomped on Erwin's arm. I looked back as the Titan walked off with the Commander hanging from its mouth.
"Commander Erwin!" Many Scouts shouted.
"I said advance, god damnit! Eren's right in front of you! Do not falter!" He ordered. The Titan took him further away. One to two Scouts turned around to help free Erwin.
"You heard him!" I yelled out. Chaos filled the field as many Scouts were knocked off their horses or grabbed by Titans.
I ran around the side of them and watched as Mikasa hooked onto Reiner. She swung around his fist and aimed at Bertholdt. Bertholdt dodged out of the way and Mikasa fell right into a Titans hand.
"Mikasa!" Jean and I yelled out.
"You piece of shit! Get your hands off her!" Jean yelled. He used his gear to shoot up to the Titan and stabbed its eyes out. The pain the Titan felt was enough for him to release Mikasa from his grip. She caught herself with her gear before falling to the ground.
Two more Scouts charged at Reiner but he used one hand to break the wires. He lifted his other hand up in a way to protect Bertholdt but also ready to attack if need be.
"We've come too far to give up now. We are going home and Eren is coming with us!" Bertholdt declared.
"Bertholdt!" I looked up as Armin landed on the side of Reiner's face. I narrowed my eyes on him. He's got some sort of plan otherwise, Armin wouldn't have engaged.
I slowed Wisteria down and turned her around. I had her stay on a light jog while keeping my eyes on Armin. What are you planning now Armin? I couldn't hear what Armin was saying. Hopefully I get some kind of signal.
"Shut your mouth hellspawn! I'll kill you!" That'll work! I fired my hooks out and sped off.
I swung my blade and connected, slashing Bertholdt's chest. He stared at me wide eyed. I cut part of his ODM Gear strap as well as the bondage that had Eren strapped to his back. I'll admit, I didn't cut him deep. Just enough to free Eren. Guess part of me is still holding back.
"I warned you…didn't I?" I muttered coldly. My steele gray eyes matched the coldness of my voice.
I let myself fall back down and I could see Eren fell down on the opposite side of Reiner. Mikasa swooped in and caught Eren in mid air. Wisteria rode right under me and I landed on her as she took off.
"All soldiers retreat!" Erwin ordered. Some Scouts must have freed him. He's definitely missing an arm now though.
Mikasa landed on her horse with Eren and Armin wasn't too far behind. We have Eren, now we can get out of here. I heard a roar from behind. I looked over my shoulder to see Reiner reaching out with his hand and letting out a mournful roar. Mournful for what, I don't think I'll ever know. I clenched my jaw but faced forward again. We need to get home.
A shadow suddenly passed overhead. I let out a gasp as I saw a Titan get flung in the air. The Titan landed with a thud. Dust and debris covered the field. I pulled on the reins as Wisteria kicked back in a panic.
"Whoa! Easy girl." I tried to soothe her. I looked back and was in awe seeing Reiner actually throwing Titans off him and towards us. I knew Reiner was strong in that form but not that strong!
I kicked Wisteria's side and made her go in a different direction. Another Titan got launched overhead. More debris came flying out. My eyes widened as a piece of debris came hurtling towards me. I felt pain suddenly in my head. I felt myself falling from Wisteria and landing on the ground. The last thing I saw before my world went black was Reiner roaring and throwing Titans off him.