*

The thundering sounds of both titans, battling it out makes the earth tremble. Fires bursting up, heavy smoke following after every wreck they made. Blood tainted the streets of Stohess, and I was guilty no less. This was all on Erwin's assumption, and plan to corner the bitch. Not far from us, the titans began barreling over into buildings before a large clearing near the base of the wall.

Eren's form was far more feral, steam emitting from both their tattered forms. Eren's titan form pinned Annie below him, his roars were more high pitch with a more guttural sound. Shivers ran down my spine, but remained composed outwardly, trusting Erwin with his main goal. 

Eren's titans eyes were glowing, body streaming with scars of light, scattered across his body like he was on fire.

Soon Annie knocks him back, hand pressing around her nape protectively knowing she nowhere else to go. However Eren grabs her face with only one hand, as the other was missing previously before. Nails dug into her flesh, blood soon sprays hearing the squelching of blood from afar.

Judging by Nile's men and himself, they were appalled and also afraid of the sight. They all were always behind walls, not even lifting a finger to aid the Scouts when it came to titans. They were cowards, but I kept my mouth shut. They know it too, but they put up a front saying they're protecting the people instead.

Suddenly the blood curdling cry leaves Annie's titan, making my skin crawl with anticipation.

Eren's hands dug far more deeply in her face, trying to gouge her eyes out at least to blind her. Her arms tried to claw at him, while her cries made it far more obvious she's falling. Yet, I didn't like Eren's titan form, it was like his true emotions are finally surfacing from that day. After speaking to him about it, ensuring that it wasn't his fault to begin with, I knew he still felt guilty.

//

*Two Days ago*

Being tucked away in my room made my body ache, so I pushed myself to go for a walk at least. Saying my goodbyes to Lena, who was sorting through my paperwork, I excused myself. Making my way down the pathway leading from the main office, to the stables I went to check on the horses instead. With the silence being loud within the courtyard, all I felt was this loneliness and blame. 

My hand tenderly touched my swollen rib, I hissed quietly trying to let the pain subside. 

Taking my time and pace, my eyes trail around recalling the moments I spent with Levi's squad. Time where I wish stood still, so we could just embrace the peace we had. The memories, the people, are now just ghosts wandering around. However my eyes soon land on a certain boy, back facing me whilst staring out to the widespread of land.

"Eren?" my voice was a little louder, hoping to reach his ears.

He tensed up for a moment slowly turning around, when his eyes widened. Turning back sharply, he looked more nervous and fidgety. Slowly making my way over, my eyes rest on him for a moment, taking his hunched figure to heart. Easily guessing what was going on, I sat down grimacing whilst doing so. Once I sat down, I exhale quietly before sitting in silence. 

Sidelong glancing his way, I saw his lips part rather hesitantly but not words were drawn from his lips. 

Softly smiling I look away, "It's fine, take your time," I assured him, causing him to quietly gasp.

"I-I......" he stammered out, hearing his voice crack for a moment. 

He clenched his teeth together, while I sat patiently watching beyond the horizon from where we were. Leaning my palms against the bricks beneath, a gentle breeze eases the tension allowing me to take a deep breath in.

".....if I wasn't so c-careless--" he began, trying to carefully word his fault. "--then......everyone........would be still.....alive."

My harden for a only a moment, before softening with defeat.

"Look kid, we can't predict the future," I spoke up, his forest green eyes widen with large tears brimming. "No one knows when your life ends, whether you choose too or not.....it's life....."

His mother being killed before him, a comrade and now people that somewhat trusted in his abilities for a future.......he has been through so much as a kid......I couldn't blame him feeling this way....

"....sometimes you can't take them back, no matter how much you yearn......." my heart clenched more, thinking of my mother's dying words. Her painful eyes, and Mei's last heartbreaking words.

"How do you do it?" he questioned, making me hum in questioning. He smears the fresh tears against his sleeves, facing me. "How do you go everyday, losing everyone constantly, and moving on?"

Rather hesitant at the topic, all I could do was ruffle his hair with a gentle broken smile.

"I guess you slowly accept that death is around you," my fingers grip the edge of the brick wall. "Life is precious, comrades are precious........life itself is what gives us the meaning to keep going......and those four, protected you--"

"You don't get it!" he cuts me off, causing my eyes to slightly widen. "They're dead, because they protected someone who had the power to fight back! They all died a meaningless--"

A shadow casts over my eyes, "Don't you dare say their lives were in vain," hearing a shaky gasp leaves the young boys mouth. "They all worked so hard just so you......a miracle to humanity.....could bring hope to what's left of us. A future to look upon.......so, please? Eren.......whatever you do, don't allow anger to sweep you off course....."

His eyes were fixated on me, listening to me.

"...a clear mind, however, will make wiser decisions in the most distressing moments of your life," speaking from experience. "I've been there, and to tell you the truth, it will bring further pain to burden you.......if you allow your anger to make your decisions."

"Corporal......."

Ruffling his hair softly, "So, please? Don't beat yourself up about it, let the higher ups hold that burden.....okay?"

//

*Present*

The female sends a sharp kick to Eren's face, as she collapsed to her side. He swipes to lash out, but she sends another powerful kick as he flew into a building nearby. A thick cloud of dust fills the area, with bricks and debris flying in all directions from where he crashed.

Soon the female stood up wearily, hearing an icy sound being made, seeing her fingers turn blue. She's hardening them? Her face was dragged down, steam clouding her face from Eren's assault. She soon bolts towards the wall, jumping high up she digs her fingers to grip the stone. 

However Eren charges back towards her, and grabs hold on Annie legs.

She tries pulling herself up, while bearing more weight beneath her. My jaw was clenched tightly, feeling my heart rate picking up. I was on edge. Eren soon clamps his jaws on her leg, when she kicks him off while the rest of her leg was pull apart. My hand rests on the holders of my equipment, as my eyes watch her climbing up desperately.

"Shit," I mutter quietly.

Soon out of nowhere i saw someone flying up with immense speed, already guessing who it might be. Swinging upwards, Mikasa slices through the fingers of the female, allowing the titan to fall to her own demise. With a thundering tremble against the earth, she was trapped.

Yet, by the time she hits the earth, Eren's feral form lurches and pins down the female down.

His remaining fist sends a bloody blow, as the scene was ghastly than ever. Eren's hand breaks at that point, flying towards where Erwin and Nile stood. The Commander doesn't flinch, but remained composed knowing the full extent of the situation. A gust of wind blows by, only to see the female's head decapitated from the main body leaving the nape exposed.

His jaws only metres away from the nape, realising he wasn't stopping.

My hand soon grips my blades as I hear the flesh being torn from the nape, about to sheath my swords. However there was a still pause, only for a moment Eren's form paused the moment his eyes rested on the small figure. Not even understanding what was even going on, a blinding light shot from where Annie laid. The brightness was enough for me to see, but questions began piling on.

'Wait, what's going on? Why is he.....?' 

Rubbing my eyes for a moment I notice what I'm seeing, wasn't deceiving me. They're merging together, but with the icy crystal like material that she used to shield and protect herself. Realisation soon hits me, as allow my body move quickly. Sheathing my blades, I race before Levi could have the chance. 

"Come on," I mutter to myself, as the blinding light was powerful, blowing up a gust all around.

Activating my ODM the grappling hooks embed into Eren's flesh, nearby his nape, directing myself. My muscles tense up as I flew up to gather momentum, while focusing on getting the young boy out of there with precision. Instinctively, I drop my blades in my usual grip and flew down.

With a heavy slice through at two precise points, blood spray from my blades as the boy's unconscious body lifts up in view. My feet planted firmly against the shoulderblades, maintaining my balance.

Grabbing him while taking the chance I pull him up, before flying away from the merging that almost took over Eren's titan form.

*

After a few minutes gathering our bearings, I laid the boy down checking if there were any signs he was still okay. He really went too overboard, no scratch that, he went to far. He almost killed off our evidence, if I hadn't swung in time. The fight between those two were far more aggressive than in the forest, recalling how this time, the female fought for survival.

Levi stood beside me, whilst my index and middle finger presses against his pulse on the neck.

"He's alright, he's alive..." I assure him, when he clicks his teeth with disappointment.

"Almost ate our key evidence,"

There wasn't much we could do about it, but accept what has been done, is done. My face contorts slightly, as my hand nestles beneath my green cape just below my right breast. I must've pulled something, just when I saved the kids ass. Nevermind, at least I wasn't in complete agony like a few days ago.

Everyone has fallen silent, trailing my eyes back up to the carcass of Eren's titans. Steam grew thicker, and warmer all around. Gathering around the unusual crystalised stone, was the body of Annie Leonhart. Her titan's form has disintegrated into thin air, no trace but her normal body. Sealing herself from everyone, her body laid unconscious.

Stepping forward my fingers drift along the crystal stone, the coolness biting my warm skin. Looking closer, I could see her form wasn't exactly hardened. She was tucked underneath, but tear stains rested upon her cheeks. 

Pursing my lips tightly, all I could feel was anger towards her.

Lena approaches me, "Can this crystal-like material break?" as she was assigned to aid Hanji's capturing mission. Guess it backfired earlier, seen Annie recalls her capture in the giant forest.

"Don't know, I guess we have to--" before hearing sharp clanging, that echoed through the heavy silence. His attempts were a failure, and his blades were blunt and energy was worn down. 

"Damn it!" the young soldier curses. "All the shit we've been through and this is what we get?! Annie! Wake up! C'mon, face the music! You owe us! Don't be a coward! I know you can hear me!"

Jean raises his arm to strike the stone again, "That's enough," Levi orders, placing a hand on his should calmly. "It's over."

Slowly Jean gave in with defeat, knowing yelling and stabbing the hard stone was absolutely pointless. Hanji soon approaches behind Lena and I, "Someone get me a wire net!" She orders the scouts. "This thing belongs deep underground!"

"Understood!"

My eyes met with Hanji's troubled eyes, seeing how much our efforts led to nothing, but countless casualties. Couldn't blame them, and here, was Erwin's plans another failure. With this kind of material, we won't be able to take information from the young spy. With not much but to stand, I knew I must go to my next mission.

"Lena......" my voice was firm, and clear.

"Yes, ma'am!" She salutes, while my eyes harden feeling frustrated at our failed attempt. 

"Aid Section Commander Hanji for the remainder, I'm needed elsewhere," informing her quietly. She looks at me with confusion, but I give her an encouraging glance. "Just watch over Levi for me, please? He always acts so stubborn, but he isn't fine.....okay?"

Her eyes stare at me with admiration, before firmly tightening her fist.

"Yes, Ma'am,"

Gently flicking her forehead, I follow beside Levi who headed back towards Erwin. Nile stood with his rifle in hand, while Levi pauses stopping right beside Erwin, seeing his steel gaze remain stoic.

"Well, it was a valiant effort," Levi says. "Can't win 'em all though, right?"

"Right," The Commander agrees. "At the very least, the Scout Regiment's been exonerated. Sure, by the skin of it's teeth, but still........"

Levi rolls his eyes subtly, "Let's just hope the brass agrees,"

Erwin's eyes soon direct to mine giving me a nod, knowing our plan has failed and that I shall further fulfill his order. Knowing we're out in the open, with little evidence, Erwin was indeed backed into a corner. However it may be, I just hope what he believes will become somewhat true in the end.

About to take my leave, a harsh hand snaps over my shoulder.

"You're not allowed to leave the premises!" A random soldier snaps, only for me to recognise him. My eyes snap darkly in his direction, earning his breath to hitch in his throat. Pathetic. How weak are the Military soldiers? In my time we worked hard to get to where we are now, but these asses did nothing but earn good food and comfort behind these damn walls.

"You don't give me orders," my tone grew bitter, shoving his hand off me. 

"How dare yo--" he went to raise his rifle.

"It's fine!" Erwin calls sternly, feeling his eyes resting upon from behind. "You only need me, she has nothing to do with this!"

The young soldier was rather hesitant, hand gripping his rifle tightly he huffs. Slamming it on his side, he leaves me alone while I adjust my green cloak. However footsteps storm towards me, gripping my shoulder yanking me back.

"No, she shall be faced with the sa--!" Nile began, when Erwin cuts him off.

"Nile! As I said earlier, you will only take me," The Commander sternly reminds him, while Nile's fingers dig into my shoulder. Frustration was clawing at him, anger and confusion as well. He was quite elusive, and only relying on the rules and law. Nile was conflicted to move his grip, while I endured his painful grasp, "Nile.......release her, now!"

My eyes coldly meet his dark onyx ones, before sighing defeat.

His grip slowly loosens before falling to his side, when Levi strides towards me. Taking my leave, Levi quietly follows me assuming he has something to say. Once we were out of earshot, seeing my horse already prepared from before. Taking her reigns I pat the base of her neck, knowing our journey will take at least a day. Thankfully these horses are bred to travel long distances, knowing I'm needed with Miche's squad.

"Be careful," his voice breaks the still, and dreaded silence.

Turning to him I send him an raised eyebrow, "Nothing is gonna happen, so please?....." patting both his shoulders, sending him a gentle smile. "....Don't worry....alright?"

His eyes harden for a moment, before sighing with defeat.

"Fine," he steps closer, before stealing a gentle and tender kiss against my lips. They linger for a moment, wanting nothing more than to sink into his touch. He was never one for public pda, and neither was I, but he does shyly......he looks really cute. Pulling away I could feel warmth rising to my cheeks.

He threads his fingers through my hair from behind my ear, leaning slightly down to press a chaste kiss.

"Remember to report in," he adds, while I nod.

"I know, I know......." ruffling his raven locks, I turn to my horse placing my foot into the stirrups. Hoisting my leg fully over, I lean my chest over before fully sitting up tugging the reigns close to me. Glancing down to my boyfriend, all I saw was concern. "......can you stop worrying? It will make me more nervous, okay? You know I'm strong and capable to defend--"

"Your rib, you're still healing," He points out, making me puff my cheeks out. 

"I will be back, before you know it," I assure him, before guiding my horse around. Glancing back I smile warmly, "Take care of yourself, and watch over Eren......will you?"

He nods, before giving me a subtle wave as I head back towards the outer gates. Given to how long I will take getting there, I would get about noon tomorrow. Making the most of the time, I flick the reigns to pick up the pace.

*

STOHESS DISTRICT ~ (Lena's pov:)

After about an hour or so since the Commander had been placed into custody, under the Mp's after our failed attempt in capturing the female. Time seemed to slow down, especially when my eyes would rest upon the tainted streets, in a sea of blood. Once it was so clean, buildings wealthy enough to show their rank in society.

All I could do was bite the bullet, and accept the damage has been done.

"Thanks for staying back with me," Hanji walks up to me, snapping me out of daze. "Sorry you're not able to aid your Corporal, but it's her own orders. Can't go against them, right?"

They always had a positive aura around, whether we're in the worst position to even dare smile.

Nodding in agreement, "I guess, but....."

She turns to me, hearing the hesitation wavering in my voice.

".....do you think she's pushing me away?" I question, finally lifting my eyes to confidently meet their brown eyes. Their glasses reflect in the sunset's glow, before a soft hum leaves her lips. "I know I should ask questions, she's my Corporal, but.....she tends to work more alone. I just--"

"Akira is always Akira, and her mission isn't regarding anything major......" the scientists assures me. Walking slowly beside them, while watching the hardeneed stone being covered over with a large sheet. "........besides I need you with me, even though I have my assistant Moblit. So don't worry, alright?"

Hanji seems to understand Akira a little better, than I ever could. They barely spend time, but I guess sometimes other soldiers click and bond over things they grew interested in. I envied that, once having that connection with Renji. 

"Yes, Section Commander," I nod, just before Moblit walks up from behind us. "Moblit, how is the damage?"

He falls silent for a moment, knowing full well there are many casualties and deceased citizens laid in vain. My hands balled into fists, clenching my jaw tightly, before I shook my head. I slap my face a few times, trying to not dwell on it much. What's been done, is done. Just talking about it, made me feel more guilty. Ashamed, our own Commander has ordered this capture mission.

Moblit faces me, "Many casualties, and deceased.........but so much destruction," he informs me, and Hanji. "Guess that's gonna be costing a huge fee, on something that won't give us the evidence of shifter."

I place a hand on his shoulder, "At least we have her under