Erste Schlacht—Der Kampf um den Trost
(First Battle—The Struggle For Trost)
最初の戦い - トロストのための闘争
850
Two years after joining the Cadets
Two years have passed since the promising young youths have joined the Cadets. A lot of things have changed over the last two years, the cadets have now matured compared to before. Well, some have matured while some have mostly stayed the same, but there were those that have matured both mentally and physically.
Currently the cadets were out in the rain doing a training exercise with Shadis as their observer.
"Pick up the pace, you lead-heeled laggards!" Shadis yelled, riding next to them on his horse.
The cadets were moving through the woods with heavy gear on out in the rain, sporting green cloaks and having their hoods up.
"Your boots water-logged, Arlelt?" Shadis yelled at the boy.
Armin was a little further back of the group, the physical aspects of trading wasn't really one of his strong suits, but he was trying.
Shadis makes his horse slow down so he could ride next to the boy, "Let's see some hustle! Gear too heavy for you, son? Hell, drop it!"
Armin was still pushing forward.
"Leave it in the mud!" Shadis continued to berate him, "The Titans'll have easier work digesting you without all the excess baggage." After saying those words, Shadis rides back up.
"Dammit." Armin cursed, two years and he was still behind everyone else.
"Seriously?" Reiner came out of nowhere and grabbed Armin's backpack, hefting it up on his own shoulder, "I got this, just focus on staying upright. Remember, we're being graded on this."
"Thanks, but won't they give you a demerit for helping me?" Armin questioned.
"Only if they find out. Just make sure you make the cut, that way we'll be even." Reiner replied.
Armin said nothing, just kept on running.
Ahead of them, Shadis saw what Reiner did but didn't call him out on it. Instead he opted to mentally write down his observation.
5th—Reiner Braun. The mind and constitution of a grass-fed ox. Respected by his comrades.
Armin takes his bag back from Reiner and runs ahead of him, Shadis evaluates him next.
12–Armin Arlelt. Built like a daffodil, but academically brilliant.
The next on the graduation final was the practice of the ODM gear. Fake Titans were set up for the cadets. Three cadets come in for the kill of the fake Titans—they are Annie, Jean, and Bertholdt. All three slice the nape.
4th—Annie Leonhart. Gifted with a sword, but does not exactly play well with others.
3rd—Bertholdt Hoover. Heaps of native talent, but too mild-mannered.
6th—Jean Kirschtein. Third head of the class on ODM; also an insufferable smartass with a hair-trigger temper. Especially when it involves Yeager.
Jean searched for another fake Titan to take down, "Think those showoffs can slice and dice? Best hope you see a Titan before I do!" Zipping through the trees, he found another Titan target and grinned about to go in for the kill.
"Way to lead the charge!" Connie appeared above him, jumping down the tree branches to get at the Titan dummy, "You don't care if I steal your thunder, right?" Just as he was about to get at the nape, someone else beat him to it.
"Huh?"
Sasha was all smiles as she had both arms in the air, "Yah-ho! Woo hoo!"
9th—Sasha Blouse. Unusually fine instincts. Only problem is she doesn't share it with her teammates.
8th—Connie Springer. Agile on the switchbacks. Still a few sandwiches shy of a picnic.
'And now, for the standouts among standouts.' Shadis thinks as two cadets sail over his head. A familiar girl with long black hair, that was tied up in a mid ponytail, and another cadet. Both sliced off the napes of the two Titan dummies in perfect sync.
2nd—Mikasa Ackerman. Model cadet. Excels in everything. In fact, it's no overstatement to call the girl a genius. Only problem is her constant focus on Yeager, and nothing else.
1st—Eren Yeager. Another prodigy. Skilled with the ODM gear, brilliant strategist, and strong leadership qualities. Able to keep calm in any situation, and excellent in hand to hand combat. Respected by his peers and works efficiently with others, a model soldier that will do well in any field. But, his blank expression leads others to believe he's hard to understand, also...the look in his eyes worries me a little. They express an individual ready to do what needs to be done.
Shadis wrote down everything he observed about the cadets and was satisfied so far. Perhaps this generation will succeed where they failed. He'll just have to wait and see where the future leads.
-進撃の巨人-
Reiner charged at Eren with a wooden knife with a yell. The other stood there calmly as he waited for Reiner to get close enough. When he was within reaching distance, Reiner found himself flipped on his back harshly.
"Ack!" He coughed out. Okay, he was starting to understand how Jean feels now. Having someone toss you on your ass is one thing, but your back is another thing entirely.
"Ouch…" Reiner grunted and he meant it, too. That really hurt. He hopes his back isn't in bad shape.
Eren offered his hand to Reiner, "Can you get up?" He asked.
Reiner accepted the gesture and stood back up, "Now it's your turn to be the bandit." He handed Eren the wooden knife.
Taking it, Eren swung it around his hand a few times before holding it. Reiner was stunned by the display, "That was amazing. Have you trained with a knife before?" What a stupid question, he inwardly thought. This is the same person that killed those bandits awhile back, of course he knows how to wield a knife.
Eren didn't seem to mind as he answered, "I've used it a lot when I was younger." His very first kill was used with a knife. The feeling of having it in his hand felt bigger back then.
"I see. Sorry, I forgot you don't like talking about it." Reiner apologized, feeling bad for having brought it up.
"It's fine. Besides, becoming a soldier means taking responsibility. There will be a time when we're called on to fight and be at a disadvantage with retreat not being an option. We have to be able to handle any opponent." He flips the wooden knife a few times, "Whether it's by using a cannon or martial arts. That's our responsibility as soldiers."
Reiner didn't know what to say. But his respect for Eren has grown, "Well said. You know in all the time I've known you this might be the first time you've spoken this much." Usually he would sit there quietly in the background and talk when he felt like it.
"Would you rather I act arrogant like Jean?" Eren countered.
Reiner couldn't help but snort at the jab, "No, he's bad enough as it is. We don't need anyone else acting like him." He joked.
Eren nods in agreement.
"Forget all that…look." Reiner gestures for Eren to look in the same direction as him. The brunette does so, his eyes landing on Annie. She was walking around looking bored and uninterested with her surroundings. In other words, minding her own business.
"Annie. What about her?" Eren questioned.
"She's always slacking off without getting caught by the instructor." Reiner replied.
"And?" Eren didn't know why it was any of Reiner's business what Annie does.
"Okay, Eren…" Reiner leaned down a little, "I think that slacker needs a lesson." He grinned mischievously.
Eren didn't share his feelings, "Don't provoke someone unnecessarily, Reiner." Despite his warning to leave her be, Reiner didn't listen. He watched the blonde approach Annie full of confidence and he already knew how this would end.
Annie didn't pay attention to him at first despite his tall figure, but she eventually did. Looking him right in the eye and not intimidated by his presence in the slightest.
Reiner ignored her unimpressed expression, smirking down at her, "You don't want the instructor to headbutt you again, do you?"
Annie said nothing.
"If you don't want to get any shorter," He towered over her, "remember what happened when you came here, and take this seriously."
Eren stood there watching their interaction and came to one conclusion:
Reiner is picking a fight with the wrong person.
He was proven correct when Annie gave Reiner an icy glare that would make anyone's spine shiver. This is why he told Reiner not to unnecessarily provoke someone.
Eren was pulled away from his thoughts when he felt Reiner put both hands on his shoulders, "Let's get going, Eren." He grinned, about to push the brunette towards Annie—only for their positions to be switched.
Much to Reiner's shock and confusion, he was pushed towards an angry Annie.
"You were the one who decided to provoke her. Deal with it." Eren was unsympathetic to Reiner's sudden nervousness. Instead he stood a respectable distance away from the two.
Annie got into a stance while Reiner stood there with the knife. He looked over at Eren but the brunette turned away. No help will be coming from him.
Looking back over at Annie, he decided to just go for it, "Here I go!" He charged at the girl.
It was all over in a second.
Annie swiftly kicked Reiner in the shin and made him trip, knife in hand. Eren watched it all happen and deduced that Reiner's combat skills are average or non-existent.
Reiner charged at Annie again, but instead of kicking his shin like last time. She did something different. Grabbing his arm then his face, she flipped him on his back. He landed in a funny way, with his legs bent over his shoulders.
And to add insult to injury, Annie managed to grab the knife during the scuffle. Not bad.
"Here." She tossed him the knife, which he grabbed.
Annie moved a strand of his from behind her ear, "Now it's your turn to attack me." Oh, so she wanted to fight him now.
"No need. Reiner was the one who chose to provoke you, I don't need to get involved." Eren refused to attack her.
"You scared?" She narrowed her eyes at him.
"No." He made his point clear by tossing the knife away.
But it seems Annie wasn't taking "no" for an answer.
Eren swiftly blocked a kick aimed directly at his shin. Annie wasn't expecting him to block her kick, clearly taken by surprise by the action. Jumping back, she tried the same move again but Eren once again blocked it.
Annie jumped back again, now analyzing Eren very carefully, "Not bad." She begrudgingly complimented.
"Same to you." He responded in kind, "Are we done?"
Her response to that was getting in the same stance. For the first time he felt the urge to sigh. Why is she so insistent on fighting him? She already put Reiner in his place and still wasn't satisfied. How was he supposed to deal with this?
"You insist on continuing this?" He asked.
Judging by her expression the answer is obvious. Since she wasn't back down, then he won't, either. He got in his own stance and waited. Everything around them was ignored in favor of focusing on each other.
Annie attempted a kick to the chest, but Eren side-stepped and grabbed her ankle. He pushed her away but she didn't give up. She tried aiming for the head, but Eren blocked it with his arm.
Annoyance was felt throughout her entire being as Eren seemed to have a counter for everything she threw at him. The most frustrating part was that it felt like he was reading her moves. She was already wary of him but now her cautiousness was more justified.
Her momentary thoughts distracted her enough for Eren to go on the offensive. She was forced to quickly regain her wits when forced to block a hard and powerful kick aimed at her chest. While she did manage to block in time, the force was strong enough to send her flying.
All activity around them stopped. Some of the cadets stared at the sight of Annie on the ground. Annie grunted in pain as her arms were stinging from the stinging pain. What the hell? She sat up and looked right into those stoic green eyes of his. What the hell is his body made of? Bricks? No doubt both her arms will have bruising, if not a fracture from blocking that kick.
"Do you want to continue?" Eren asked her, hoping she'd not want to keep going.
A piercing glare was her response, "Once more." She insisted, getting up and dusting the dirt off her pants.
She's a prideful one.
Annie seemed determined to at least land a hit on him now. If she wanted to keep going then fine. Both got in their stances again and like last time, Annie was the one to make the first move. She attempted a lock to the head that was blocked. When that didn't work she tried for the stomach, which also failed as he side-stepped out of the way.
By this point all of the cadets were watching, including a now flabbergasted Reiner. Armin and Mikasa watched in both anticipation and nervousness. They were watching to make sure things didn't get too out of hand. Shadis was also watching. The last thing he needs right now is for these two to end up breaking each other.
Annie wasn't letting up this time with her attacks, but Eren wasn't all that bothered by it. He was either blocking or evading and occasionally matching her kicks with his.
The two seemed evenly matched as neither side was letting up. Annie closed the distance in an attempt to knee him in the gut. But that backfired when Eren easily avoided said attempt and swiftly kicked her in the stomach.
"Gah—!" Annie coughed as she went flying again, rolling away and getting dirt on her uniform. When she came to a stop finally, the first thing she did was cough out some dirt she swallowed.
Shadis called it, "That's enough! The winner is Eren Yeager!" He announced.
Murmurs were heard around the training area as the trainees were impressed by how both Annie and Eren sparred each against each other. They don't even care how the fight even started, being more impressed with the impressive footwork of the fight.
"He sent her flying with just a kick!"
"I didn't realize just how strong Yeager is!"
"That was a good fight!"
Annie was wiping her mouth and stopped to look up when a hand was offered to her.
"Sorry, I meant to hold back." Eren apologized.
She stared at him for a moment before silently accepting his hand. All the fight she had previously was knocked out of her, literally. This might be the first someone had actually beaten her, and she's a little annoyed by that fact.
"It's fine," She huffed, fixing her hair, "I got a little annoyed myself."
Eren could tell.
"Sorry for attacking you out of nowhere." She apologized.
"I'm not that bothered by it. Besides, the person who started all this in the first place is just standing there gaping like a fish." Eren was referring to an open-mouthed Reiner.
Annie's piercing blue eyes focused on the tall blonde, "Is that so?" Her tone was dangerous and promised pain.
She'll be getting some payback on Reiner later. You reap what you sow.
"Anyway, that was amazing. I've never seen anyone fight like you before." Annie was honestly impressed by Eren's unique fighting style.
"Same to you." He countered.
Annie shrugged, "Where did you learn that?" She asked out of curiosity.
"My grandfather." He replied.
This answer took her by surprise, "Your grandfather taught you how to fight?"
"Ah. What about you?" He inquired.
"My father taught me." She answered.
"I see."
Now that Eren thinks about it, this might be the first time either of them have conversed with each other. Annie prefers her own company which isn't bad. Everyone needs their space every once in a while, even him.
"That being said, there isn't any point in doing this." Annie said suddenly, getting his attention.
"You mean this exercise?" He questioned.
She looked around at the other cadets, who went back to their exercise, "Martial arts won't improve your score. You should just go through the motions, like them." Her example was that of seeing Kean and another cadet not taking this seriously.
"The only ones allowed to join the Military Police and go deep within the walls are those who rank in the final top ten." She explained, "The only ones who take this seriously are either people like you, who do whatever they're told, or real idiots." Her eyes trailed over to Sasha and Connie. Sasha was doing a strange pose right along with Connie.
Eren followed her line of sight and saw Shadis had approached the two, "Ah, he caught them." He said.
Shadis proceeded to squeeze both sides of Connie's head, lifting him in the air, dangling. Sasha was standing with fear in her eyes at their instructor.
"In your opinion, this is all nothing but a farce. But, think of it this way, Annie…" He picked up the wooden knife he tossed away then quickly pointed it at her neck before she could even move. His eyes looking directly into her's, "…humans are more of a threat than Titans." He said darkly.
Annie did not move as she stared into those green eyes that revealed nothing. He moved the knife away, "We live in a cruel world, and for those of us who have experienced such cruelty, fighting to survive is all we can do." He walked away after saying what he needed to.
People have different viewpoints of the world. Eren knows of people just like Annie. Who have given up hope for this cruel world a long time ago.
And yet…
…why is it that he still has some lingering hope left?
A question he doesn't have an answer to.
-進撃の巨人-
Night had descended and the cadets were in the common area, eating. Today's combat training was quite the topic of conversation as everyone still wanted to talk about the fight between Eren and Annie. Both topics of said discussion opted to stay out of it. Eren was talking with Armin about something else.
"What do you think? About what Annie said?" Armin asked him.
"Nothing." He replied.
"Huh?"
Eren elaborated, "Everyone has different viewpoints. Making others think the same as you will never work. In the end, only the three of us will join the Survey Corps."
Armin looked sheepish by that, "That's true. We promised we'd see the outside world."
Eren hummed.
"—use the generated momentum, and you'll conserve fuel." Jean boasted to Marco.
"You make it sound so easy." Marco said, sounding impressed.
Jean was smirking as he leaned on the table, "Well, I guess not everyone can do it…" his gaze then shifted over to Mikasa for a moment.
Armin nervously looked at Eren, who didn't appreciate the other passing looks at her.
"But it's worth remembering. If you want to join the Military Police, anyway." He bragged.
Marco had a small smile on his face, "Yeah, I hope I can get in…" He was imagining getting accepted, "I can't imagine a greater honor than serving near the King." He said, taking a sip from his mug.
"Hey, Marco." Jean patted his back, making Marco cough to keep from choking, "Cut the noble act and tell the truth!" He had a scary grin on his face, "You want to join the Military Police because life deep inside the walls is soft and easy."
"No! I really think that…" Marco denied such claims.
Jean eyes Eren out of the corner of his eye, "But, unlike us there's some suicidal morons who would rather be Titan chow instead." He mocked.
"Jean!" Marco frowned at him.
Armin nervously shifted in his seat.
Eren looked at Jean calmly, not at all bothered by his words and decided to say a few of his own, "Einfältiger Narr."
Silence.
Armin tried to cover his snort, but failed. Mikasa's lip twitched in amusement, and Krista had a giggle fit much to Ymir's confusion.
Annie blinked at the familiar language he used before, even Reiner and Bertolt were taken aback since they never heard of it before.
Jean's eyebrow twitched, "What the hell did you just call me?" He demanded.
Eren shrugged, "Who knows?"
"You liar!"
"Think what you like." Eren said uncaringly.
"Bastard!" Jean slammed his palms on the table in anger.
"Jean, calm down…" Marco tried to get him back in his seat by grabbing his arm and tugging on it.
Connie was curious about something, "Hey, what language is that anyway?" He asked.
"I've never heard of it before!" Sasha stopped stuffing her face to comment. Though there were still breadcrumbs on her face.
Eren decided to tell them now rather than having him pester him about it later, "I learned it from my father."
"Wow, is it a language he made up?" Mina asked.
"No, he said it's the language of the Yeager family." Eren replied.
Connie leaned forward, "Hey, hey, what did you call Jean just now?" Curiosity really is a dangerous thing.
"Simple-minded fool." He replied in a dry tone.
That got rounds of laughter from some of the cadets. Jean, of course didn't look so thrilled about the insult, "You son of a—!" He stomped forward, grabbed Eren's shirt collar—only to be tossed on his back.
"Gah!"
Ymir rolled her eyes, "You think by now you'd learn what happens when you act like an idiot." She insulted him.
"Don't pick fights you can't win, Jean." Reiner advised.
'Moron.' Annie thought.
"Dammit…" Jean cursed, sitting up.
Slowly, the door opened to reveal a terrifying looking Shadis, "I heard quite a commotion. Would someone like to explain?" The lamplight flickered in the background as Jean sat down, facing Eren.
Eren sensed the nervous tension and made eye contact with Mikasa. Both teens nodded and raised their hands, "That sound was Sasha's fart." They said in unison.
Sasha exclaimed loudly at the blatant lie Eren and Mikasa just told to Shadis, "Huh?!"
Shadis had his nose covered, looking disgusted, "You again?" In front of him were Connie and Reiner trying very hard not to laugh.
Sasha was even more shocked that Shadis believed them.
"Learn to control yourself." Shadis went out the door as the rest of the cadets were trying hard not to laugh. Once the door slammed shut, everyone lost it. Ymir almost fell out of her seat had Krista not held onto her in time.
Sasha grabbed Mikasa's wrist, "Mikasa, Eren, how could you?! That was so mean!" She whined, but stopped when Mikasa stuffed some bread in her mouth. Eren even offered the rest of his, much to the girl's delight.
Jean was glaring at Eren the whole time during the whole exchange. If Eren noticed then he didn't bother to acknowledge it.
-進撃の巨人-
"In the end, two hundred and eighteen trainees managed to hang on till graduation."
Jean tossed a trainee to the ground and looked over at with a smirk, but he didn't pay him any mind.
Day turned into night. It was time for the graduation ceremony. Shadis stood before those who made it till the very end.
"Dedicate your hearts!"
All graduates saluted as they faced Shadis and the other instructors. Candle lights burned bright as the young trainees were no longer cadets, but now full-fledged soldiers.
"Today, you trainee graduates will be given three choices."
"You can join the Garrison, protecting towns and reinforcing the walls."
"Or the Survey Corps, who risk their lives beyond the walls, in Titan territory."
"Or the Military Police, who serve the King, lead the people, and protect internal order."
A blonde haired instructor spoke about the options they could choose, "Of course, only the top ten students, whose names were just announced, can join the Military Police."
The top ten graduates stood before the instructors. All were lined up and staring forward with a stoic expression. These were the best of the best. Individuals who have shown great progress during their time as trainees, now stand tall and firm:
Rank 1st: Eren Yeager
Rank 2nd: Mikasa Ackerman
Rank 3rd: Bertolt Hoover
Rank 4th: Annie Leonhart
Rank 5th: Reiner Braun
Rank 6th: Jean Kirstein
Rank 7th: Marco Bott
Rank 8th: Connie Springer
Rank 9th: Sasha Blouse
Rank 10th: Krista Lenz
Most of the top graduates were proud to have gotten their rank, aside from a side eyed glare Jean was giving Eren out of the corner of his eye at having made the top rank. Armin was proud of his friends for getting into the top ten. He knew they would.
After the ceremony was over all graduates gathered in the common area to relax and unwind. Their training days are officially over and now it was time for the real experience. Most graduates already decided to join the Garrison while some who made the top ten decided to join the Military Police.
"I did it!" Connie shouted in triumph, "I'm joining the Military Police!"
"We won't go hungry anymore!" Sasha added, happily.
Not everyone was happy though. Jean was sitting by himself and sulking at the fact Eren scored higher than he did. Ranking first of all things, while he only ranked sixth.
"How did I score lower than Eren?" He grumbled, annoyed by the fact Eren was higher than him, "Dammit!"
Speaking of Eren, he was standing around with Mikasa, Armin, Marco, and Thomas. They were talking amongst themselves just as everyone else was. Thomas was questioning the decision of the Shiganshina trio.
"You seriously aren't joining the Military Police, Eren?" Thomas already knew Eren showed no interest in joining, but figured he'd changed his mind at some point. Since he was ranked first amongst the top ten some cadets were sure he'd join, "You did all that work to make the top ten."
Eren took a sip from his mug, "I wasn't trying to make the top ten to begin with. Besides, I'd already decided to join the Survey Corps long ago."
"You want to be out there with the Titans?! You'll never beat them!" Thomas shouted, getting everyone's attention and put the spotlight on them.
Thomas saw this and became nervous but focused more on their conversation, "You do know how many tens of thousands have been eaten?" He asked lowly, "We lost over twenty percent of our population, so we know for sure." Jean had a frown on his face as he listened to their conversation.
Sasha and Connie were also listening with concerned expressions.
"Humans cannot defeat Titans." Thomas said looking scared at the thought of seeing seeing a Titan.
Eren wasn't bothered by Thomas's words, in fact he expected this reaction. But unlike his fellow cadets, Eren has a different viewpoint when it came to Titans.
"So?" Thomas was surprised by Eren's response, "Even if we ignore them like we have been, they won't be going away anytime soon." Eren stated, shocking them with an obvious fact.
"I've never been afraid or wary of Titans," Eren admitted, "That's more reserved for humans."
"Eh?" Thomas was confused by what he meant.
Eren elaborated, "What can a Titan do that we haven't already done ourselves?" He questioned, "Wipe out twenty percent of the population? We've done far worse than any Titan could." His tone was low as he spoke.
No one had any words to say to that.
"Back then, we didn't know anything about the Titans," Eren continued, his tone calm as Armin and Mikasa stood by and watched, "Fighting them head-on is pointless." Bertolt and Reiner were in the background listening, "But the information the Survey Corps gained is enough for an advantage, no matter how small."
He set his cup down on the table, "The Survey Corps sacrificed tens of thousands of lives to develop tactics that could give humanity the advantage. I want to see it for myself, the world beyond the walls they see with their own eyes. Even if it means fighting against Titans to see it." Eren left it at that and proceeded to walk out of the cafeteria.
"Wait, Eren!" Armin called out to him, Mikasa following right behind the blonde. A tense silence descended on the hall as no one said a word after Eren those impactful words.
Jean was glaring during the whole thing, irritated that Mikasa went after him, 'If you want to go outside the walls, then go. I'm joining the Military Police, at any cost.' He thought, determined to have a quiet life in the interior.
Eren was sitting outside on the steps as the night air was felt against his skin. He wondered what made him say all that back there? Was it another one of those moments, or were those his own words? Sometimes it really is hard to tell with him. The remaining cadets here will choose to be anywhere so long as they are far away from the Titans outside the walls.
But his decision had been made long before he even met Armin, who also wanted to go outside and see the world.
'I wonder how mom is doing? Teacher said he'd keep her company, but…' His inner thoughts trailed off when he felt the presence of Armin and Mikasa. Armin sat on his right side while Mikasa sat on his left. What a familiar setting, he thought. They did this five years ago, too. Just sitting together and talking about joining the military to see the outside world.
Some things never change.
"Eren, were you serious about being more cautious of humans than Titans?" Armin asked him, "I don't think I've ever heard you mention that before."
"Titan's have predictable behavior, unlike humans. You never know what they're thinking. Humans can be conniving, manipulative, and cunning. What makes humans terrifying is that they can be more menacing and frightening than a Titan. By becoming monsters themselves." Eren replied in a serious tone. He's seen just how monstrous humans can become when push comes to shove.
Armin and Mikasa said nothing. He was right.
"We'll be joining the Survey Corps soon. When we do, we'll see and experience what they've had to." Eren said suddenly.
Armin blinked then looked down with a small smile, "That's right. Just like we've always dreamed." He was referring to him and Eren. Both boys were curious to see the world outside the walls. Joining the Survey Corps will give them that opportunity, even if it means having to face Titans along the way.
"Don't forget I'm joining the Survey Corps, too." Mikasa said, getting their attention, "We'll go together and see for ourselves." She fiddled with her scarf to hide her bashful expression.
Eren let out a small huff but didn't comment as he looked up at the night sky that showed more stars than usual. A shooting star flew by but Eren didn't bother making a wish. There's only so much a wish can really do for you in this world after all.
But at least the night he spent with Armin and Mikasa was a memorable one.
-進撃の巨人-
"They're here! The main force of the Survey Corps!"
Civilians were eagerly gathering crowding to see the main force of the Scout Regiment leave through the Trost District. Erwin Smith was at the helm, leading them with a stern expression that revealed nothing. The cadets gathered to see them for themselves. Eren, Armin, and Mikasa were able to get a clear look at them. Armin was staring open mouth at them, while Mikasa sported her usual blank expression. Eren's eyes trailed over and analyzed them carefully.
Erwin Smith is a brilliant strategist and tactician from what he can tell.
"Look, it's Captain Levi!"
His attention shifted over to a frowning man with a bored expression. So this is Levi.
"They say he's as strong as an entire brigade."
Levi was annoyed by all the attention and clicked his tongue, "Shut up." He mumbled.
Eren's gaze stayed on Levi and compared the physical features with someone else he knows, 'They almost look the same, but both are very different.' Their personalities also couldn't be more different.
"This is similar to five years ago…" Eren said, observing the happy and eager expressions of the civilians, "The civilians seemed to have high hopes for them."
Hanna explained why that was, "Everyone's cheered up. There haven't been any problems for five years."
Franz was standing behind her and added his own two cents, "And they've improved the fixed cannons. Maybe the big Titans won't come again." He joked.
"Right!" Hanna agreed, grinning.
Eren blinked, "Two lovebirds think alike, it seems." He referred to them, watching as they reacted. Both proceeded to blush and deny the accusations.
Hanna looked away, waving her hand in front of them, "You think we're a happy couple?" She questioned, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"You're getting ahead of yourself, Eren!" Franz's cheeks were pink as he covered his mouth to deny the two of them were acting like a couple.
The look on Eren's face told them he wasn't buying it, "Well, good luck to you both." He said in the end.
"We told you it's not like that!" They shrieked.
Armin brought up both hands in front of him with a smile, "Now, now, Eren was just teasing you guys, right?" He asked his friend.
"Ah."
A bead of sweat fell to the side of Armin's face, "That's not much of an answer, Eren." He sighed.
"Hey, you guys!"
The Shiganshina trio recognized that voice and looked over to see it was Hannes. Looks like he was stationed over here in Trost, too.
"Hannes." Eren said.
Hannes approached them with a huge smile on his face, "I heard the good news! You graduated yesterday. Hard to believe these are the same three little kids from back then."
"What about you?" Eren asked, "Promoting a drunk like you can only lead to trouble."
"Listen to you…" Hannes poked his forehead in a good hearted gesture. He smiled at them, "If he could see you right now, he'd be proud." His words were honest and heartfelt as he talked about Grisha.
Eren's mouth parted before closing and looking down at the ground, "I know…" He whispered. Armin put a hand on his shoulder, as did Mikasa. Grisha's death is still a sore spot for Eren, back then just saying his father's name was enough to cause physical pain. And while the pain is still there, he doesn't have to experience it alone.
Not anymore.
"We should go." Mikasa said gently.
Eren nodded, "We're going now." He leaves with Armin and Mikasa to see what they should do. Hannes watched them go with a resigned expression, 'You three really have grown. Don't die.' He was praying to whatever deity was listening to him that these three kids survive no matter what.
"Hm?" Eren said, making sure he heard right, "You're joining the Survey Corps?" They were ordered to clean the cannons on top of the wall since they were just freshly graduated cadets. All of them were in the middle of doing this when Connie suddenly revealed he was joining the Scouts.
"What about the Military Police?" Eren asked him.
Connie was in the middle of wiping down the wooden part of the cannon when he answered, "Well, about that…" he trailed off, not looking at Eren.
"Your speech yesterday affected him." Mina busted Connie out by telling Eren that what he said yesterday influenced Connie's decision.
"Shut up!" Connie turned to them with a slight blush, "It was my own decision!" He snapped.
"No need to feel embarrassed!" Thomas approached them, "It isn't just you." He blushed a little, scratching his cheek with a bashful smile.
Eren wasn't expecting that, "Even you?" Why would they change their minds all because of what he said last night?
"Um, everyone…" Sasha walked up to them with a nervous expression, and judging by that smell Eren could see why.
"Sasha, you…" He started to say.
She nervously laughed, "I brought meat from the officer's storehouse." Having no shame whatsoever, she proceeded to show them the stolen meat.
All of them, aside from Eren, gave her horrified expressions when she showed the stolen meat to them. To be so bold as to steal meat without even getting caught. Sasha is truly something.
"Sasha, do you want to end up in jail?!" Thomas exclaimed, shocked she would actually steal meat.
"You really are an idiot!" Samuel was honestly dumbfounded by the girl's lack of caution when it came to food.
"Idiots are scary…" Connie sounded like he was impressed she managed to steal it without getting caught.
Sasha wasn't processing their words, cheeks tinted red and mouth drooling, "Let's all split it…" her eyes were glazed over as she was thinking about eating the meat, "We can slice it and make sandwiches!" And she's officially lost all reasoning in favor of the temptation of meat.
"Go put it back!" Thomas tells her.
"Yeah…"
"After all the land we lost, meat is really valuable!" Mina explained to Sasha, but it was clear the girl wasn't listening.
"It's fine!" Sasha assured them as she put the meat away in the box, "Once all the Titans are gone, we can raise cows and sheep again."
Even if she says all that they were still apprehensive about her stealing meat. Tempting though it may be, there's no way any of them were brave enough to eat a slice of the meat. Which is why they were shocked to see Eren of all people take the meat out of the box, cut a piece and eat it. Without any hesitation.
"Wha—?! Eren, you can't eat it!" Thomas wasn't expecting Eren of all people to actually eat some of the meat.
Eren chews on the meat some more then swallows it, "You should never waste food." He rationalized his reason for eating some of the meat.
Sasha bobbed her head up and down.
"I don't know if that's a valid reason…" Thomas exasperated.
"I'll have some of that meat, too!" Samuel gave into temptation and decided to have some, too.
"M-Me, too! Get it ready!" Connie also gave in.
Mina smiled, "I also will, of course!"
All of them look so motivated now. Eren looked out into the city of Trost, people walking around and paying those around them no mind. This scene is no doubt very familiar to five years ago in Wall Maria.
The calm before the storm.
An ominous wind was blowing as he stood there, 'It won't be long now. For this peace to be disturbed.' Nothing stays quiet for long.
And it didn't.
A golden light from behind him was seen before a crash of lightning revealed a familiar face of a Colossal Titan. The very same Titan from five years ago has appeared once more.
Eren looked it right in the eyes as his fellow cadets had stunned and horrified expressions on their faces. An eerie silence descended upon them as no one moved.
"Move away from the wall!" Eren told them as they were blasted in the face by steam from the Titan. As it did this, the Titan kicked a hole into the wall just like it did five years ago.
Thinking quickly, the cadets used their gear to keep from falling off the wall. Connie breathed a sigh of relief when he was able to keep from falling and plummeting to his death. His relief was short-lived, however, when he noticed Samuel was unconscious.
"Samuel!" Connie felt something zip right past him. It was Eren. He was actually running down the wall so fast that he couldn't believe his eyes.
By some miracle Eren managed to catch Samuel by grabbing his ankle, while using a wire hook to stay attached to the wall.
"He caught him!" Mina smiled in relief.
"Nice, Eren!" Connie said, grinning. He knew Eren could do some pretty amazing things, but seeing him run down the wall with inhuman speed was incredible!
Eren didn't share their sentiments right now as they have a much bigger problem to deal with, "It's been breached." He said.
All eyes looked in the direction he was looking. Horror and fear showed as they saw the wall had indeed been breached.
"No way…" Connie's voice was shaking, "The Titans will come inside the walls again!" Just like five years ago when they tried to invade Wall Maria! But the big difference between then and now is the fact that the residents had a Titan protecting them. They don't have anything like that now!
Eren handed Samuel over to Sasha, "Take care of him." Was all he said before propelling himself up.
"Eh? What?!" Sasha held onto Samuel with a confused expression.
Spinning in the air, Eren landed on top of the gate. His eyes locked on the towering form of the Colossal Titan. There was still steam around the top part of the gate that obscured anyone's vision. But that won't be a problem for Eren. Even with all this steam around he was still able to see.
What he wasn't able to see were its eyes, which is why he really came up here in the first place. This Titan was working together with both the Armored Titan and another one from five years ago. So they decided to attack Wall Rose now. It was smart of them to wait for the Scouts to leave before doing this.
He jumped out of the way when the Colossal Titan destroyed the cannons.
'Destroying the cannons to prevent us from attacking the Titans before they can get through the breach was a strategic move.' Eren thinks, using the wires to propel himself forward in the air. The Titan looked over at him and from his position in the air, he was able to see its eyes.
'There's no doubt. You and your comrades are like us. But our goals are different.' A giant red hand tried grabbing onto him, but he maneuvered out of the way. Landing in its outstretched arm, he started running. His eyes started glowing as his speed enhanced tenfold.
In a flash, he was already at the neck, blades digging into the back of its nape. Unfortunately the Titan chose that moment to disappear just as quickly as it came. Using his cables to spring him back up the wall, Eren stood there and assessed what happened.
'Became frightened when I cut your nape and decided to change back, huh?' Understandable, really. If by some chance he encountered the Scouts in the near future and tried to do the same thing to him, he'd have also changed back.
Scanning around the outer part of the wall carefully, his eyes quickly spotted movement to his right. Someone was using ODM gear and flying below the wall, wearing a dark green hood to cover their face. Eren's gaze stayed on the individual, watching them look back and flinch when they saw he was looking at them.
They used the gas to move faster, probably hoping by doing so he won't pursue them. Eren had no plans to go after them because there was no point. Even if he did manage to catch up with them and engage in combat, the possibility of it going south was high.
'Titans will be swarming the town soon. When that happens, I need to make a decision.' Eren was already anticipating the panic and chaos that would happen.
"Eren!" Thomas landed on top of the wall, "Did you defeat it?" He asked.
"I only managed to dig my blades in the back of its nape before it disappeared." Eren answered. Anyway, it's not like he was expecting it to go smoothly, but at least he confirmed the Colossal Titan was a shifter.
In a way it worked out.
"It disappeared? A big Titan like that?!" Thomas found it hard to believe something that big could just vanish into thin air.
"It did the same thing five years ago. Appearing out of nowhere and vanishing just as suddenly." Eren put his blades away, "Forget about the Colossal Titan right now, our main focus should be the breach."
"That's right!" Connie approached them, looking panicked, "If we don't hurry and patch it back up, the Titans will get through!"
"What are you doing?" Someone from the Garrison appeared, "The contingency plan for the Colossal Titan has already begun. Get to HQ!"
"Anyone who made contact with it, don't forget to report!" He said.
"Best of luck to the advance team!" Connie was wishing them any kind of luck they would need right now.
'So it begins again.' Eren thinks.
-進撃の巨人-
As he predicted, there was chaos.
The civilians were being evacuated with the help of some Garrison members. Eren didn't know what the contingency plan was, but had a feeling it wouldn't work.
Being fresh new graduates, they were expected to help in the fight against the Titans. He anticipated that. But the problem is this, they are new graduates. This was their very first battle against the Titans and most are terrified. It's a wonder some haven't passed out already.
The most terrified of the bunch was…
"Armin, are you okay?" He placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. Armin was trembling, hands shaking as he tried to refill his gas.
"I-I'm fine." Armin assured him, trying to calm his nerves, "I'll get over it soon enough." That's what he was telling himself anyway, but his fear was threatening to take hold over him.
"B-But we're in bad shape. We currently don't have the means to quickly patch an eight-meter hole…" Armin was already assessing their situation despite his fear, "We never even managed to dig up that big rock near the front gate!"
Oh, Eren forgot about that rock. Maybe the Garrison can figure out how to deal with it.
"Since we can't seal the hole, we'll have to abandon the town." He explained.
And the only ones here who have some training to hold the Titans back are the Garrison. But they're not the Scouts. All they have are cannons and some ODM gear training, but they've never actually fought a Titan before.
Only the Scouts have sufficient enough training to handle a Titan. And cannons can only do so much against the Titans because of their ability to regenerate any serious injuries they sustain to the body.
"It's only a matter of time before they breach Wall Rose!" Armin was starting to lose his nerve and almost had a breakdown, "Besides, they can wipe out humanity whenever they want, anyway!" He felt hands on either side of his head, his face now staring into calm green eyes.
"Armin, Sei ruhig." Eren said, his facial expression was calm.
"Huh…?" Armin had calmed down enough to process that Eren said a familiar word to him, "S-Sei ruhig…?" If he recalls correctly that means…
Be calm.
Strangely, Armin somehow did manage to calm down. But that was probably because of Eren. He wasn't freaking out, didn't look scared, or anything. Come to think of it, he was like this during the breach of Wall Maria, too. When there was nothing but pure fear and chaos going around, Eren had the opposite reaction to everyone else.
Calm.
Eren had been calm throughout the whole ordeal. Just like he is now.
'How is he so calm? I'm barely keeping it together, but Eren's taking all of this in stride.' Armin thinks. But no, that's not really right. For as long as he's known his best friend there's one thing he can be certain…
…Eren has always been this way.
"Have you calmed down?" Eren asked.
Armin blinked a few times, "Huh, oh, yes. I don't know how to explain it, but hearing you speak in your language always makes me feel better." Maybe it was the way Eren's voice sounds so different when he speaks in a different language. It sounds soothing and calm.
"I see." Eren looked a little bewildered by that, but wasn't really all that bothered.
Mikasa, who was standing behind them the whole time, also calmed down. Everything will be alright. So long as they're together, everything will be okay.
Just as Eren predicted, Titans got through and entered Trost. Garrison soldiers who were stationed at the gate to try and hold them off have been killed. Since it's come to this, he really doesn't have any other choice now.
Especially if the Armored Titan really does show up again. With its armored plating protecting its skin, a cannon can't really do anything against it—not even slow it down.
From what this man was telling them, it seems the Vanguard decided to engage the Titans, but he doubts they'll last long.
Apparently their goal was to defend Wall Rose until the evacuation is complete. It only sounds simple to the person giving them the order, but to the rest of the graduates? To them it sounded more like this: Sacrifice yourselves for the good of mankind.
How encouraging.
Given one final order to give up their lives for humanity, all of them scrambled or stood around to wait for further orders.
None of the cadets were doing too well, though. Whatever mental strength they had when they came to Trost was wiped away as some of them were close to losing their sanity.
Jean being one of them.
He tried to mask the fear and dread that was festering inside of him. Threatening to spill over, covering his face to calm his nerves wasn't really helping. Not like he was really expecting it to.
"Why today?" Even his voice was trembling, "As of tomorrow, I would've been in the Interior…" Bertolt was standing next to him and looking a little worried at Jean's current mental state.
Jean looked over to his right and saw another graduate puking his guts out. Not wanting to stick around, he walked away and saw more graduates losing their nerves. All of them were terrified. And why shouldn't they be? These are Titans for fuck's sake! How in the hell are they supposed to fight against those monsters?!
There's no way they can win!
Jean was so deep in thought that he ended up bumping into someone. And it was the last person he wanted to see right now.
"Sorry." Eren apologized.
Jean glared at him before pushing past him, "You're in the way!" He said rudely, but Eren paid it no mind.
"Jean, what's wrong?" He asked.
Jean turned back and looked at him in disbelief, "What's wrong?" Did this suicidal moron seriously just ask him that?!
"Unlike you, I don't have a death wish!" What pissed Jean off the most about bumping into Eren was his calm expression. Everyone was reduced to blubbering messes while he remained unfazed by all this. Dammit!
He grabbed Eren's collar, "Since you wanted to join the Survey Corps, I'm sure you're ready to become Titan food anytime! But I was to go to the Interior tomorrow!" Jean yelled in his face.
"Jean, calm down." Eren responded to Jean's ramblings.
"I'm supposed to stay calm and die?" Jean would have yelled some more but found himself in a familiar position in his back, gear and all.
"Ow! What the hell?!" Jean exclaimed angrily.
"Jean, what did you do during those three years during training? Daydreaming?" Eren asked a stunned Jean, "We almost came close to death many times during those three years…" His eyes were glazed over, "Some really did die, others ran, and some were kicked out…"
"But you made it. You survived, didn't you?" Eren asked a silent Jean, "If you can survive that, then you can survive this."
Jean didn't know what to say.
"You'll live to see another day, and go to the Interior tomorrow." Eren told him, "Besides, I don't see someone with survival skills like a cockroach to die anytime soon." He said it as an afterthought.
Someone snorted in the background before it became full blown laughter. The one laughing was Ymir, who happens to be walking by. Krista only sighed at Ymir as the other girl fell to her knees, trying to catch her breath.
"S-Savage…Yeager is fucking savage…!" Ymir wheezed, covering her mouth to try and stop laughing.
Eren blinked at her, looking utterly confused, "Why are you laughing? I didn't say anything funny." He said with a straight face.
Ymir started choking on her own spit. Eren's confused expression, topped with his equally confused words only made her laugh harder.
"Shut the hell up already, Ymir!" Jean yelled at her, his face was red as he was now standing and pointing at Eren, "And you! Are you trying to comfort me or insult me?! Which is it?!" He demanded.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"…I wasn't doing either." Eren responded, sounding confused.
Ymir was now rolling on the ground, howling as tears were streaming down her face. Krista had pretty much abandoned the vomiting Daz in favor of making sure Ymir didn't choke on her own spit. The expression on Jean's face expressed he was so done with everything and walked over to Daz.
"Let's go, Daz!" Jean called out to a now sobbing Daz, "Stop sobbing already!"
"Okay…"
Ymir came over by Eren and patted his shoulders, "Eren, when this is over you should seriously tell jokes on the side. Cause that was fucking hilarious! I really needed that!" She walked away before he could respond.
Krista smiled at him, "Thanks for making everyone feel better by making them laugh. I don't think anyone's scared anymore." She said, leaving to follow behind Ymir.
Eren looked at Mikasa, "I really wasn't trying to make anyone laugh." He was being honest.
Mikasa had a small smile on her face, "I know. But your words did encourage Jean and the others to do their best to survive. That's good enough for them." She was feeling a little better, too.
He really wasn't trying to encourage anyone, but if it made them feel better in some strange way then maybe it's fine.
"What about you?" Eren asked her, "Are you worried?"
Mikasa's lighthearted expression changed, "We're on different teams, and plans can fall through. I…" she looked down at her feet, this feeling was too similar to that time when she felt helpless to save her parents. She could have done something to stop those men, but all she did was let fear take over. And now they're gone.
"Trainee Ackerman…" The teens turned to see someone of higher rank standing there, "You're being specially moved to rearguard. Follow me."
Mikasa protested immediately, "B-But I'll only slow them down!"
"I'm not asking for your opinion. The evacuation's falling behind. We need as many skilled soldiers overseeing civilians as possible." He said it as the final word before walking away.
"B-But…" Mikasa would have protested even further had Eren not moved in front of her, touching each side of her face. The sudden action took her by surprise, "Eren, what…"
"Mikasa, hab keine Angst." Eren said in his other language.
At first she was confused. What was he saying all of a sudden? But when she actually stopped to think about it did she fully understand what he said.
Don't be scared.
He was telling her not to give into her fear right now. That's right, now isn't the time to be afraid. Now is the time for her to be level-headed and not let reckless actions make her do something stupid.
"I'm sorry…thank you…" She said, feeling a little bashful, "I wasn't thinking."
Eren released her face when he saw she was calm again, "Be careful. Don't lose your nerve and stay calm." He said.
"I will." She promised, quickly grabbing his hand before he could walk away, "But I do have one request." Her tone was low as the wind started blowing, "Please…don't die." She pleaded.
Eren's gaze softened at the heartfelt plea. While her gaze was lowered, Mikasa felt him touch the back of her head then bumped their foreheads together. This simple gesture was their normal routine when making promises. Mikasa felt more relaxed because he promised to stay alive.
Reluctantly, he moved away and left her standing there, but she felt a huge weight was lifted. So she stood there watching his back as he confidently walked with his head held high.
'You won't die. I believe you won't.' She repeats those words in both her mind and spirit.
Doing so makes her truly believe it to be true.
-進撃の巨人-
Eren's squad members were Thomas, Mina, Milieus, Nack, and Armin. There's been no sighting of a Titan near their area so far, but they'll be showing up very soon.
"What do you think, Armin?" Eren asked the blonde standing next to him on the rooftop, "Think this will be good practice?"
Armin caught on to what he was saying and managed to give him a confident grin, "Yeah!" He agreed.
"Just to be clear, a lot of people want to join the Survey Corps this time around." Mina said from behind them, a smile of her own.
"You got the best of me earlier, but not anymore." Thomas had a confident expression and looked ready to fight.
Eren wasn't expecting this, "You seem motivated." He noted. What brought about this sudden change? And it wasn't just him. It seems the rest of their squad members seemed a lot more motivated than usual.
"Think so?" Thomas smiled, "Then let's see who can kill more Titans." He suggested.
Sounds like a fool's bet.
"Squad 34! Support the vanguard!" A Garrison soldier ordered.
'Here we go.' Eren turned to his squad members, "Move out."
All of them ran off the roof before jumping and using their ODM gear to start flying around and help put the vanguard. So far they haven't run into any Titan's yet, but that all changed the further they went into the city. There were hoards of them right in the middle of Trost.
'All of these Titans gathered in the heart of Trost. No doubt they were all called here to swarm Trost just like five years ago.' Eren didn't see anyone from the vanguard which means they've most likely been annihilated.
"The vanguard's been routed!" Thomas noticed.
"What are they doing? After all their boasting?" Nack frowned.
Eren paid them no mind and noticed something up ahead, "Aberrant Titan up ahead!" He announced, getting all their attention. He saw it crouch before jumping straight at them, but Eren was ready for it. Detaching his cables, he reattached them to the Titan's chest. Moving above the Titans eye level and behind its head, he didn't hesitate to aim for the neck.
His blades sliced cleanly into the nape, gouging out its flesh and killing it.
Propelling himself forward, he landed on a roof and watched the Titan fall limply to the ground.
"He killed it! Just like that!" Milieus said in awe.
"Nice, Eren!" Nack complimented.
Eren turned to them, "Don't start getting impressed! Stay alert and move forward!" He told them. Now isn't the time for any of them to be distracted by his first kill. Besides that Abnormal they still have other Titans that need to be taken care of. So now isn't the time for any sort of celebration.
Their squad worked together in killing the Titans in the area. Armin had planned out their strategy. First get the Titan's attention, then when it's about to attack, maneuver around it and slice the nape. This was the strategy Armin suggested and by some miracle it worked out well for them. Eren got most of the kills though as the way he moved with the ODM Gear to easily evade the more grabby Titans before killing them.
Eren sliced the nape of the last Titan in their area. There were a total of seven of them from his count, and it looks like he got them all.
"That's all of the Titans in the area!" Armin confirmed, landing next to Eren, "You got them all, Eren!" He sounded relieved.
"Ah." Eren detached his blades, confusing Armin, "I ended up dulling the blades when I killed the last one." He explained, attaching new ones.
Armin smiled, "At least you still have some left. Oh! What about gas?" He quickly asked.
"Half a tank, but that should be enough to meet up with the others." Eren replied after checking his tank. This is more than enough, for now anyway, "What's our next move, Armin?"
"We should rendezvous with the other squads," Armin suggested, "The supply depot isn't that far and most of us have enough gas to get there!" That was mostly because Eren killed the Titans while the rest of them acted as bait.
"I can see the others from here!" Mina pointed in the direction she could see the rest of the trainees.
Thomas noticed something, "Wait, somethings wrong. They're all just standing there on the roof." Did something happen?
"Let's go see. It might be serious." Armin suggested.
"Yeah." Eren had a feeling as to what might've happened.
Reaching the other trainees was easy enough without any Titans around to block their way. They reached the others quickly and saw Connie and Sasha arguing with Jean.
"What's wrong? Why are they arguing at a time like this?" Armin wondered, confused.
Eren approached to find out, "What's going on?" He asked, reaching them and getting their attention.
"Armin! Eren!" Connie had never been more happy to see them, "Glad you guys made it out alive!"
"I'm not gonna lie, but I thought you guys would have gotten eaten." Ymir's eyes wandered over all of them, then landed on Eren, "Oh, I get it."
"Huh, get what?" Thomas questioned.
"So you made Eren deal with the Titans, huh?" She figured out, "No wonder you guys are still alive."
Nack didn't take too kindly to her words, "What do you mean by that, Ymir?!"
"That the only reason you guys aren't Titan food is because Eren did all the work, while the rest of you didn't do a damn thing." Ymir repeated herself.
Thomas frowned but didn't have anything to say in retaliation. Neither did Mina, Milieus, or Armin. But Nack wasn't going to take her words sitting down.
"Ymir, you…!" Nack started to say.
"Enough. This is not the time or place to be arguing." Eren reminded them of their current situation. Nack reluctantly let it go, but he still glared at Ymir, "Jean, what happened to the vanguard?"
Jean was a little surprised Eren addressed him as though he were the leader, but decided now wasn't the time to think about it, "They were all wiped out." He replied.
"I see." Eren said.
"You don't seem surprised." Jean had a feeling Eren knew this would happen, but what bothers him about this is the lack of emotion. At first he believed Eren was showing off, but now he's not so sure. Just what the hell did he experience in his life to make him this calm and almost emotionless?
"The vanguard are mostly made up of Garrison soldiers," Eren explained his reasoning, "None of them have the training or experience when it comes to dealing with Titan's, except for using cannons to stall them from coming closer to the wall. And as you can see…" He trailed off to look off elsewhere and saw several body parts of what remained of the vanguard on the roof of houses, "…this outcome was expected."
His words chilled them to the bone. If his prediction of the vanguard being slaughtered was already set in stone, then what hope did they have?
"More importantly," Eren continued, "You already know the Titans have the supply depot overrun, right?"
Jean grimaced, "Yeah, we know. That's why we're all up here. It hasn't even been that long since all this started, and some of us are already low on gas. None of us are suicidal enough to start leading a mission in there. We'd be dead or eaten once we run out of gas." None of the trainees could say anything against him as they all knew Jean was right.
In that case…
"Armin." Eren called out to the blonde.
Armin looked at him, "Yes?"
"See if you can come up with a strategy to help Jean in leading a mission into the supply depot." Eren requested.
Armin wasn't expecting such a request, "Sure, I can try. But why are you making such an odd request?" Whatever the reason for it was, he knows he's not gonna like it.
Eren turned and walked away, "I'm going to draw the Titan's attention away. When I do, use that time to start planning and get inside the supply depot and fill up on gas." He answered.
Armin was right. He doesn't like what his best friend just said at all!
"Wha—Eren?!" Armin exclaimed, shocked he was even volunteering to act as a decoy!
And he wasn't the only one to think so, either.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?!" Ymir yelled at him.
"You can't do that, Eren! You'll be killed!" Krista pleads for him to come to his senses.
"Eren, don't risk your life for us! Think about Armin and Mikasa!" Marco was trying to talk some sense into him.
"Once you get their attention, they'll kill you!" Connie didn't want to see a friend get killed by a Titan.
"If I give you some of the leftover meat will it change your mind?!" Sasha was ready to go get the meat and bring it here.
"Eren, I understand how you feel. But you don't have to throw your life away." Reiner was ready to stop him if need be.
Jean was in complete and utter shock, "Crazy…you really are a crazy bastard…" What else could he say? One of their own was about to risk his own life and there wasn't a hint of fear or hesitation in either his tone or actions.
"It's fine. I have enough gas to lure them away at least. Once I've gotten them far enough, start making a plan and get in there quickly." Eren was at the edge of the roof they were on.
Armin refused to let his friend do something like this, dammit! He really wished Mikasa was here right now. If she were here and told him not to go through with this, he'd listen.
"Wait, Eren! You can't—!"
"—Armin…" Eren cut him off before he could try to convince him again, "…vertraust du mir?" Green eyes stared into his blue ones at his question.
Armin halted all movement.
Do you trust me?
There it was again.
Eren was asking Armin to trust him. Trust that he'll lead the Titans away and survive, that he won't die. If his friend was asking for his trust right now, then…
Shutting his eyes tightly, he opened them with a determined expression, "Okay…I trust you." He said, sincerely.
"Armin!" Jean couldn't believe he was even considering letting Eren do this!
"But!" Armin exclaimed, not finished just yet, "Promise you won't die! Survive this with the rest of us!" Armin knows for a fact that Eren never breaks promises. So if he made his friend promise not to die, then he won't.
There was a moment of silence before Eren turned his head to them and did something none of them have ever seen him do…
…smile.
On the brunette's face was a genuine smile. For all the time the rest of the trainees have known him, this is the very first time they've actually seen Eren smile.
"I'm going now." He said to Armin.
Armin regained his senses and replied, "Come back alive." He sent him off.
No more words needed to be said.
Eren took flight and skated through the sky like a fearless bird. He purposely got in the Titans line of sight so they would focus on him. His plan worked as the Titans now focused all their attention on him. All of them moved as one, chasing after their prey in earnest.
As the trainees watched him risk his life for them, Ymir spoke up, "Okay…his stupid ass better survive because that smile was just—fuck!" She didn't even know the right words to describe it.
Krista was blushing.
"Who would have thought he could smile…? It was beautiful…" Mina found herself saying.
"EREN! Come back and smile again!" Sasha cried out with tears in her eyes.
"Hey, Armin! Hurry up and come up with something already!" Ymir barked at Armin.
Armin was already thinking. He looked at the supply depot and noticed that three new Titans showed up out of nowhere, but since it was only three in comparison to the many Titans that swarmed it before then they should be okay.
"There's only three…and most of us have enough gas to distract them long enough to.." Armin started mumbling, freaking some of them out.
"Uh, Armin?" Connie was worried the blonde may have lost his mind during all this chaos.
Blue eyes snap in Jean's direction, "Jean! I have a plan! Are you ready?!" He quickly asked.
Jean was surprised by the outburst but responded, "U—Uh, yeah! Do, what do you have in mind?" He stuttered, asking.
-進撃の巨人-
Titans really are strange.
They don't follow any human comprehension, relying on instincts alone and nothing else. Maneuvering around a grabby hand, he landed on one of the towers. Eren calmly looked down at them from his perch on top of the tower.
All of them were piled up against the concrete tower, arms reaching up in an attempt to climb up and eat him. Empty eyes that revealed nothing, blankness and lack of humanity. A miserable existence that seemed to last it all eternity until someone puts them out of their misery.
That is the life of a Titan.
Perhaps being a Titan is a hell in it of itself. Eren would not wish that on anyone, not even his worst enemy.
Anyway, he should have bought Armin and the others more than enough time. Now it was his turn to actually do his part and end this chaos.
Without any hesitation, he let himself fall from the tower. Time seemed to slow down as he let himself descend into the waiting abyss of Titans. There was no fear, or worry. Because he was prepared to do this the moment the Colossal Titan reappeared.
He brought his blade closer to his palm—
Giant hands make a grab for him.
—his blade cut into the palm of his hand.
Connie sighed in relief, "It worked…it actually worked…" His voice trembled, but he was happy all of them were alive.
Armin's crazy ass plan worked.
Since there were only three Titans crowding in front of the supply depot, it was easy to distract them. First, groups of two would act as decoys to get the Titans attention:
Connie and Sasha.
Thomas and Mina.
The four of them distracted the Titans long enough for Annie, Reiner, and Jean to kill all three of them. With the three Titans out of the way they were able to get inside and refill their gas tanks.
To think that Armin planned this and all of it worked out so well. Holy crap! Armin's scary as hell when he makes plans! No wonder Eren trusted Armin to help Jean out by coming up with a strategy.
"We need to hurry! Eren can't hold out for much longer!" Armin urgently said, hurriedly filling up his gas.
Jean cursed as he finished filling his up, "Damn suicidal bastard! Trying to be a hero now?" Worry was starting to get to him, but he can't afford that right now.
"Armin!" Mikasa had arrived and called out to her friend.
"Mikasa! What are you doing here? What about the evacuation?" Armin asked.
"It's been taken care of," She replied, then looked around, "Where's Eren?" Not seeing him here with them instantly put her on edge.
Everyone averted their eyes at her question about Eren's whereabouts. No one had the heart to tell her that he basically sacrificed himself for the rest of them.
"Mikasa…" Armin didn't know what to say.
"Where is he?" She demanded this time, face full of worry. Why aren't they telling her anything? What's going on?!
Armin was hesitant but knew he had to tell her, "Mikasa, actually…" Before he could finish the rest of his sentence, a loud boom was heard. The aftershocks shook the building they were in.
"What the hell was that?!" Connie exclaimed.
"An explosion?" Mina wondered.
"Shit that was loud…" Ymir was rubbing her ears.
"It came from outside!" Marco pointed out the window.
Scrambling to look out the window, all they were able to see was smoke and nothing else. Come to think of it, in that direction is…
"Isn't that the direction where Eren drew away the Titans?" Connie whispered to Armin, his tone was quiet so only the blonde could hear him.
Unfortunately he wasn't quiet enough.
"What?! Eren's over there?!" Mikasa whipped her head in their direction.
Connie and Armin flinched and side eyed each other looking nervous. Damn, they were hoping she didn't hear them. So much for that plan.
"Yes…"Armin admitted, "Eren volunteered to draw away the Titan's attention who had overrun the supply depot." He hated being the one to tell her this, but knew he had to, "He went in the direction where that smoke is."
Mikasa felt her heart stop.
What? Why was Eren over there and here with the rest of them?
"But, he's still alive! I know he is!" Armin insisted, "Eren promised he wouldn't die!"
She didn't want to hear that right now. Mikasa needed to get out there, now!
"Mikasa, wait!" Armin called out to her.
"Don't go out there alone!" Jean tried to stop her, but wasn't able to.
Mikasa practically sped out of the building and headed in the direction where the smoke was coming from. She had to get there! That's where Eren is! Alone with all those Titan's! There's no way she was going to let those man eating beasts touch him!
When she arrived at her destination, what greeted her were the corpses of Titan's. Landing on the ground, she stared at the steaming bodies of the dead Titan's. How did this happen? Did Eren do all of this?
'Eren's strong, but to kill all of these Titan's on his own?' It sounded impossible, but how else would she explain this?
Her inner thoughts were interrupted when a Titan peered out from behind a building. She tensed and prepared her blades in order to kill it—
—only for her kill to be taken.
Out of nowhere a large fist smashed into the other Titan's face. Killing it instantly.
Mikasa froze in place as she recognized the Titan standing before her.
Standing tall with prominent muscles was none other than the Mysterious Titan!
Mikasa was wide eyed as the Mysterious Titan made an appearance once more! Just like five years ago when it came out of nowhere and saved the residents of Shiganshina and Wall Maria. And now here it is again!
She watched as it looked down at her with its green eyes. Unlike a normal Titan this one's eyes were expressive and showed emotion. Armin was right! This Titan is intelligent!
It got down on one knee and reached out to her. She stayed still and didn't move a muscle, waiting to see what it was going to do. Mikasa was surprised when it's hand was very close to her, and felt a soft but rough thumb rub against her cheek.
'It's…so warm.' Was her first thought. Why was it acting so…concerned? Relieved? She couldn't tell what emotion it was feeling right now.
Those green eyes were still looking at her. How strange. It had such a gentle gaze and looked so familiar…
Her eyes widened in realization—
—it couldn't be, but…maybe…
Before she could even say anything, the Titan gently grabbed her and safely placed her on the roof of a nearby house. It stared at her for a moment then walked away.
Mikasa watched it leave in silence.
'That Titan, could it really be…' She began to wonder.
"Mikasa!" Armin called out to her as he landed next to the girl, "Thank goodness you aren't hurt!" His eyes then noticed a familiar Titan walking away and gasped, "I—It can't be! That Titan!"
"It's the same one from five years ago." Mikasa spoke, her tone soft, "The Mysterious Titan."
As she said that, the rest of the trainees arrived and saw the Titan for themselves. They couldn't believe it! It was really the Mysterious Titan—Savior of Wall Maria!
"No way…it's really here…" Connie said in awe.
"Such big muscles…he looks so strong…" Sasha's jaw dropped at just how muscular it was.
"Well I'll be damned," Ymir whistled, crossing her arms, "Guess the big guy really didn't die or go to sleep. Cause here he is."
"It's like a symbol or a miracle has appeared." Krista had a hopeful look on her face.
Jean's eyes were shaking, "Unbelievable…that Titan is really here? I'm really seeing this…?"
"You are, we all are!" Marco assured him.
Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie were just as shocked to see the Titan here, too. This was their first time seeing it after all.
"Hey, where is it going, anyway?" Connie questioned.
Armin had a hunch, "Could it be…" he mumbled.
The Mysterious Titan kept walking towards its destination, which was the breach. While in its way, it spotted several more Titans come through. A total of ten to be exact.
It wasted no time in tilting its head back.
"ROAR!"
The Titan let out a mighty roar just like it did five years ago. All ten Titans that came through the breach stopped moving. Much to the shock of some Garrison members.
"I—It made them stop!" One of them said, looking shocked.
Ian stared at the Mysterious Titan's physical appearance and compared it to the reports from five years ago. There's no doubt about it. This is the very same Titan from five years ago!
'So it really didn't die or fall asleep! Was it waiting for this to happen and come to help humanity once more?' Ian felt hope for the very first time.
Standing next to him was a short woman with a small but secure build. She has shaggy, cheek length, platinum blonde hair, and silver-colored eyes. She wears a small framed pair of glasses held on by bands placed around her head to keep them from falling off during combat. She also wears the typical Garrison uniform with a white button up shirt underneath and wearing a green Garrison cloak.
This woman's name is Rico Brzenska.
"This is impossible…why is a Titan protecting humanity…?" Rico questioned, refusing to believe a Titan would do such a thing.
The Titan roared again and made the lesser Titans turn around and get on their knees. Exposing their necks to the surviving Garrison members. This action shocked them even further. So this Titan really is controlling the other Titan's!
Ian didn't waste this good fortune, "All of you attack now!" He ordered.
"Are you sure?" Rico wasn't questioning his orders, just wanted to make sure these Titans would really stay immobile.
Ian looked down at the immobile Titan's, "I am. They aren't gonna move anytime soon. Not while the Mysterious Titan is making them stay still." He explained.
As one, all Garrison soldiers moved in to kill the immobile Titans. Turns out Ian was right when he said they won't move a muscle as they moved in for the kill. With them not trying to eat any humans, it was easy to kill them.
While they were busy doing that, the Mysterious Titan moved again. The Garrison watched as it was mindful not to step on any houses as it walked.
"Where is it headed m?" Rico wondered, watching it very closely.
"It's headed for the breach!" Armin said as he landed on the same roof as Ian and Rico. He was closely followed by Mikasa and the rest of the trainees, too.
"The breach? Why?" She questioned him.
"Because it's going to seal it just like it did five years ago!" Armin answered.
Rico was confused, "Seal it? How? And how do you know about this Titan?" She questioned him further.
Armin answers her question, "I'm from Wall Maria, Shiganshina District! I saw that very same Titan five years ago!"
"Same here." Mikasa added her own answer.
"What?!" Rico was shocked to say the least,
Ian looked back over to the Titan and saw it had arrived at the breach, "Look!" He directed their attention to the Titan.
"Let's get a closer look!" Rico suggested, she needed to see this with her own eyes.
As they got closer to the Titan, all of them watched it turn around and press its back against the hole. Sitting down, cross-legged, the Titan crossed its arms over its chest and began to crystallize. Everyone was watching as its body became encased in crystal.
"The breach has been sealed!" A Garrison member cheered.
"We survived!"
Rico's eyes watered as she found herself smiling, "Everyone...your deaths weren't in vain... Today, for the first time in history...humanity has beaten the Titans!" As the smile was clearing up a little, she spotted a figure zip away quickly using ODM gear, wearing a green cloak as the hood covered their face.
'Wha?! A person came out of the nape?!' She took off in pursuit. Determined not to let them get away. The figure turned a sharp left, prompting her to do the same. As they landed on the ground between two houses, Rico followed suit. Right after she landed behind the figure did they take off running in a burst of speed she had never believed to be humanly possible!
Rico did her best to keep up, but soon lost them. Cursing, she made sure to report this to her superiors when they returned.
'A human being able to become a Titan? What does this mean?' Shaking her head, she left the area to meet back up with Ian and the rest of the Garrison.
Unknown to her the very same figure she had pursued was close by and sensed her leave. Without so much as making a sound, they left the area as well.
"I can't believe I got to see the Mysterious Titan and live to talk about it!" Connie whooped for joy.
"He was pretty big, wasn't he?" Sasha grinned.
"Yeah!"
"This was a miracle! Just like five years ago." Krista smiled.
Ymir shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant manner, "Meh, I'm not much for miracles, but whatever."
Armin and Mikasa couldn't feel relieved like the rest of their fellow cadets. Eren still hasn't come back to them and they were fearing the worst.
Connie noticed this, "Hey, you guys alright?" He asked.
Armin looked worried as he replied, "Eren still isn't here yet…" he reminded them of their fellow trainee.
The joyous mood instantly plummeted.
"Shit, that's right! Where's Eren?" Connie exclaimed.
"I'm here." Eren appeared out of nowhere from behind Connie, scaring the crap out of him.
"Gyaaa!" Connie screamed and scampered away, "Dude, what the hell?! You scared the shit out of me!" He put a hand over his chest to stop his heart from beating so fast.
Eren slowly blinked, "Sorry…" he apologized, sounding tired.
"Eren!" Mikasa was already hugging him, "Thank goodness…you're alive…" He's not dead, but right here and alive.
Closing his eyes, Eren rubbed the back of her head in a soothing manner. As the rest of the trainees swarmed around him, Armin hung back as he was thinking about something. The timing of the Titan sealing the breach and Eren's arrival was suspicious.
But he doesn't want to think about it right now. His friends are alive, all of them are alive. Sure some Garrison soldiers still lost their lives, but compared with how high the number could have been, it was fine.
They survived.
Die Rollen, Die Wir Spielen
(The Roles We Play)