Two months had passed since the day Rod Reiss was struck down. Historia was crowned Queen of the Walls. Life had become somewhat normal during this span. Eren was training with Hange on how to use his hardening. He had gotten pretty good at it. He could now handle two to three transformations before his body couldn't do it anymore. After that, he'd rest for a full day before being able to do anything more.
Technology had also advanced. Those crystals that were found underground had glowing properties. Miners were digging through them and they were being dispensed to everyone in the Walls. They were being used as light sources to replace candles, torches, and lanterns. Then there's the contraption Hange made at entrance to the Trost District along the outer wall. It could slay Titans without putting any soldiers at risk. All thanks to Eren's hardening.
The Scouts had also seen a rise in numbers. Several soldiers from both the Garrison and the Military Police, swapped branches. They had seen what the Scouts could do and wanted to be part of what we were doing. Seeing how many would survive, that's a whole different question.
I had my arms folded behind my back as I stared out the window. I wore the green long trench coat of the Scouts. We had gotten back after speaking to Commandant Shadis. Seeing that man was a blast from the past. Sasha was still scared of him as ever. We learned what we could about Eren's father from him. Turns out, Eren's father came from beyond the walls. Just like Reiner, Bertholdt, Annie, and Ymir. That would explain why Eren's father would have Titan secrets in the Jaeger family cellar.
"Something on your mind?" I looked over my shoulder to see Captain Levi in his own uniform.
"Not really. Just going over everything that's happened in my head." Levi walked up next to me and stopped. The two of us had gotten somewhat closer over the last two months. I started seeing the Captain in an older brother type of way. I think finding out we're family helped in that department. Mikasa was less thrilled finding out we were related to the Captain.
Speaking of Mikasa, I did bring her to meet mom. Of course, mom being who she is considered Mikasa to be part of our small family. Mikasa was grateful for that and told me later that she reminded her of her own mom. Mikasa and I did bond together as sisters. In turn, I spent some more time around Armin and Eren. Both of them were happy to know Mikasa had another person she could call family.
"I see. That's a lot to reflect on. Anything or anyone in particular?" Levi probed.
"If you're referring to something then I'd rather you speak plainly, Captain." I informed him.
"Erwin is getting his plan together to take back Wall Maria. Eren is confident he can plug up both holes now. It's just a matter of days now before we get sent out. We'll more than likely run into Reiner. Are you prepared to fight him as your enemy?" Levi questioned me.
My brows furrowed as the hurt surface up to my chest. I pushed it aside and kept my anger tucked into the back of my mind.
"I'm a soldier. I have a duty to fulfill for the hope of mankind. Personal feelings don't matter." I muttered.
"For all its worth I am truly sorry how this all turned out, Vivien. I wish it hadn't considering the shitty deal life dealt us with." Levi said honestly.
"Yeah. The world is a cruel place afterall." I quoted Mikasa's words.
"By the way, did you hear about your new title that got spread around these past two months? Courtesy of the MPs." I finally turned my head to Levi in curiosity.
"First time I'm hearing of it." I announced.
Levi let out a small smirk, "They saw how you fought Kenny's elite unit back in Trost. They're calling you Humanity's Fiercest Soldier. It's got a ring to it." My brows went up in surprise. Humanity's Fiercest Soldier? That's a title.
"Guess I have a reputation to live up to now." I said half-heartedly.
"Appears so. Make sure you don't disappoint." Levi stated as he began to walk away.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Levi let out a small chuckle before leaving my view completely. I smiled lightly before looking back out at the setting sun.
Reiner…I can't help but wonder what you've been up to these past two months. That's if they're still even here. It's possible he and Bertholdt have already returned to their hometown. Wherever that may be. But I couldn't shake this feeling that he's still out there somewhere.
Reiner's P.O.V
Reiner sat on the edge of Wall Maria as he watched the sunset. His eyes glanced to the right as footsteps approached him.
"Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling? The Warchief didn't exactly hold back." Bertholdt questioned him. He took a seat next to his friend.
"I'll be fine. Sorry I couldn't win. I know you want to get Annie back." Reiner apologized.
Bertholdt hung his head, "Yeah, I do. For what it's worth I'm sorry for you too, Reiner. I know that rescuing Annie was just a cover up for you. You wanted to go back to Vivien, right?" Reiner looked at his friend with wide eyes.
"Bertho-"
"Stop. You don't have to say anything. I know you miss her. It's been two months since we lost Eren. Two months since the day you left her on that tree branch. You secretly hoped she would stay there but when we went back. She was gone. We both know how seriously she takes her job as a soldier. She just won't come back to you with open arms, Reiner. You need to prepare yourself." Bertholdt warned his friend.
"Prepare myself for what?" He questioned again. He had the idea in his head but he didn't want to admit it. Even if it were true.
"The next time we meet Vivien, it won't be as allies. It'll be as enemies. Vivien will attack you in your Armored Titan form. Try not to let your guard down around her, okay? I'm not saying she'd be the one to go for the kill but she'll help one of the others do it. Remember, she's first and foremost a soldier of the Scout Regiment." Bertholdt told him bluntly.
Reiner said nothing as he stared back at the horizon. His heart ached as the memories he had with Viv flashed through his mind. God has he missed her. Her smile, her laugh, her sarcastic comments, her gentle touch, just everything about her he missed. Bertholdt was right. Rescuing Annie was just a cover up of what he really wanted. He wanted to go back to the walls. He wanted to try and convince Viv one last time to leave with him. These past two months made him realize how much he needed her. He felt like there was a piece of him missing. A piece that only Viv could fill. Just seeing Viv, even as enemies on the battlefield, could maybe give him some kind of relief.
Vivien's P.O.V
The crowd of Scouts cheered as Eren and Jean fought each other in the Scout's mess hall. We were all celebrating tonight since tomorrow we were heading out for Wall Maria. One last big meal before going out. They even got meat for us to which no surprise, Sasha got tied up for. She even bit Jean's hand this time.
I watched the two men as they hurled insults at each other as they fought. I raised an eyebrow as Mikasa made no move to stop them.
"I'm surprised you're not stopping them." I commented to her. Mikasa gave a smile as she watched them.
"No, I think it's fine." She commented. I looked back at Eren and Jean. The two of them looked to be getting worn out already.
"I guess this feels about as normal as we can get now. Kinda feels like we're back at the cadet corp. Sasha's tied up because of her lack of control with food and those two are fighting." I commented.
"Yeah, it does feel like that huh? Hard to believe we all graduated four months ago now." Connie added.
"The fact that this is normal for you people is concerning." Marlowe stated. Marlowe was true to his word and joined the Scouts as soon as he could. Guy's an idiot though. Hitch tried to stop him and the fact she had feelings for him completely went over his head.
"Yeah well…" Armin trailed off with a nervous smile.
"Hey." I looked up hearing Captain Levi's voice. In seconds both Eren and Jean fell flat on the floor. Clutching their stomachs from where the Captain just hit them. Saw that coming.
"That's enough celebrating. Go to bed." I heard the sound of Jean throwing up his meal, "And clean that up." Levi said with disgust in his voice.
"Yes sir!" The Scouts all chanted.
I got up with the others and headed for the doors. It wasn't until we reached the doors to the dorms that I stopped.
"Hey Vivien, is something wrong?" Connie asked. He stopped halfway up the stairs.
I furrowed my brows, "I can't help but think that we forgot something." I pondered. Connie raised a brow and tilted his head in thought. Mikasa looked at both of us.
"Sasha's still tied up." She stated. Mine and Connie's eyes widen.
"Shit! We forgot to untie her!" Connie yelled as he ran down the stairs.
"Mikasa, you could have said something sooner!" I scolded and followed after Connie. Yeah, this felt familiar. It felt like the carefree days of our cadet training. Sometimes, I wish we could go back to that.
I helped load up supplies onto the lift that was heading down Wall Rose. The sun was setting as the Scouts prepared to leave for Wall Maria. This was it. The future of humanity hung in the balance. I heard sudden shouting and cheering come from down below. I stopped what I was doing and walked over. My brows raised in surprise seeing a huge gathering of the people from Trost. They were yelling and cheering at us.
"Get back Wall Maria for us! The future of mankind is up to you!" I heard one shout. More of the Scouts walked to the edge of the wall. All of us were curious.
"Captain Levi! Good luck out there! Thanks for saving our city!" Another one yelled.
"You guys come back in one piece alright?!" Another yelled out.
I stood next to the rest of the Levi squad as we stared out in awe. "I don't think the Scouts have ever actually been cheered on by the people before." I commented.
"If they did, it was well before our time." Armin added.
"Yeah! You can count on us!" I gave an annoyed look as I was shoved to the side by Jean, Connie, and Sasha. They're a little too into it.
I was cut off guard as Commander Erwin began to shout as well. The crowd responded to him as we all watched. I've never seen that big of a smile on the Commander's face before.
Erwin unsheathed his parry blade and pointed over to the horizon, "The operation to take back Wall Maria begins now!" The Scouts cheered as we each headed down all the lifts.
It took several minutes but eventually every single Scout was mounted on their horse. Ready to go on the Commander's orders.
"Scouts! Move out!" I heard Erwin shout. The sound of pounding hooves filled the air as we all rode towards Shiganshina. It's actually happening. I'm heading back to a home I hadn't seen in five years.
Night had fallen and we were traveling on foot for now. We all had our hoods up as we walked through the thick forest. We had the new crystal lamps that were made to guide us through the darkness. These things really were more handy than torches. They wouldn't burn anything or out when they were dropped so that was already a plus.
"Sorry you got stuck with my horse." Eren apologized to Mikasa.
"Don't worry about it. You should be saving your energy." Mikasa corrected him.
"Yeah, I get it but still." Eren argued.
"She's right, Eren. We need you at your best." Connie stated.
"Don't say his name, dumbass." Jean scolded him.
"There's a reason why we're wearing our hoods. We don't know who could be lurkinging in this darkness." I scolded him as well.
"Right, sorry I forgot." Connie apologized.
"Always assume there's enemies everywhere." Jean advised. I stopped when I got the sudden feeling we were being watched. Wisteria stopped next to me as I did. I turned my head around as my eyes tried to scan the dark forest. My brows furrowed seeing what looked to be two red orbs shining from the darkness.
"Titan on the left! Everyone, hold! Light up the area!" I heard Jean yell from behind. I turned back around and shine my light on a Titan not moving.
"It's alright, it looks like this one is asleep. Doesn't look like it's one of the news ones that move around at night. That's a shame. Leave him be." Hange ordered. The Scouts relaxed and began to continue the walk.
I turned my head back where I saw the glowing red orbs. My brows raised as I saw they were no longer there. Did I imagine them?
"Viv, you're falling behind!" Jean called out to me.
"Uh right, coming!" I responded and jogged back up to the others. My mind went back to the red orbs. Were those eyes? I've never seen glowing eyes except for Eren and Reiner. They each glowed their respective human eye color when in their Titan forms. People don't have red eyes though, or at least I've never seen one.
"Hey, you alright?" I looked up at Jean.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I think this darkness is making me a bit paranoid. I thought I saw something back there but I'm not sure if it was real or not." I stated.
"That or you've finally gone actually insane." Jean stated sarcastically.
I rolled my eyes, "Very funny." I deadpanned.
"But in all seriousness, you're not the only one. We're coming up on Shiganshina. Who knows how many enemies there'll be to face. Speaking of which, are you prepared to face down Reiner? We need your skills to help take him down in his Titan form." Jean questioned.
I furrowed my brows as I stared ahead, "I'll do what I have to. Not saying that I'll like it, but it's reality." Jean gave me a look of concern.
"I'll help you out as much as I can, alright? You don't need to make the hard decisions by yourself, you hear me?" I nodded my head at Jean.
"I recognize this area. We use to collect firewood here." We stopped and looked back at Mikasa. I looked around the area but because it was so dark, I couldn't recognize anything.
"We are reaching the foot of the mountain ahead! There's a path that leads out!" A Scout shouted out to us.
We began filing out of the woods as the day began to break. Erwin gave the command to mount up and start riding towards Shiganshina. I stared at the massive hole in the wall that Reiner had made five years ago. I turned my head to the right and my eyes could spot two lone homesteads on top of a hill.
"There it is. That was my childhood home." I muttered under my breath.
"Well that looks cozy." Jean commented in a sarcastic way.
"And isolated you weren't kidding about being an outcast." Connie added on. I said nothing and focused on Shiganshina in front of me. Now's not the time to take a trip down memory lane.
"There could be Titans anywhere! So keep your guard up! The operation has officially begun! All troops, switch to ODM Gear!" I stood up on Wisteria's saddle and shot my hooks towards Wall Maria.
I shot off into the sky following the other Scouts. I landed on top of Wall Maria and stared down at Shiganshina below. I never actually got to see the city when I was younger. Mom did when she had to get supplies but I was always left at home.
"Don't stop! Get to the outer gate!" Levi ordered as he ran past us.
"Right!" We followed behind him as we ran alongside the wall. Levi jumped off the wall and swapped to his ODM Gear. The rest of us follow suit behind him. I looked behind and didn't see Armin. Did he stay behind for some reason?
As I began to look around, something struck me as odd. We're deep in Titan country and there's no Titans to be seen. Where are all of them? We would have seen at least one by now. I heard three to four pops. I looked up seeing the green smoke signals. That's the all clear sign. I hung back with Mikasa to give Eren space to transform mid air.
"Get ready. The moment Eren transforms, the enemy will be on top of us." Mikasa warned.
"Yeah, I know." Eren launched himself over the outer wall. A yellow lightning bolt struck down. Mikasa and I landed on the wall as Eren turned into his Titan form. He began to immediately harden his Titan body as he covered the hole in the outer wall.
"Get him." Mikasa jumped down as she went to grab Eren back to the wall.
"Be on guard, the enemy could be anywhere!" Hange ordered the other squads.
I heard the sound of Mikasa coming back up the wall. She landed next to me with Eren by her side.
"Eren, is your ODM Gear secured?" Mikasa questioned him.
"It's fine. That said, I did manage to shake off my cloak." I took off my cloak and laid it on top of Eren's head.
"Take mine. I'm not too worried about the enemy spotting me." I stated.
Eren looked towards me, "Thanks." Mikasa nodded her head in agreement. Two green smoke signals flew up into the air.
"We pulled it off. Eren, are you okay?" Hange questioned him.
"Not even tired. All that training has paid off." Eren stated.
"Then we shouldn't waste anymore time. Everyone head for the inner gate and keep your faces hidden!" Hange ordered.
I jumped off the edge of the wall and swapped to ODM Gear. I headed back in the direction we came from. As I flew overhead I saw someone on the ground below. I caught a glimpse of Armin's face as I flew past. I stopped myself on the side of the Wall Maria.
"Hey! What're doing on the ground? It's not safe!" I called out. I didn't want to say Armin's name in case there were ears listening. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that's exactly what was happening.
Reiner's P.O.V
"Hey! What're doing on the ground? It's not safe!" Reiner froze hearing Viv's voice just in front of him. His heart began to race in his chest. She's here. He hadn't heard her voice in so long. He almost forgot what she sounded like.
He closed one eye and peaked through the small crack. He held back the gasp that wanted to escape his mouth. She was clinging to the wall with her ODM Gear. Her blonde hair tied up in the messy bun it's always in. Only her bangs hanging from the bun. Her steele gray eyes that always seem to captivate him. His gold eye settled on her soft looking lips. It'd been forever since he thought of the last time that the two of them had kissed. She seemed to be focused on someone down below. She wasn't wearing her Scouts hood like the others. She did something with hers, more than likely gave it to Eren after he transformed. He saw the bright light earlier and knew Eren had already transformed once.
"Vivien? Where's your cloak?" Reiner narrowed his eye hearing Armin's voice come from down below. That's who she's focused on.
"Don't worry about it! I'm more concerned about you! What're doing on the ground?" She asked again.
"Come down and take a look for yourself!" Armin yelled up to her. In an instant, Reiner lost sight of Viv as she dropped down from the wall.
He couldn't see that far down. He strained his ears to hear anything but couldn't pick up Armin or Viv's voices. A minute or so passed until he could hear ODM Gear pierce above him. Two separate gears were being used. One kept continuing above while the other stopped just above his hiding spot. He peeked through the crack once more and saw Viv perched on her spot again. Her brows were furrowed together as she looked around the abandoned city.
"So you are here…Reiner, Bertholdt. Where are you two hiding?" He heard her mutter to herself.
He opened both eyes now and started to think. They were careful to mask their presence. What exactly did Armin find that made him come with that conclusion? Then again, Armin's always been incredibly sharp minded. He heard the whirring sound of the ODM Gear outside. He looked through the crack once more and saw Viv was now gone. She must have retreated back on top of Wall Maria.
He moved his head back and a solemn look fell on his face. If everything went according to the Warchief's plan, Viv's life is in danger. He still has a mission to complete but hopefully he can get Viv's life to be spared.
Vivien's P.O.V
I flew across to the other side of Wall Maria. I had seen Captain Levi, Mikasa and Eren from my spot on the side of the wall. I needed to report to them what Armin had just found.
"Captain." Levi looked up as I landed on the wall.
"What is it?" Levi questioned.
"For starters, we might want to hold off on sealing the inner gate." Mikasa furrowed her brows.
"Why is that?" She questioned.
"Because Armin found evidence of a camp out. Specifically for three people. They're here. Reiner, Bertholdt and one other person are hiding somewhere." I announced.
"So they are here." Eren muttered and glared out at the city.
"You would think they would have shown themselves after Eren's first transformation. It's been too quiet and not a single Titan has been spotted. They're waiting for some sort of signal." Levi concluded.
I nodded, "That's what I was thinking as well. Eren turning again might cause that signal. For now, we need to hold back until we can locate where Reiner and Bertholdt are hiding out." I advised.
"Agreed. Until you're given the go ahead. Do not transform, understand?" Levi ordered Eren.
"Yes, sir." Eren replied back.
A green smoke signal flew in the air, "They found something." Levi jumped off the wall and deployed his gear. We follow right behind him with the rest of the squad behind him.
Another pop sounded as a red smoke signal now fired into the air. That's Commander Erwin. We're pausing the mission?
"Red smoke. We're pausing the mission! Everybody scatter and stay on top of the wall!" Hange ordered.
"Understood!" We all yelled back.
I stayed with Eren, Mikasa and the Captain as we grouped back up to the inner wall. I watched as Scouts began to slowly scale down the wall. They tapped on the wall with their blades as they went. What are they doing? My brows raised when I remember seeing that Titan's face inside of Wall Sina. I completely forgot about that. Does Armin really think they're hiding inside the wall? It's a long shot and sounds insane but I guess we need something to go off of.
"I wonder, did Armin figure something out?" Eren asked out loud.
"Knowing him and his mind, I'd say so." I agreed.
Pop!
I looked down below us as a green smoke signal flew up into the air. They found something!
"Right here, the wall here is hollow!" The Scout yelled out. My eyes widened seeing the Scout suddenly get stabbed from inside the wall. Armin was right! The Scout fell from the wall and my eyes saw movement come from down below. My jaw clenched as I saw Reiner come out from the wall.
"It's Reiner!" I called out. Levi flashed past me and dove off the wall. I watched with wide eyes as Levi stabbed Reiner through his neck. Levi followed up with stabbing through his chest before he backed off. His ODM Gear hooked onto the wall as the Captain stopped his falling. I watched as Reiner fell onto the ground below on his back.
"Did the Captain get him?" Jean whispered.
Mikasa narrowed her eyes, "No, he somehow lived that." She stated.
"What? How can anybody live through that?!" Connie asked bewildered.
"Reiner…" I muttered under my breath. I heard a cry come from before yellow lightning struck. The clap of thunder followed and strong wind blew. Laying on the ground now was the Armored Titan.
"Keep your eyes open! We still need to find his allies!" Erwin ordered. A flash of yellow illuminated our backs. I looked over my shoulder to see Titans encircling the outside of the District. The large Beast Titan that we were debriefed about weeks ago, stood in the middle.
The Beast Titan picked up a large boulder and hurled it straight towards us. Instead of hitting the wall, the boulder landed at the hole in the wall.
"They blocked us in." I muttered under my breath. We had some horses on this side. They were trapping us in. I was right to warn Captain Levi above not having Eren seal up the other hole yet. That was the signal!
I faced forward once more and gave a nervous glare at the Armored Titan below. He was now sitting up and looked ready to charge.
"So it's come down to this, ay Reiner? Only one victor can emerge from this battle. Sorry, but the Scouts aren't losing this one. We're tired of losing to the Titans." I said my thoughts out loud.