Clash of Titans(1)

Eren looked sideways to see an abandoned castle, cutting a lonely and sorry figure amidst the forest that surrounded it.

Part of the outer walls that surrounded it had collapsed, and what that remained of it was covered in green vines and moss. In the midst of the decrypt place, two tall towers stood out ominously. Further away was Wall Rose, it's high sturdy walls basking amidst the unforgiving sun.

The events at Shiganshina had given humanity a rude awakening - the walls that had kept them safe were not as invulnerable as they thought; and reminded them that they were simply cattle all along; herded together away from harm.

At this moment, a thundering boom erupted, sending chills down his spine.

Behind Wall Rose, a cloud of grey smoke emerged along with a dreaded face that stared at him.

It was exactly the same as what happened in Shiganshina.

Eren's eyes widened. "The … The Colossal Titan! It's going to break the walls again if we don't stop it!"

Gripping the reins tightly, he pulled at his horse and it burst across the fields at a full gallop, charging at the monstrous enemy.

"Wait. Eren!"

Ignoring Mikasa's pleas, he clicked his blades into place.

"It's too dangerous! You should stay back. I'll kill the Colossal Titan." Mikasa's voice sounded amidst the beats of hooves and rushing winds in his ears. "This might be a trap."

"Have you forgotten what it did to our hometown? What it did to mum?"

"Eren pleas-"

"I won't let it escape … we'll kill it here! That's an order."

He was no longer that weak child from five years ago. Powerless and helpless as he watched the titans snatched away everything dear to him. The Colossal Titan's act of destroying the gate then had sent a stray boulder crashing onto his house; trapping his mother beneath the rubble.

He would never forgive those mass-murders. He swore. Never.

Eren stood in his horse stirrups, crouched his body, and poised his fingers against the triggers.

Fifty Metres. Forty-Five. Forty …

Thirty. He leapt from his horse and fired his hooks at the top of the wall. Once the anchors sank, he reeled himself in; bringing himself to stand above the stone ramparts of Wall Rose and closer to the massive titan. It was blowing out incredible amounts of hot air, ruffling his uniform and hair.

Just as he was about to send another grapple towards the titan's shoulder to commence his assault, he noticed a figure that stood not too far off atop the walls.

"What is someone doing here … it's dangerous!"

Eren dashed towards the person. Maybe it was an unlucky soldier that was on patrol who happened to be there when the Colossal Titan appeared. It was strange that there would be any of them here in the first place. Garrison soldiers were usually placed on duty near the gates in district areas.

"Hey! You need to get out of -" He froze, realizing who the figure was. "R-reiner?"

The dazed person didn't reply, staring blankly back at him.

"What are you doing here … nevermind. Is your gear still working? If it's broken I can get you out first."

Behind, the puffs of gas canisters sounded.

Mikasa landed beside him. "Reiner? You …"

"Get a grip of yourself!" Eren pressed his palms on Reiner's shoulders and shook him. "It isn't safe. We need to move. NOW!"

The man finally replied, his voice barely audible. "If only … if only I never knew there were people like this." His tone rose. "I wouldn't have … I wouldn't have … I wouldn't have become such a half-hearted piece of shit!"

"What do you mean? People like this?"

Reiner pushed him away and began to slowly lift his arm, his hand curling into a fist. "It's too late now. I don't even know what's right anymore …" He shook his head.

Mikasa tugged at him, "Reiner's acting strange. I have a bad feeling about this."

Eren continued to study the figure standing in front of him. He also had a hunch now something was off; Reiner was not being himself. What was he even doing here in the first place, and why didn't he retreat when the Colossal Titan was just right in front of their eyes?

The man continued to speak, his voice hoarse.

"But the only thing left for me now … is to face the consequences of my action." Reiner stopped lifting his hand when it was in front of his face. "And as a warrior, to fulfill my duty to the bitter end!"

Eren never recalled Reiner getting so emotional and worked up; not even once during their cadet days.

"We have to go, right now!" Mikasa tugged at him harder, pulling him away.

Tears swelled up at the corner of Reiner's eyes.

"It's over for you, Eren Yeager."

He watched the man sink his teeth into his hand and …

… a crackling of thunder pierced through the blue skies, striking at the flash of light that enveloped Reiner. From the smoke, the Armored Titan emerged. He lunged his arm right at him with incredible speed, snatching him away.

"EREN!"

Amidst Mikasa's yell, the Armored Titan leapt over the stone ramparts.

Eren's body was held firmly in the grasp of the titan's hand, and the wind battered cruelly against his face. He'd never imagined in his wildest dream that Reiner was actually one of the culprits behind his mum's death.

How … how can it be possible … why ….

He fought back his tears, recalling the memories that he shared with Reiner.

"I'm going to return to the hometown we lost, that's all I care about now."

"That kick of yours is too predictable. Watch my movements"

"I'm sure you'll be able to do it, Eren. You'll definitely be able to kill … every single titan in this world."

He looked below at the back of the Armored Titan, who was still sliding down the walls with him in his hand.

"Reiner you … you …" Eren lifted his arm to his mouth. "You … damned TRAITOR!"

(1k+ words)

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A/N: Sorry for going missing for 1-2 months without any updates. I had some stuff in real life to deal with. I can't guarantee a release schedule because there are some parts that are ridiculously hard to write, but I definitely plan to see this story through to the end. I've tried to make up for it by releasing a few chapters in succession recently. Enjoy :)