~ Under Pressure ~ The Score

*

WALL MARIA

Not long since Commander Pyxis came in and halted Captain Woermann's actions, he soon took the children and brought me up along beside him. He knew about me taking three years off the Scouts, preparing for the new generation to become stronger. I respected him fully, which provided respect from him to myself. Kitz didn't like the idea with Eren being with the Commander, while I resisted the tempting urge to slap him.

Standing above the walls ignoring Kitz yelling in anger from down below, my eye take a big glance across Trost District, steaming with bodes and caranage. The air grew thinner, but enough to ease my mind while glancing the other way. All soldiers were gathered on the safe side, under the Commander's orders knowing a plan was in motion or just advising some plan.

Just from afar, all I could sense from those soldiers below was fear and grim expressions.

Soon Eren starts to explain what he saw in the moment, when he transformed. It was unsure of the information we were just give. Apparently all the info is in the cellar in Shiganshina, which is surrounded by death itself. 

"That's that.....so, visiting this cellar should clear everything up?" Pyxis questions the young cadet, who was on his knees looking rather weakened. Standing beside Pyxis, my eyes never leave the damage in Trost.

"Yes, sir," Eren's was a little shaky, and hoarse. "Well, at least I think so."

"For the moment, there is no way to validate all of the claims you made," Pyxis turns, tapping his temple gently. "For now, I'll just catalogue them in here. With that said......"

He turns fully around, making me slightly turn to see the three still standing with caution.

"....I can usually tell the difference between the unctuous and the sincere, which is why I personally guarantee your safety," Pyxis says, before side-glancing in my direction. "You're lucky you have a Corporal who has sharp ears, and knows how to protect....whether there's need of negotiation or not.....she's risked her life for you three, remember that."

They all nod, with a sigh of relief.

Pyxis turns to Armin, "...You're Cadet Armin Arlert, is that correct?"

Armin salutes, "Yes sir!"

Pyxis raises an eyebrow, "You mentioned a plan to harness this so-called 'Titan Ability' and then utilize your friend's power to retake the city, do you believe it could work? Or were you grasping at straws to try and save your hides?

Armin sighs, "Uh, well--Both, Commander," he spoke confidently, knowing he was with two reasonable adults. "I was going to suggest that Eren, using his strength as a titan, could lift that giant boulder.....We could use it to block off the wrecked gate. That was the best idea I was able to come up with on the spot. I-I just wanted to make everyone see how Eren's ability might provide a solution to the problem we all face."

Pyxis back around with a low hum, "Hmm...."

Armin lifts his head up high, "Granted, I was pretty desperate to survive!"

My eyes turn to Pyxis, while his amber eyes rest upon Trost again.

"Hmm....Desperate to survive, huh?" He smirks. "That's as credible a reason as any, son."

He pulls out whiskey from his jacket, and chugs a bit down as droplets fall from his chin.

He then turns back around walking to the three children, "What do you say, Cadet Yeager?" he bends down to Eren's level, resting a knee on the cold surface. 

Eren lifts his head up wearily, "Say, sir?"

"That hole, do you think that you can plug it up, son?" Pyxis repeats his question, more further. The three children's eyes widen, stunned by Pyxis's rare question. To be honest I've known him to be quite open to suggestions, as long as it required confidence and luck. A gamble really.

"Well, I-- I don't know," Eren fumbles over his words, lighty sweating from fatigue. "It's possible. But at the moment, I don't understand my power any more than you do. It's just.....I sort of feel irresponsible giving you an answer, 'cause I don't really know."

Pyxis chuckles, "Ah, yes, of course.....my apologies..."

"Commander?" I question.

"....I asked you the wrong question," Pyxis pauses for a moment, face unreadable for a split second. "Are you willing too, Cadet Yeager. Or not?"

Eren's eyes widen, his breath hitches in his throat for a chance to process the Commanders words. Pyxis soon turns his attention upon the other side of Trost, where no harm was done. Eren soon follows his gaze, after a while of still silence.

Eren turns back around jaw clenched, "I'll do it, I'll do it!" He spoke up, but with more confidence. "I don't know if I can seal that hole, but......I'll do it!"

Pyxis stretches a smile and pats his shoulder, "Excellently said, you have the heart of a lion," he picks himself up, before walking to the edge to the crowd of soldiers below. 

Assuming this was our plan, I'm taking this as a gamble.

Pyxis raises his hand, "Staff officers, hup! We have a plan to flesh out!"

Walking up to Pyxis I turn to him, "Is this the right call, are we just gambling our options now?"

He nods, "We have no better option but to flee, so either way we will all die," he replies, before turning to me. "All we can do is try, and I know you're always open to better suggestions than just one cowardly option."

He was right, I hated acting cowardly and especially when we can do better than taking the shortcut.

"Look sharp, soldiers," Pyxis says, seeing both Gustav and Anka just landing nearby us. The three young soldiers stood up facing him, "The fate of mankind rests on your shoulders."

"Yes Sir!"

He nods, "It's thought by many that before the titans held sway, mankind consisted of scores of different races, different creeds; all scratching and biting at each other by blood," He ushers Eren, as the two walk to the centre where he will announce the plan. Following suit with Gustav and Anka doing the same, I could feel their eyes on me.

Anka taps her left eyes, "What happened here, are you able to see?"

My jaw tightened, "Just a normal scratch, I'm fine,"

Gustav clears his throat, "Seriously Akira......that doesn't look like an accident...." seeing him look rather serious, and concerned. Remembering the days when us three were cadets, it sure was a long time since we graduated. Gustav was observant, yet quiet and respectful to others opinions. Anka shows not much emotion, but when around me I've noticed small little hints of emotion where she's concerned. 

"Also gotta put a facade," Anka comments, before sighing. "Whoever it was, must be held accountable for......"

"I didn't say it was someone,"

She drly scoffs, "That's a work of someone's doing, you can't receive such a wound......"

"Like I said, I'm okay.......I can see out of my eye....." assuring her softly, before noticing we came to a halt. He stood before the crowd, while we stood just behind the cannons. The wind was rather restless up here, hearing the flags flapping a little harsher.

Pyxis soon clears his throat, "Attention!!!!!!!"

Everyone soon comes to a halt, while they all fall silent in response.

"Take note, the blueprint of the Trost Recovery Operation is this!!!!" He began. "Our primary objective is to reseal the hole........Yes, you heard right! What's more, it will be done manually........."

I could tell the soldiers were speechless, especially with outrageous it would sound without explaining about Eren's newly titan abilities. 

"....As for how the task will be done, that's where this fellow comes in!" Pyxis continues, ushering Eren to step forward. "Allow me to introduce Cadet Eren Yeager!.......Don't let appearances deceive you. This young man is in fact the successful product of cutting-edge science! Fantastic as this may sound, Cadet Yeager possesses the ability to fabricate and control a titan body, at will."

In my heart and mind I'm praying this mission will become successful, because we're all hanging on a loose thread right now.

"Recall the massive boulder roughly a league from the gate!" Pyxis further continues. "Having assumed titan form, Cadet Yeager will hoist said boulder on his back, slap it to the hole and voila!......and this is where you all come in. Your job will be to defend him! Yes, defend a titan against his own kind!"

My feet soon turn around to see Armin filling in the plan to Anka and Gustav, making me more interested how we're gonna do this. "What do you mean we don't actually need to fight them?" I hear Gustav question, finally approaching them.

"There's an easier way," Armin replies, seeing the map of Trost displayed. "Sorry, I know it's not my place to interrupt. I mean no disrespect."

Gustav nods, "It's alright. Just go on with what you were saying,"

Armin's voice grew more nervous, "Right, thank you sir," turning back to the map. "See, whatever else is going on around them, titans are generally drawn to large groups of people. If enough of us collected in the corner away from the breach, we could lure the titans out of Eren's path. He could be discrete about moving the boulder. He also won't have to slow his pace, while we fight the others off of him....and since the titans will all be in one area, we can pick them off via cannon fire without incurring casualties of our own. Now i'm not suggesting we leave Eren defenseless. That'd be too risky. We'll need a modest band of Elites to act as his bodyguards. There's no way of knowing how many titans might come through the hole while he's trying to patch it up. His security detail will need to be able to handle them."

Nodding with approval, knowing this was basically our only shot in recovering Trost.

"Easier said than done" I comment, folding my arms. 

Gustav nods, "We can retool the plan around that,"

"But we're only gambling our chances, basing on assumptions," I continue, as Armin hums in agreement.

"Yeah, namely that Eren even in full-on Titan mode is strong enough to move the rock," Armin continues, facing us three. "I mean, to be perfectly honest, there's very little reason for us to suppose he can......I have my doubts. Serious ones."

Gustav without even looking already knew the risk, "As do I, sending people to their doom on a whim isn't a tactic I'm fond of," he admits. "Uncertainties killed too many already....but the Commander's right. We must do this."

Anka nods with agreement, "Agreed, we're working against the clock here," She adds.

My eyes harden for a moment, "Even when on my expeditions, twice as many titans appear than the previous expedition," meeting Armin's gaze, knowing we're dealing with more than we can chew. "They'll keep pouring in, leaving more of an unlikely success to our victory."

Gustav hums, "And it goes without saying, the better our chances they'll bust through Wall Rose and wreak untold havoc,"

"Also....there's something else too," Anka spoke up, causing all of us to face her. "Even the bravest of us can't indefinitely bottle our fear. Not before something gives."

Shaking my head, I calmly glance over the crowd of soldiers.

"I will be their hope......I will make sure they won't fear,"

Deep down I knew everyone would think this plan was a load of bullshit, even thinking we're throwing lives away. It was a gamble of life and death right now, but if we can't risk anything, then we're all cowards and lowly stock to become fodder.

My eyes fall upon multiple soldiers leaving the grounds, which slowly grew to chaos.  

Turning back to the Commander, his eyes darken.

He stamps his foot, "Anyone wishing to leave will by my personal order not be charged with treason!" He announces, not expecting those words to be said, especially when humanity was at stake. "Those who have seen a titan first hand will not be expected to revisit such horror again. Whomever this applies to, you may leave with my blessing. Additionally, anyone with family or loved ones they would spare from the same trauma, may also leave. The crown will continue to recognise your service. Thank you, and good luck!"

Taking in the words from the Commander, realisation hits knowing full well what Pyxis was trying to do. He seriously can sway people's minds, by putting it rather bluntly. 

"Now! Think back four years ago, namely the operation to retake Wall Maria!" Pyxis announces. "I bring it up because you all deserve to have your suspicions confirmed. Officially, we labeled it reconnaissance. But in fact, as most of you probably know, it was little more than a purge; a thinly disguised exercise in population control."

My jaw clenches, the event reminding me of the day my brother committed suicide. An event that would still haunt me, to this very day. I've never forgotten the many lives that were sacrificed, and I will never forget the way my brother's eyes were screaming for a second chance. 

I'm sorry, Renji.......I'm a pathetic big sister that allowed you to die..........

"We knew this in our hearts, of course we did," Pyxis continues. "Yet, we turned a blind eye. We supported the state-sponsored myth, because the deaths of our fellow human beings allowed us to survive. Pure and simple. The guilt is ours. We share the blame. All of us. The citizens of Wall Maria sustained themselves on the wholesale slaughter of the refugees who'd flown to us for help. But turnabout is fair play, is it not? If Wall Maria succumbs, the population will fall by a whole other order of magnitude! The lands comprising Wall Sina wouldn't support half the people now living. If we're wiped off the face of the earth, the culprits will not have been the titans, let me assure you."

At least we have the same opinion, and thoughts of this unfair world.

"No, no. We'll have done it to ourselves," He continues. "If the line isn't drawn now, it won't be drawn at all. If we must die, let us die here!"

The air grew colder by the second, while I stood there fully understanding our main objective and priority. 

*

"Good you're all here,"  I could hear Pyxis speaking with his own small unit, with Rico, Ian and Mitabi "You have one mission and one mission only. Protect Eren Yeager. Any risks......."

He continues to give them a small speech, while I stood on the edge of the wall touching my eye tenderly. Grimacing from the wound, the gauze was definitely soaked in blood again.

"Do you trust your own cadet?" A voice startles me, recognising her voice slowly. "You don't even know him that--"

"I've known him since before he was even born," I cut her off, giving her a harsh side glance on my right side. Turning fully I adjust my jacket, "I know you have doubts, but.........it's a chance we might have to take. Humanity's lives are resting in our palms, even if a few lives must be taken....."

"Including yours?" She sharply comments.

Nodding calmly, "Yes, as well as my own life if I have too,"

She clicks her tongue turning around, "Well, don't die.......you're our second strongest soldier out there.....we can't risking losing your life,"

Smiling softly I run my fingers through my hair, "Thanks,"

"Corporal Yamasaki!" Pyxis calls, making me turn with curiosity. "You will go with this by solo, or in a group?"

Already making my decision, I salute.

"I will aid anyone, use me as a weapon," I spoke up. "I will help in anyway I can, but I can't be assigned to a group. Working best solo helps with my limits, sir."

He nods with a chuckle, "Sounds fair enough, let's begin!"

*

The wind grew more wild as I flew down the streets of Trost, yet again. The sounds of cannon fire was heard from one side of the walls, as all soldiers gathered in one spot. Titans clawing their hands along the cement like walls, hearing shouting and yelling.

The distraction was going smoothly, such a relief.

The moment my head turns back around, I spot a few titans walking aimlessly around. My eye slowly widen seeing bodies being chewed on, blood coating the beasts chin. With one swift movement, my blades move together before slicing through the thick flesh. It's body falls, allowing the earth to tremble beneath. 

Smearing the blood that painted my cheek, it soon disappears.

Suddenly a green smoke was signalled, which meant the Elite Squad has commenced the operation. Landing upon the plated roof, I awaited for any signal or sign of help. My eye darts around, before seeing a bright yellow glow flash, lying in my wake.

"Is that.........Eren?"

The sounds of the heavy rumble of the transform, left my feet to vibrate from the explosion. Swiping my blades to clean them, I sheath them back into the canisters before awaiting for further notice of the enemy around. Not long after the shrieking sound of Eren's titan roars in the distance, but the sound was found more unnerving.

Yet thinking we were going to make this plan a success, a red flare was shot into the sky coming from where Eren was. My jaw clenched out of confusion, wondering what we just lost now. But due to the loud commotion, it drew a few titans, bounding their way towards Eren.

"Ten metre and a six metre," I mutter, about to head off someone else calls out.

"Wait a twelve metre is closing in on us from the rear!"

Sheathing my swords out I adjust my grip and began running down towards where Mikasa was. I couldn't say what the Commander was thinking right now, despite trying our chances, but I hope he still has little faith. 

My eye rest upon Eren's titan form fully steaming from heat to toe against a boulder. 

Finding Mikasa standing there, I land beside her to see her distressed while the other three from Commander's Pyxis was arguing over something. Mitabi held Ian's collar with frustration, while Rico stood back with such an emotionless face. 

"Corporal, what are yo--?" She questions, but I push Mitabi away calmly.

"What's going on?" I question sternly, eyeing the older man with curiosity. 

He growls, "Ian won't give the order being the one in charge of this elite squad!"

Turning to Ian who looked nervous was standing there, eyes pleading in my direction for some help. Furrowing my eyebrows, Mitabi continues to run his mouth.

"Come on Ian! Look, this plan was doomed from the start!" He continues on. "We all get that. Was it worth a shot? Sure, whatever! We did the best with what we had! But what we've got going is going back over that wall!--"

My eye discreetly side glance in Mikasa's direction, noticing she was pissed off by how much this guy was being a sook.

"Calm yourself soldier," I warn Mitabi, as his eyes widen with fear from my harsh look. "We may think this mission was just a fluke, but we must think more calmly in this situation."

Mitabi scoffs drly, "What would you know, we don't fight titans as much as you," He retorts, before stepping towards me. He towers over, "Just because you are one of humanity's strongest, doesn't give the right to order me around."

"Mitabi...." Ian warns him, but I hold my hand up to stop him.

My eye not leaving his, "Don't abuse your title for power, or that power will abuse your own title........" I warn him. "....Right now Ian is in charge here, so listen to him."

Giving Ian a nod he clears his throat, "Team Rico, take out the twelve metre approaching from behind," he begins to order them, seeing appalled faces from the two. "Team Mitabi and I will handle the two front-runners."

Rico's eyes widen storming towards Ian, "Are you nuts?"

"In case you've