42

"Don't forget that I'll always love you. We won't be separated because I'll always be in your heart,"

.

Bertholdt was in a state of panic as he witnessed the two people he once considered his friends, Reiner and Annie, prepare to turn into Titans.

Tears were streaming down his face as he pleaded with them to stop. "Annie, Reiner, please stop. W-we are friends!" he begged, his voice cracking with emotion.

But his desperate pleas fell on deaf ears as golden electricity started to burst out from their bodies, a clear indication of their transformation.

Despite Bertholdt's desperate pleas, Reiner and Annie seemed not to hear what he was saying.

Annie, in particular, appeared remorseful as she apologized, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Bertholdt," she said, not daring to look at him. But before she could say anything else, two bolts of golden lightning struck both her and Reiner, triggering their transformation into Titans.

.

.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie orange glow across the desolate landscape, the Titans loomed ominously over the remnants of the City of Trost. In the heart of the chaos, amidst the deafening roars and the thunderous clash of steel against the flesh, stood Eren, his eyes burning with a fierce determination.

Eren, his body pulsating with raw power, its immense size dwarfing the surrounding devastation. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he strained to carry the massive boulder, its weight threatening to crush his spirit along with his weary limbs. Yet, he knew that failure was not an option.

He couldn't help but blame the relentless battle against the Titans, the unyielding onslaught that had consumed every ounce of his energy for the past two grueling hours. With each swing of his arms, each bone-crushing blow, Eren had fought tooth and nail to defend humanity in the Walls.

Only thirty short minutes had passed since he last transformed into a Titan, a meager respite that offered little solace to his exhausted body and weary mind. But Eren paid no heed to his physical limitations; he pressed on, driven by an unwavering resolve. With the hole in the Wall tantalizingly close, a hundred meters separating him from triumph, Eren's heart pounded in his chest. The deafening cacophony of the battlefield faded into the background as he focused solely on his mission. A singular thought consumed Eren's mind: the damn hole would be sealed.

Eren's senses heightened as he caught a glimpse from the corner of his eyes. The Jaw Titan elegantly tore through the enemy with its menacing fangs before effortlessly leaping onto another and sinking its teeth into the vulnerable nape. With a mixture of relief and awe, Eren's gaze shifted to the familiar figures of Mikasa and Armin, standing valiantly atop a nearby building. As his racing heart gradually steadied, Eren couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude that his cherished friends had emerged unscathed from the relentless onslaught. Amidst the chaos, Jean and Floch, displaying unwavering determination, fought side by side, their combined efforts culminating in the demise of a Titan. And amidst this symphony of heroism, it was Historia, adorned with unmatched resolve, who delivered the decisive blow. Meanwhile, Sasha and Connie, their faces etched with exhaustion, stood shoulder to shoulder with Ian and a few others.

Eren's emerald eyes darted frantically, desperately seeking a glimpse of Annie. A shiver of foreboding crept up his spine as an overwhelming sense of dread enveloped him. With each rooftop, his verdant gaze meticulously scanned, hope dwindled, for Annie remained elusive, hidden from his sight.

Eren found himself teetering on the edge of curiosity, his mind almost succumbing to the temptation of seeking out Mikasa's insight regarding the whereabouts of Annie. Little did he know that fate had something entirely different in store for him. Suddenly, as if emerging from the depths of a thunderstorm, two bolts of electrifying yellow lightning crashed into the earth, their blinding brilliance catching everyone off guard. The City of Trost was instantaneously bathed in a resplendent yellow glow, captivating the attention of not only the valiant soldiers but also the Titans, who turned their heads in unison, drawn to the spectacle like moths to a flame.

Eren's breath caught in his throat as a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins. He could feel the weight of the momentous decision they had just made, the consequences of their actions hanging in the air like an ominous cloud. As his eyes scanned the chaotic cityscape, his gaze locked onto an astonishing sight. Emerging from the shadows, two Titans materialized, their towering forms dwarfing the surrounding buildings. One of them, a mysterious figure with lustrous blonde locks cascading down her shoulders, stood out amidst the chaos. Even from a distance, Eren could discern the unmistakable silhouette of the Female Titan.

Eren's world came crashing down as he stood frozen in his tracks, the weighty boulder still clutched tightly in his trembling arms. As if time itself held its breath, everything around him seemed to seize in the face of sheer shock. The deafening impact reverberated through the air as the Female Titan was mercilessly hurled against a towering building, sending a tempest of debris hurtling across the once-bustling streets. Amidst the chaos, a horde of ravenous Pure Titans, driven by primal instinct, descended upon the fallen Female Titan, their piercing shrieks mingling with the cacophony of destruction.

A moment of uncertainty and fear gripped the hearts of the onlookers. Rico, with her quick wit and keen observation, became the voice of their collective thoughts, daring to verbalize the question that haunted everyone's minds: "What is happening?" As their eyes remained fixated on the harrowing spectacle unfolding before them, a chilling shiver ran down their spines. Amidst the backdrop of towering buildings, a figure emerged, shrouded in an impenetrable armor that glistened with an ethereal radiance under the sun's golden embrace. It was as though the Armored Titan himself had transformed into a mythical creature forged from the very essence of precious metals.

A deafening cry pierced through the air, resonating with a strange sense of tranquility amidst the pandemonium. It was Ian, his voice defying the dire circumstances, as he fearlessly bellowed, "It's the Armoured Titan!" The surrounding cadets and garrison soldiers were instantaneously gripped by a cocktail of astonishment and terror, their eyes widening in disbelief as they beheld the figure looming before them.

A chorus of gasps filled the air, mingling with the palpable fear that clung to their every breath. In this harrowing moment, the soldiers, overwhelmed by their instincts, were driven to various degrees of despair. Some, their hearts pounding in their chests, cried out in sheer panic, their voices trembling with terror. Others, paralyzed by the magnitude of the titan's presence, found themselves rooted to the spot, unable to move a muscle.

Eren's vibrant green eyes widened with a mix of disbelief and determination. As his gaze settled on the impending threat, his eyes narrowed into an uncontrollable fury, mirroring the intensity of his Titan form. A surge of raw emotions coursed through his veins, fueling his resolve to protect what he held dear.

With an earth-shattering roar, Eren unleashed a primal scream of fury that reverberated through the air, echoing the depths of his soul. The sheer force of his outburst sent shockwaves rippling outwards, rattling the surrounding buildings and sending tremors across the city.

Meanwhile, the Armoured Titan wasted no time in responding to Eren's provocation. With thunderous footsteps that seemed to shatter the very streets beneath him, his form lunged forward in a full sprint. Each footfall resonated like a hammer striking glass, the echoes serving as a haunting reminder of the impending cataclysm. The ground trembled beneath the Armoured Titan's weight. Dust and debris were launched into the air, swirling in a chaotic dance, as the titan hurtled toward the Attack Titan with an unstoppable force. Yet the Armoured Titan paid no heed to the chaotic chaos around it. Its singular focus was fixed upon Eren, arms poised high, primed to strike with unrestrained force.

Eren, with a mix of frustration and determination, let out a muttered curse beneath his breath, his eyes fixed on the Armoured Titan's relentless approach. As beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, he clung tightly to the weighty boulder, his arms strained and occupied, unable to fend off any imminent threats. Just when the situation seemed dire, a sudden burst of adrenaline surged through Eren as Ymir leaped gracefully from the shadows behind him, hurtling towards the Armoured Titan with fierce velocity. Ymir's intervention halted the Armoured Titan in its tracks.

The Armoured Titan's eyes widened as he caught sight of his formidable opponent hurtling towards him. With adrenaline coursing through her veins, she leaped from the highest point of a towering building, her determination evident in every muscle. Reacting with lightning speed, the Armoured Titan swiftly evaded her lethal jaws, narrowly escaping the fate of losing his head. Sensing an opportunity, he unleashed a powerful blow, his fist connecting with the Jaw Titan's visage in a resounding collision. The sheer force of the impact reverberated through the atmosphere, causing the very tiles that adorned the rooftops to tremble and cascade down, shattering into countless fragments upon impact with the ground below.

The force of the blow sent the Jaw Titan hurtling through the air, her body sailing like a ragdoll. Yet, despite the tremendous power behind the Armoured Titan's attack, the Jaw Titan's jaw remained unscathed, a testament to its unyielding strength. As she collided with a nearby building, the impact was cataclysmic, causing the entire structure to crumble in a spectacular display of destruction, akin to toothpicks being carelessly scattered by an unseen force.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as Ian's commanding voice pierced through the chaos. "Everyone, Don't engage with the Armoured Titan. Your swords cannot Pierce him!" Ian shouted an order with an air of desperation. He urgently warned everyone. The words hung heavy in the air, echoing in the ears of the terrified onlookers, who were unable to suppress the trembling in their limbs. Fear gripped their hearts, manifested through beads of cold sweat trickling down their pallid faces, serving as a testament to the imminent danger they faced. Amidst the palpable fear, Rico, her eyes blazing with determination, clenched her teeth in a mixture of fury and frustration.

The weight of the lives lost on that fateful day hung heavy in the air, their memories etched into her mind like a haunting melody. But she refused to let their sacrifices be in vain; their spirits echoed within her as she tightened her grip on the handle of her trusty blades.

Fearlessly, Rico embraced the possibility of her own demise, for she knew that her mission was far greater than self-preservation. The Armoured Titan loomed menacingly, threatening to shatter the fragile remnants of hope that clung to the hearts of those fighting for survival. But Rico, fueled by her unwavering determination, would not allow this beast to ravage everything they held dear - not again. With swift precision, she launched an anchor from her ODM Gear, the metallic hook soaring through the air with a resolute purpose. It found its mark, embedding itself firmly into the side of a towering building. As the explosive burst of gas propelled her forward, Rico's resolve solidified, her mind focused solely on the task at hand - to divert the Armoured Titan's attention away from Eren.

The Armoured Titan, fueled by determination, braced himself for another thunderous charge toward Eren. But just as he readied himself to unleash his might, a captivating blonde girl with a sword swiftly struck at his eyes, disrupting his vision. Though the sword failed to pierce his formidable armor, the girl's audacious act left him momentarily blind, provoking an eruption of fury within him. Undeterred by his rage, she valiantly continued to obstruct his sight, challenging his dominance. Fueled by a growing rage, the Armoured Titan attempted to crush the audacious girl into oblivion with a single swing of his arm. But before he could make his move, a blur of movement caught his attention. It was the Female Titan, sprinting towards him.

As the Female Titan lunged forward, her clenched fist was poised to strike Reiner, but he skillfully evaded her attack with lightning-fast reflexes. The sheer force of her blow sent shockwaves through the air, causing the wall adjacent to Reiner to tremble under the impact. Sensing the imminent danger, Rico swiftly retreated, her eyes widening in disbelief as she glimpsed what appeared to be yet another formidable Titan Shifter. With a surge of adrenaline, she landed gracefully beside her captain, Ian, who met her daring move with a stern glare, a potent mixture of concern and reproach in his eyes.

With a resolute gaze fixed upon the boulder nestled in his arms, he felt the world's weight pressing down upon him. Ignoring the chaos engulfed the battlefield, Eren's heavy footsteps resounded like thunder, echoing his unwavering resolve. Yet, undeterred by the looming danger, Eren's twisted smile curled upon his lips. With each step he took, the ground trembled beneath his feet as if the very earth itself trembled. In his mind, a singular thought echoed with sinister determination: "I will tear him apart, piece by piece!"

Reiner's gaze locked onto Annie's eyes, witnessing a whirlwind of emotions swirling within them - anger, sadness, fury - like a tempest trapped behind a veil. As their intense connection faltered for a fleeting moment, Reiner's mind wandered, pondering the whereabouts of Bertholdt. Vulnerability enveloped him as he realized that without the ability to transform into the Colossal Titan until the coming dawn, he stood defenseless as a blade dulled in the face of impending danger. Suddenly, a cacophony of heavy footsteps reverberated through the air, jolting both Annie and Reiner into heightened alertness.

Their eyes widened as the Jaw Titan gracefully descending upon a towering structure nearby, her penetrating gaze scrutinizing both individuals with an air of caution. As the atmosphere crackled with uncertainty, Ymir seized control of the situation with unwavering determination.

"Everyone stand back. Let me handle this." Her commanding voice, now emanating from her transformed titan form, reverberated through the air, commanding the attention of the bewildered Garrison Soldiers and the wide-eyed Cadets.

In the face of the escalating turmoil, Ymir's resolute declaration rang out like a rallying cry, resonating with a sense of authority that left no room for doubt. Among the ranks of those caught in the midst of the chaos, confusion hung heavy in the air. Many of the onlookers found themselves grappling with a maelstrom of emotions, their comprehension of the unfolding events rapidly slipping away. Yet, amidst this confusion, a soft undercurrent of trust in Ymir began to take root within their hearts. In this dire moment, when understanding seemed elusive, the soldiers and cadets instinctively placed their faith in Ymir's capabilities, recognizing her as a steadfast ally.

Ymir's agile gaze swiftly shifted towards the figure of the Female Titan, her eyes penetrating the shroud of mystery that enveloped her true identity. In a voice laced with determination and curiosity, Ymir boldly posed the enigmatic query, "Female Titan, who are you, and to whom are you loyal?" As her words hung in the charged atmosphere, a palpable silence descended upon the air, broken only by the thunderous cadence of footsteps reverberating through the air, leaving an eerie stillness in their wake.

The Female Titan broke the oppressive silence, her voice ringing out with an unexpected blend of depth and femininity. "Annie Leonhart," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of her convictions, "and I'm loyal to humanity in the Walls,"

The air crackled with tension as the words escaped her lips, causing a collective gasp of disbelief and shock to reverberate through the crowd. It was as if time itself had frozen in that very moment, leaving everyone who knew Annie dumbfounded and wide-eyed, their minds struggling to comprehend the unimaginable truth that lay before them.

Even Mikasa, renowned for her unwavering stoicism, felt her eyes widen in sheer astonishment. Never in her wildest dreams had she fathomed the possibility that Annie would be revealed as a member of Marley. The realization sent shivers down her spine.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Mikasa's fingers instinctively tightened around the hilt of her blades. Her resolve solidified, her eyes flickering with a mixture of determination and protectiveness as she prepared herself to defend Eren. In that pivotal moment, her hand bore the remnants of a small cut. The prospect of transforming into a Titan loomed in the depths of her mind. She was prepared to unleash her hidden strength.

"Annie, what is Happening? Why can you become a Titan like Eren?!" Jean stood atop the rooftop. His voice filled with bewilderment as he shouted out to Annie. His perplexed eyes fixed upon her; he couldn't comprehend why she possessed the ability to transform into a Titan. It was a baffling sight that left Jean utterly confused, yearning for answers. Ignoring his desperate inquiry, Annie's gaze remained unwavering, fixated upon the presence of the Armoured Titan nearby.

Overwhelmed by a surge of anger, Jean's teeth clenched together tightly, his determination pushing him to take a step forward, almost succumbing to the temptation of moving closer to Annie. However, his impulsive action was abruptly thwarted by the intervention of Floch, who grasped him firmly from behind, preventing him from recklessly approaching the dangerous situation.

"Don't be a fool, Jean. You will only get yourself killed," Floch's voice resonated with a mix of concern and admonition, directed firmly towards Jean. Jean, with a determined glint in his eyes, fought against the firm grip of Floch, his friend's cautionary words only fueling his resolve to break free from the shackles. Meanwhile, Historia stood at a close distance. Her gaze fixated on the towering figure of the Female Titan. With a wary expression etched on her face, Historia wondered why Annie hadn't warned them beforehand that Reiner was the Armoured Titan.

While Armin watched the situation closely, he quickly understood what was happening here from the way they suddenly appeared out of nowhere; how they were attacking each other instead of Eren made it obvious to Armin.

So for some reason, Annie is siding with us, is the only explanation, but I wonder what caused her to make this decision, Armin thought, his eyes narrowed towards the Armoured Titan, who let out a roar of fury before the Armoured Titan lunged forward, launching a thunderous punch towards The Female Titan.

Annie showcased her unparalleled agility as she effortlessly evaded the relentless barrage of attacks from the determined Reiner. With lightning-quick reflexes, she retaliated with a swift, well-aimed punch that targeted Reiner's face. However, much to her astonishment, Reiner's resilience shone through as he hardened his face at the very last moment, rendering her blow ineffective and leaving her momentarily stunned. Yet, Reiner's respite was short-lived, for the ferocious Jaw Titan, propelled by a surge of raw power, leaped towards him with menacing intent. Time seemed to slow as the formidable jaws of the titan, razor-sharp and relentless, sliced through the formidable plates of armor encasing Reiner's face. The impact was met with a horrific eruption of crimson as blood spurted forth, painting a grisly tableau in the air before cascading down to the unsuspecting street below.

The Jaw Titan, relentless and determined, refused to back down. With lightning speed, she leaped forward, her jaw unhinged in a terrifying display of power, ready to sink her monstrous teeth into the vulnerable head.

However, the Armoured Titan sprang into action. With unwavering resolve, he seized a nearby short Titan, using it as a makeshift shield against the impending onslaught. With a forceful shove, he forcefully wedged the small Titan into the Jaw Titan's upcoming mouth, disrupting her vicious bite. In a spectacular explosion of power, the small Titan was obliterated, its body disintegrating into a crimson mist. The air was tainted with the metallic scent of blood as it erupted from the shattered creature, akin to a macabre fountain.

Reiner found himself drenched in sweat within the confines of his powerful Titan body. Surrounded by enemies, he couldn't help but notice a peculiar hesitation in Annie's actions, as if she wasn't fully committed to the battle against him. Nevertheless, the formidable presence of the Jaw Titan loomed before him, a force that seemed insurmountable. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a fleeting thought crossed Reiner's mind, causing him to ponder whether, deep down, Annie harbored a secret desire for them to retreat and escape the dire circumstances they found themselves in.

As Reiner stood there, his heart heavy with emotions, he felt a familiar ache deep within his chest. The words of his beloved mother echoed in his mind, reminding him of the unbreakable bond they shared. "Don't forget that I'll always love you. We won't be separated because I'll always be in your heart," she had whispered in his ear, her voice filled with unwavering affection. The weight of those words settled upon him, anchoring him to a sense of everlasting connection. As his eyes welled up with tears, he couldn't help but wonder why this memory had resurfaced now, of all times.

"Annie, who are the Traitors? Tell us Now?!" With a fierce gaze and a voice filled with suspicion, Mikasa directed her question at Annie, demanding to know the identities of the Traitors without delay. The tension in the air was palpable as Mikasa's distrust of Annie hung heavily between them. Standing steadfastly by Mikasa's side, Ian, ready to protect Eren at a moment's notice, bore a small cut on his fingertip.

Perched atop the creaking attic of an aged, forgotten house, Bertholdt concealed himself from prying eyes. His gaze fixated on the world beyond through the slender crevices of a weathered and barricaded window. As he peered anxiously into the outside realm, a cascade of icy perspiration traced a chilling path down his furrowed brow. In his heart, a fervent desire burned to lend a helping hand to Reiner amidst the chaos that enveloped them. Yet, a fragment of his being remained transfixed in disbelief; a part of him still couldn't believe how things went so wrong so fast.

Deep down, he had always sensed the underlying tension between Reiner and Annie, an unspoken rivalry that simmered just beneath the surface. Yet, little did he suspect this simmering animosity would escalate into an unthinkable betrayal, as Annie, once a trusted ally, made the unthinkable choice to align herself with the Devils of Paradis.

The piercing question echoed through Bertholdt's mind like an anguished cry. "Why, Annie? Why?" he murmured, his voice trembling with a mixture of confusion, hurt, and desperation. As his eyes welled up with tears, a torrential storm brewing within him, he found himself unable to fathom how they could mean so little to her.

The weight of their shattered bond pressed heavily upon his heart as he futilely attempted to restrain the flood of emotions cascading through him. In that vulnerable moment, Bertholdt's mind raced, desperately seeking solace amidst the chaos. Oh, how he longed to turn back the hands of time, to unravel the intricate tapestry of events and rewrite their shared destiny.

If only he had possessed the foresight to anticipate this heart-wrenching betrayal, he would have fought harder to protect their fragile unity. Regret gnawed at him, consuming his thoughts as he yearned for a chance to alter the unforgiving course of their intertwined lives. Yet, amidst the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions, one certainty emerged, unyielding in its presence. This world, Bertholdt mused, is a cruel world. The weight of his realization hung heavily upon him, burdening each labored breath he took. With a heavy heart and a mind teeming with unanswerable questions, Bertholdt's gaze shifted back to Reiner.

If it came down to it, he would play his ultimate card if it meant Reiner would survive.

Annie's piercing gaze locked onto Reiner, her eyes betraying a subtle trace of melancholy. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as she slowly parted her lips to respond as if burdened by the weight of her words. And then, with a gentle yet reluctant voice, she revealed the startling truth that reverberated through the air, "Among the traitors stand Reiner Braun, the Armoured Titan, and... B-Bertholdt Hoover, the Colossal Titan."

Annie felt tears rolling down her face, knowing she sealed their fates, perhaps even her own fate. A murky cloud of disbelief enveloped every cadet who had the privilege of knowing Reiner and Bertholdt. Their minds struggled to process the earth-shattering revelation that unfolded before them, leaving them stunned and bewildered. Sasha, her body trembling with shock, collapsed to her knees, her hands instinctively grasping the sides of her head as if trying to anchor herself to reality. The weight of the truth bore down on her, rendering her incapable of comprehending the enormity of what she had just heard. As the gravity of the situation began to sink in, Connie teetered on the edge of uncertainty, torn between amusement and disbelief. Part of him was tempted to dismiss it all as a tasteless joke, a feeble attempt at humor by Annie. However, a flicker of realization ignited within him, illuminating the truth that lay beneath the surface. Annie's somber countenance and the undeniable gravity of the situation shattered any lingering doubts. The harsh reality unfolded before his eyes, forcing him to acknowledge the unsettling fact that Reiner and Bertholdt were not mere comrades but traitors who had betrayed them all.

The Chaos of the Entire City of Trost was shattered as the very ground beneath their feet erupted in violent tremors. A collective gasp escaped the lips of every onlooker as their eyes were drawn to Eren. With a resounding crash, he hurled the boulder into the gaping hole in the Wall, sealing it with unyielding resolve.

As the dust settled, Eren's piercing green eyes shimmered with uncontrollable fury, radiating an intensity that had never been witnessed before. With an unwavering gaze, he locked eyes with Reiner, his Titan form looming ominously. At that moment, Eren's fury burned like a raging inferno, consuming every fiber of his being.