The air was heavy with an eerie familiarity as the Colossal Titan materialized out of thin air, its gargantuan form looming over Trost's gate. The sound of crumbling stone and screams echoed through the district, transporting Mikasa back to that fateful day four years ago.
Mikasa stood resolute, her eyes locked onto the beast. "Ugh..." She grunted launching grapple hooks avoiding the Titan's incoming strike. The Titan's hand swept across the wall, sending cannons crashing to the ground, clearing a path for the other Titans to invade without any resistance. With a deep breath, Mikasa re-launched her ODM gear, shooting grapple hooks at the Titan. Her swords gleamed in the fading light as she drew them, ready to strike.
Memories flooded her mind: her mother's tragic death by the debris and the anguish that fueled her hatred for the Titans. This moment was her chance for retribution. But her efforts were short-lived. The Titan unleashed a scorching blast of steam, obscuring Mikasa's vision and hindering her gear's maneuverability.
Undeterred, Mikasa strained to reach the Titan's nape, her blades flashing in the mist. Yet, just as she was about to strike, the Titan vanished into thin air, leaving her slashing at nothing. The sudden silence was deafening. Mikasa's chest heaved with frustration, her mind reeling from the déjà vu.
Mikasa's mind raced as she ascended the wall via her grapple hooks, her thoughts consumed by the Colossal Titan's sudden disappearance. "How did I even miss..." she wondered. The others gathered around, concern etched on their faces. "Mikasa, are you alright?" Thomas asked.
Mikasa nodded curtly, her gaze still fixed on the breached gate. Sasha's sniffles broke the tension. "Mother fucker... my meat's gone," Sasha sobbed, mourning the loss of her stolen prize. The wooden box containing the precious meat had been destroyed along with the cannons.
But grief was a luxury they couldn't afford. The Garrison Regiment's arrival signaled the start of Operation Colossal Titan Response. Connie hastily briefed the higher-ups on the situation. The Garrison Regiment sprang into action, launching a desperate defense against the approaching Titans.
A mesh structure was hastily erected at the gate, buying time for the evacuation of Trost's civilians. The Garrison Regiment charged forward, blindly sacrificing themselves against the abnormal Titans. The cadets, still reeling from their graduation, reluctantly equipped their ODM gears. Mikasa joined the chaos at the supply center, seeking to refill her gas tanks.
Amidst the frantic preparations, Mina's voice pierced the air, her eyes deadened by tears.
"Guys, they've entered Trost..." A collective shiver ran down the spines of the cadets and Garrison Regiment personnels. The reality of their situation sunk in: Trost was breached, and their fate hung in the balance.
Armin's breath came in ragged gasps, his eyes wide with despair. "This is it... The entire city is as good as dead..." His voice trembled, the weight of their predicament crushing him. Mikasa's firm grip shook Armin back to reality, her gaze burning with determination. "Armin, we will live through this together." Her words cut through the chaos, a beacon of hope.
"We just need to hold on until the evacuation is complete," Mikasa continued, her voice steady. "Once all the people are safe, we can fall back." But the unspoken truth hung in the air: the evacuation could take hours, and their chances of survival were slim. Unless luck intervened, none of them might make it out alive. The Titans would not discriminate, and the soldier's bravery would be tested to its limits.
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Within Lord Wald's opulent mansion, warm candlelight danced across the polished marble floors, casting a golden glow on the weary Scout Regiment leaders as they indulged in the noble's hospitality, oblivious to his hidden agenda. The aroma of roasting turkey and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the murmur of hushed conversations. Dot Pixis, Nile Dok, and Erwin Smith conferenced with the portly Lord Wald.
The Owl: Vice Commander Eren Yeager, sat beside Levi's squad in the grand dining hall, savoring the warm stew, its savory flavors a brief respite from the weight of his duties. Levi's piercing gaze locked onto Eren, his eyes narrowing. "Oi, you saw her, didn't you?" The soft clinking of silverware and gentle hum of conversation filled the background.
Eren nodded, a faint, enigmatic smile creeping onto his lips as he gazed into the distance, memories flickering like the candle flames. "Yes, she's grown taller, mature... and." His voice trailed off, lost in thought. Levi's expression unreable, his voice stern, "And?" The air thickened with anticipation.
"Really beautiful," Eren whispered, his eyes drifting, a mixture of longing and melancholy etched on his face. Petra's voice mingled awe and sorrow, "Eren, you should stop hurting yourself. It's time you reunited..... I bet she'll be overjoyed." Oluo, Eld, and Gunther teased Eren good-naturedly, their banter a brief respite from the looming war. Petra also the wife of Levi Ackerman continued," You do realize she'll join the scouts... One day the truth will come out. So think accordingly." Eren nodded sensing Petra's warning.
However, it was no time for personal matters. Suddenly, The door burst open with a resounding thud, and a Garrison Regiment soldier stumbled in, gasping for air. "Sir!..." he shouted, his voice cracking. Wald's reprimand died on his lips as the soldier continued, "The Colossal Titan has breached the gate of Trost! Titans are swarming inside!"
The room plunged into oppressive silence, punctuated only by the shattering of a wine glass. Eyes widened in disbelief, faces pale with horror. "What in the devil's name...?" Wald protested, his voice trembling. "Do you have any idea what you're saying, soldier?"
The soldier nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "I saw it, sir. I saw the Colossal Titan. It's... it's like nothing I've ever seen." Levi's squad wore identical masks of disbelief, as for Eren, his gaze was fixed on the marble floor with his teeth clenched.
Erwin sprang into action, his voice crisp. "Scouts, prepare to deploy to Trost! We need to head there before the armoured titan could reappear and breach Wall Rose." Pixis also decided to accompany him. Erwin's gaze swept the room, locking onto Nyle Doke. "I expect your support, Commander." Nyle shook his head, his face ashen. "I'll head to Sina. We can't risk... We must ensure the Inner Wall's safety." His voice trailed off, but his eyes betrayed his true motive: fear.
"Very well, then," Erwin replied, a hint of disappointment lacing his voice. He turned to his scouts. "Let's move out!" The team swiftly departed the mansion, leaving Lord Wald to scurry away like a rat, deciding to seek refuge in Mitras, the capital.
As they rode, the weary horses' hooves squelched through the muddy terrain, slowing their pace. The journey would take at least an hour, precious time they couldn't afford. Trost's fate hung in the balance.
Above, dark clouds gathered, their ominous presence a stark contrast to the carnage about to unfold. The scouts pressed on, undaunted, their determination forged in the fire of impending battle.
The air thickened with anticipation, heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. Eren's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. Levi's squad rode in silence, their faces set. The only sound was the soft clinking of armor, the creaking of saddles, and the distant rumble of thunder.
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Trost
The captain of the Garrison Regiment stood tall, his voice booming across the assembled troops. The air was heavy with tension, the weight of their mission settling upon them like a physical burden.
"I want everyone to split into 4 squadrons. Each squadron is responsible for supply running, message relaying and enemy combat under the command of the Garrison Regiment. The Intercept squadron will take the vanguard, Cadets will take the Middle Guard led by the Support Squad, the Rear Guard will go to the Elite. I hope you all man up your post, knowing that the Advanced Team has been wiped out. That's right, they're history. And there's also a chance that the Armored Titan is about to reappear and breach Wall Rose."
His words hung in the air like a specter, casting a chill down the spines of the listeners. The wind picked up, rustling the flags and banners, as if echoing the captain's ominous tone.
"However, it seems we're extremely lucky this time. The Owl and the Humanity's Strongest Soldier are nearby and, by now, might also have started advancing towards Trost. But don't get your hopes up; it'll take them time to reach here. Till then, protect Wall Rose at all costs. Anyone who tries to flee from the battle will be executed. Hold off the titans till the evacuation is complete. Dismissed!"
The captain's voice cracked through the air, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake. The troops exchanged grim glances, their faces set with fear and agony. The sound of armor creaking, swords being drawn, and the distant rumble of thunder underscored the gravity of their situation.
As the soldiers dispersed to their assigned posts, the darkening sky seemed to mirror their mood. Clouds gathered, their thick, grey folds threatening to unleash a storm. The very fate of Trost hung in the balance.
"The wall's breached! It's only a matter of time before we're devoured whole..." The cadet's voice trembled, his eyes wide with terror as the weight of impending doom settled over the group. Fear hung in the air like a palpable mist, choking the breath from their lungs. Some cadets retched, their stomachs rebelling against the horror unfolding before them. Jean's face was ashen, his eyes brimming with tears.
Marco's steady hand grasped Jean's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. "Hey, don't worry, we'll survive this.Remember, we're joining the Military Police together, right?" His voice was a beacon of calm amidst the chaos. Jean nodded, a faint smile flickering on his lips as he wiped away his tears due to Marco's words which offered a fleeting sense of hope.
Nearby, Armin's fragile composure threatened to shatter. Mina, Thomas, Armin, and the other cadets were assigned to the Middle Guard exchanged nervous glances, their faces etched with dread. They would face the Titans head-on, their inexperience and fear no match for the monstrous horde.
Mikasa's resolute figure stood out amidst the chaos. As the top cadet, she'd been assigned to the elite squad, her skills honed for the most critical battles yet she was supposed to help in evacuation. But her concern for Armin remained unwavering. "Armin, don't worry," she whispered urgently, her voice barely audible over the encroaching panic. "Once the evacuation's complete, I'll find you. Just promise me... don't die." Her words hung in the air like a desperate prayer as she turned to leave.
But just as they deployed in the chaos fate's cruel hand snuffed out the squad's flickering flame. Thomas's screams echoed through the chaos as his body was torn asunder, devoured by the ravenous Titans.
Mina Carolina's bravery faltered just as she was about to slash a Titan's nape, her gear betrayed her, sending her crashing into the unforgiving stone. Her spine shattered, her cries of agony pierced the air. The merciless Titan's teeth sliced through her neck, silencing her forever.
Armin witnessed the unspeakable horror, frozen in terror. Three years of laughter, tears, and camaraderie were reduced to mere seconds of brutal slaughter. His friends, innocent and full of life, were consumed by the monsters.
Helplessness gripped Armin as he watched, paralyzed, his heart shattering with each fallen comrade. The memories of their bond, their jokes, and their dreams now taunted him, a bittersweet reminder of what was lost.
Time seemed to warp, stretching each agonizing moment. Armin's mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the senseless carnage. The Titans' roar, the screams of the fallen, and the scent of blood and sweat filled the air. "No it can't be. This isn't real...." Armin whispered tears escaping his eyes as he fleed.
Armin stumbled, his gear faltering beneath his trembling hands. His gaze drifted, haunted, from one lifeless body to the next. The screams of grieving families echoed through the streets, Titans claiming victim after victim. Helpless, Armin turned tail, fleeing from the carnage. His shaky legs carried him on autopilot to the cobblestone castle, where his comrades awaited.
The supply depot's neglect had sealed their fate. Empty tanks, useless gear, and certain doom loomed. Armin collapsed onto the cold stone, his gaze fixed on the ground, eyes wide with unshed tears. Sapphire orbs, once bright with hope, now brimmed with despair.
His chest heaved, struggling to contain the anguish. The sounds of Titans closing in, the wails of the dying, and the weight of his own survivor's guilt suffocated him. As the last rays of sunlight faded, Armin's thoughts spiralled: "Why did I survive? What's the point of living in a world where humans are mere Titan fodder?"
The cadets gathered around, their faces etched with concern. Jean, Marco, Annie, Reiner, Bertholdt, Ymir, Historia, Connie, Sasha, and the others waited with bated breath.
Historia's gentle hands rested on Armin's shoulders, her voice soft. "Armin, what happened? You're shaking. Talk to me" But Armin's eyes remained downcast, his courage faltering. Ymir's gaze narrowed, jealousy simmering beneath her stoic exterior. She had always been protective of Historia.
Meanwhile, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie huddled together, their conversation masked as a strategy session. But Annie's and Bertholdt's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean, Reiner?" Bertholdt pressed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Reiner's exhaustion was palpable, his eyes sunken, his breath ragged. "I failed to breach Wall Rose," he admitted, his voice laced with self-recrimination. His thoughts, however, were elsewhere. Teeth clenched, mind reeling from the weight of the deadly combat. The revelation still echoed within him.
Annie's eyes locked onto Reiner's, her expression a mixture of surprise, curiosity and rage. Bertholdt's face mirrored hers, both seeking answers to unspoken questions.
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The scouts, accompanied by the Garrison, finally arrived at Trost. Erwin swiftly commanded the Levi Squad, anticipating another attack from the Armored or Colossal Titans. "Levi Squad, take position near Wall Rose's gate," Erwin ordered, his voice firm and urgent. "Prepare for impact."
Determination etched on their faces, the Levi Squad launched their gears toward the wall. Eren, now Vice Commander, stood among them, his resolve unwavering. Erendeclared, his voice steady. "Levi Squad, advance to the gate and hold off the Titans. If the Armored Titan appears, I'll handle it personally. I don't want you guys risking your lives."
The Levi Squad nodded, acknowledging Eren's command. Levi's expression, however, betrayed a hint of reluctance. Though Eren's strength had surpassed his own, Levi's instincts screamed caution.
With a curt nod," Eren don't get reckless." Levi warned before leading his squad towards the front lines, leaving Eren alone to face the impending battle. Erwin's voice echoed through the ranks, "If anyone spots the Armored Titan, launch a flare. We can't let it breach our defenses."
Dark clouds loomed above, casting a foreboding shadow over the devastated landscape. Eren, clad in his Scout Regiment cloak, his face hidden behind a mask, stood poised for battle. Suddenly, A blood-curdling shriek pierced the air, and Eren's gaze snapped to a tiny figure about to be devoured by the monstrous Titan. The girl's mother, frantic, pleaded from a nearby distance.
"Please, someone! Save my daughter!"
Eren sprang into action, deploying his gear with lightning speed. However, it was too late; the Titan's jaws had already closed around the girl. Enraged, Eren whispered, "No, you don't, asshole..." His blades flashed in reverse grip, a style honed from Levi's tutelage.
With precision, Eren slashed through the Titan's jaws, entering its mouth just as the girl was about to tumble into the stomach acid. Her terrified screams echoed through the cavernous space. Eren's reflexes guided his grapple hooks, shooting them to either side of the Titan's stomach. He balanced himself within the beast's abdomen, the acidic stench choking his senses.
The girl's weightless form floated toward the digestive juices. Eren snatched her mid-air, cradling her close. "I've got you," he whispered. With calculated movements, Eren anchored himself within the Titan, his blades poised for the next strike. The girl's trembling form clung to him, her tears soaking into his cloak.
Eren's gentle voice soothed the girl's trembling form. "Hey, you okay?" He kept her close comforting her shaky figure, absorbing her tears. "Mommy... I want my mommy..." The girl's pleas dissolved into sobs, her tiny hands clinging around Eren's neck. Eren's fingers stroked her long hair, reassuring her. "Okay, just grab on tight, okay?" The girl nodded, her sniffles subsiding.
With one hand cradling her frail back, Eren held his sword in the other. His eyes locked onto the Titan's abdomen, and with a deep breath, he slashed through the fatty tissue. The blade sliced clean, freeing them from the beast's belly. Eren swiftly relaunched a grapple hook at a nearby building, swinging toward the Titan's nape. One swift slash separated the head from the body, the Titan's collapse shaked the ground.
The mother's eyes, brimming with tears, locked onto her daughter, alive and safe. "Jenny..." she whispered, rushing towards Eren. He gently handed the girl over, and the mother enveloped her in a tearful embrace, showering kisses on her little face. Jenny giggled, nestled in her mother's arms, as the woman whispered, "I'm sorry honey...I'll never let you go."
Eren's gaze lingered on the reunion, a fleeting smile crossing his masked face. The mother's tears of joy streamed down her face as got up craddling her daughter in her arms. "Thank you... Thank you so much. I'm forever grateful." Eren's smile, though masked, warmed his eyes. The heartwarming scene stirred bittersweet memories of his own past.
The little girl, her face smeared with tears and snot, gazed up at Eren with wonder. "You were so cool, sir!" She hugged his knee, her small arms wrapping tightly. Eren's hand gently patting her hair soothed her. "Don't worry, as long as I'm alive, no one will ever harm you." His promise sealed with a gentle hug.
The girl's giggles filled the air, but were abruptly interrupted by distant rumbling. Small rocks beneath their feet began to bounce, signaling an impending disaster. Eren's breath caught, his instincts on high alert. "Fuhhhh..." His eyes closing, anticipating the worst.
The ground trembled, and the sound of crumbling rubble grew louder. Eren's grip on the little girl loosened. A colossal presence loomed, casting a dark shadow over the devastated landscape. Suddenly, The horizon erupted in a blaze of flares, signaling the Armored Titan's arrival. Eren's gaze locked onto the menacing figure, his grip releasing the little girl. Her face froze, transfixed by the distant monstrosity.
"Don't look back, okay? Keep running..." Eren's voice reassured her.
The girl nodded, her mother grasping her hand, and they sprinted toward the gate. Eren shed his mask and cloak, revealing his determined face. His eyes blazed with resolve as he confronted the Armored Titan.
"Hey, it's been a while, you armoured fuck..." Eren's voice dripped with defiance. The Titan's imposing form barreled down the main road, its armored plates glinting in the fading light. "Hahhhhh..." Eren inhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing, hands hanging loose, face lowered, and eyes closed. His Ackerman abilities stirred, tapping into the depths of his power.
As the Armored Titan closed in, Eren's eyes snapped open, burning with an inner fire. Eren's tongue protruded slightly, his focus solely on the Armored Titan. His eyes snapped open, burning with intensity.
"What do we have here. Tch so he's the owl huh." the Titan thought, underestimating Eren. "Let's see how tough you are.... What?."But before he could finsih thinking Eren had already struck, his grapple hooks shooting toward the Titan's eyes like lethal snakes. The Titan's vision blacked out. "Uhhh... Wait, when did he...?" The Armored Titan concentrated, channeling energy into one damaged eye. It healed in mere seconds.
"Where'd he go..." The titan looked back and forth. All the titan could feel was pain onto his exposed parts.
"He's fast..." The Titan's thought trailed off as Eren exploited its vulnerabilities. With surgical precision, Eren carved out the Titan's vital parts – the exposed areas beneath the arms, groin, neck, jaws, and knee caps." Where's he...?" The Titan's confusion was replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the hiss of escaping gas.
Suddenly, a figure emerged, bathed in a burst of light. Eren's blades, held in reverse grips, gleamed like razors his eyes glowing like emeralds in the dark evening. The Armored Titan's gaze locked onto Eren, its processor reeling. "He used only a pair of blades to deal that much damage..."
Eren's appearance struck fear into the Titan's core. His eyes blazed, his movements fluid and deadly. For an instant, he seemed like a demon incarnate, forged from the very essence of lightning. The Armored Titan's massive fist hurtled toward Eren, but he anticipated the blow. With a swift slash, Eren severed the armpit, immobilizing the Titan's arm.
"He's just an ordinary human... how...?" The Titan's thoughts reeled in shock. Eren's grapple hooks shot toward the ground, anchoring him for the next strike. He sprang forward, blades flashing, and chopped off the Titan's area behind the knees.
The Armored Titan crashed to its knees, its massive frame crumbling. "Asshole, how's he...?" The Titan's rage-filled roar was cut short. Eren stood tall, his chest heaving, before the kneeling Titan. The Titan mustered its last ounce of strength, swinging its remaining fist. Eren backflipped, avoiding the blow by a hair's breadth. Mid-air, he released a blade attached to his sword handle, sending it hurtling toward the Titan's healed eye.
Time seemed to slow as the blade rotated, its edge glinting. The Titan's eye socket exploded in a spray of blood and tissue, re-blinding it. The Armored Titan's massive body swayed, its remaining strength ebbing. Eren landed gracefully, his gaze fixed on his battered foe. "Bastard...!" The Armored Titan's grunt trailed off, its thoughts reeling.
Eren vanished, reappearing behind the Titan in a blur. "You're done, asshole." With a snarl, Eren transformed, his body bursting into a titanic form. His massive fist hurtled toward the Armored Titan's nape. "Wait, what the hell is happening...?" The Titan's thoughts fragmented, unaware of the behemoth Eren Titan looming behind.
The armored nape fully covered with plates successfully blocked Eren's blow. Shrinking back into human form, Eren whispered, "I see. If that's the case then I'll just tear you apart from the inside." With surgical precision, Eren slashed the muscles holding the Titan's jaws together. The mouth yawned open, exposing the vulnerable interior.
Reshooting his grapple hooks, Eren entered the Titan's mouth, transforming again. His massive, titan form burst forth, contained within the Armored Titan's body. "Wait, is he in my...?" The Armored Titan's thoughts dissolved into chaos, unable to comprehend Eren's lightning-fast maneuvers. Eren's titanic form began to ravage the Titan's internal organs, tearing apart the very fabric of its being.
"AGGHHHHHHHHHHH...." The Attack Titan burst forth, shredding the Armored Titan's innards. Reiner Braun stumbled out, his gaze locking onto the Attack Titan in horror. "Wait, is that...? There's no way in hell that's the attack titan." Reiner's thoughts trailed off as he bit his hand, partially transforming. Steam engulfed his human form, masking his identity.
Fear etched on his face, Reiner fled, abandoning his partial transformation. "The hell was that...? How does he posses the attack titan." Sweat drenched his face as he retreated. Eren emerged from his titan form, gaze fixed on Reiner's escape route. "Pathetic," Eren muttered, disdain etched on his face.
"Eren!" The Levi Squad approached, drawn by the distant flares. Levi's voice cut through the din, "Oi, you alright?" Eren nodded, "Looks like the shifter escaped. I'm sorry, guys." Eld's reassuring pat on Eren's shoulder steadied him. "Don't worry, we'll get him next time," Eld said. Oluo chimed in, "Yeah, kid, good job! Next time, call me, and I'll take him down myself."
Eren's smile hinted at determination. "Ya, don't worry, I will."
"Honey... I mean, Captain, what are your orders?" Petra asked, her voice tinged with affection.
Levi's stoic facade cracked, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. The others suppressed grins.
"Let's... advance toward the gate," Levi stuttered, regaining composure. "It's safe to assume the Titan won't breach the wall for now." The squad nodded, chuckling at Petra's playful slip and Levi's telltale flush. Eren smirked, "Let's go guys and leave this sweet couple here they'll catch up soon." Levi's sharp glare silenced Eren, but couldn't hide the warmth in his eyes.
"Move out," Levi ordered, his voice firm, but his dignity slightly bruised.
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Annie's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. "You mean... the Owl possesses the lost Attack Titan that traitor Eren Kruger fled with?" Reiner nodded, fear still etched on his face. "And did you get detected?" Annie's gaze bore into Reiner. He shook his head, "I... I don't know."
Annie's clenched teeth seemed to grind Reiner's very existence into dust. "You bastard... If our identity gets leaked, we're done for. You've always been a disappointment, till this very day."
Venom dripped from Annie's words, her anger palpable. Connie intervened, his voice a welcome respite. "Hey, guys, no time to space out. We need to figure out how to reach the supply center." They simply nodded acting normal even though the revelation was quite the shocking one.
Armin sat, still lost in thought, weighed down by looming fate. Just then, Mikasa emerged from the chaos, a small smile on her face.
"Good news, everyone." Her breath was shaky," Evacuation's complete... We can retreat." Her gaze swept the group, relief evident in her eyes. The tension eased, replaced by exhaustion and gratitude.
"Mikasa, please come here for a second... Armin's not responding," Historia called, shaking Armin's limp form. Mikasa rushed over, concern etched on her face. "Hey, Armin, what's wrong? Let's go, we don't have time to spare." Armin remained unresponsive, his eyes vacant.
Just then, a cadet's terrified shriek pierced the air. "Gyahhhhhhh!" A horde of Abnormal Titans, their twisted bodies sprinting toward the group.
Reiner's whisper was laced with alarm. "What are you doing, Annie? Stop them." Annie's face contorted in fear, her voice barely audible. "It's not me... They're abnormals... I'm not controlling them." Before anyone could react, the Titans closed in. Reiner's voice turned cold, resolute. "Bertholdt, Annie, get ready... Prepare to transform on my signal." He whispered.
Annie's eyes locked onto Reiner, her fear momentarily replaced by determination. Bertholdt nodded curtly, his massive frame tensing. The Titans bore down, their jaws open wide, ready to strike," Now..." Reiner commander. But.....
*Slash*
Mikasa's eyes widened in surprise as the downpour drenched everyone, washing away the Titans' blood. "Aghhhhhhhhhh...." A Titan roared in agony, its battered body collapsing, head severed in an instant. The remaining Titans crumpled, napes slashed, bodies bruised and broken.
Kill count: Eren (3), Levi (3), Petra (1), Hange (1), Eld (1), Gunther (1), and Oluo (1).
Oluo's commanding voice cut through the chaos. "Tch, rookies! What the hell are you doing here? Didn't the garrison signal a retreat flare yet?"
"Sorry, sir, but majority of us are out of gas and waiting for the supply depot," Jean reported, saluting. Oluo grinned," Hm I like this one.." it was the first one someone showed Oluo some respect.
Levi's gaze shifted from the cadets to Eren who was facing the other way launching flares signaling other soldiers to retreat, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Good job, cadets. Oi, er... I mean, Vice Commander, what's your next order?"
Though it was unexpected Eren turned his face towards the cadets his eyes locked onto the group. "Get these rookies to safety... I'll handle every Titan passing through the gate till everyone's safe." Levi's expression conveying extreme urgency. "Idiot... Where's your mask?"
Eren's confusion deepened, wiping his face. No mask, no cloak – his identity exposed. The dark clouds and torrential rain obscured visibility, but Levi's concern remained concerned."Dammit, Eren! Cover your face quickly!" Levi hissed, urgency in his voice.
The storm raged on, but the risk of Eren's exposure hung heavier. Eren nodded. But it seemed fate itself was against him.
*Thunder*
A blinding lightning bolt illuminated the dark sky, casting an eerie glow on Eren's exposed face. His piercing emerald eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire. Reiner's whisper trembled, "Ahhh... Wait, it's him... the Attack Titan." His eyes stretched wide, fixed on Eren's unmistakable features. The Levi Squad exchanged weighted glances, anticipation and dread etched on their faces knowing what was about to happen.
"Ereh?.." Mikasa's voice barely escaped her lips as tears welled up in her gray eyes, spilling down her cheeks like rain. Armin's sapphire gaze snapped back to focus, locking onto Eren's resolute emerald eyes. "Well, fuck..." The curse hung in the air, a stark summary of their dire situation.