Shattered Walls

Under the moon's silvery glow, three figures stood in the vast, deserted field, their faces illuminated by the soft light. The night air was heavy with tension, the only sound the distant hooting of owls. "Your behavior has gotten weird over the past few months," one of the men growled, his voice low and menacing. "Don't tell me you've developed sympathy for these island devils."

The girl scoffed, her expression unyielding. "Tch, like hell I did. We need to find the coordinates and return as soon as possible. I'm done living here." The tall, hooded figure beside her spoke, his voice measured. "Not yet. We must act according to the plan. You join the MPs, and maybe, if we're lucky enough, we'll get our hands on the true king." The trio exchanged knowing glances, their secrets hidden from the world.

"One thing," the girl said, her eyes locked on the tall figure, "I overheard that the Owl and humanity's strongest soldier are returning back from the expedition and will be staying near Trost tomorrow." The hooded figure's gaze narrowed followed by a smile which was laced with malice . "What of it? Wait....don't tell me you're scared of them?" The figure's silence was palpable, his face hidden in the shadows.

"Are you kidding me?" the girl snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. "Have you even heard of their kill count?" The guy nodded, his expression unimpressed. "Anyone can kill half-assed Titans like that. It's nothing special. They don't pose a threat against us."

The tall, hooded figure finally spoke up, his voice low and calculated. "Threat or not, we're running out of time. We must act fast. Taking out the Wall is our top priority. But if we somehow slaughter the owl and the captain of the scouts then it's a win-win. Right guys?"

The other guy's eyes widened, impressed. "Well, well, well. Look who's finally showing some brains." He grinned, his tone turning sinister. "It's decided then. Let's massacre these island devils."

With that, the trio dispersed, blending seamlessly into the shadows. They donned their masks of deception, hiding in plain sight among their intended victims. Their actions reeked of desperation, a pathetic attempt to cling to relevance.

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The sun cast its warm glow over Trost District as the crowd's murmur transformed into a deafening roar. "Heads up, the main unit of the Scout Regiment is arriving back!" a Garrison Regiment soldier shouted, his voice carrying across the sea of people.

The cadets, mingling with the crowd, cheered and craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the returning heroes. Their eyes sparkled with admiration as they scanned the weary but triumphant faces. "That's right, Commander Erwin! Did you teach those ugly bastards a lesson?" someone shouted, eliciting another round of cheers.

As the Scout Regiment approached, a resident pointed, his voice filled with awe. "Look! It's the Vice Commander the Owl and Captain Levi, humanity's strongest soldier!" The crowd erupted into cheers, their faces aglow with admiration. "They're the deadliest duo, unmatched in any battle!" someone exclaimed.

Mikasa's gaze locked onto Levi, her expression tinged with disdain, before shifting to the Owl. His face was shrouded in mystery, hidden behind a black mask, his hair concealed by the Scout Regiment's cloak. Yet, his piercing green eyes shone like glistening emeralds in the sunlight, sending a pang of familiarity through Mikasa's chest. She felt a sudden jolt, reminiscent of a special someone. The Owl, lost in reverie, seemed oblivious to the commotion around him.

Mikasa's voice was lost in the din as she shouted, "Excuse me!" Her words drowned out by the cheers. The Scout Regiment disappeared into the crowd, seeking refuge within Wall Rose, under the noble's roof near Trost District.

Mikasa's awe gave way to frustration as duty called. "Mikasa Ackerman, your on guard duty today. Clean the cannons with the rest of the cadets," a senior ordered, his tone brooking no delay. With a firm nod, Mikasa joined Connie, Sasha, Mina, Thomas, Samuel, and the other cadets, trudging towards the top of Trost's wall. The massive cannons loomed before them, their metal barrels glinting in the sunlight.

As they began their task, Mikasa's thoughts drifted back to the Owl, her curiosity piqued. However, Sasha's mischievous whisper shattered the afternoon calm, jolting Mikasa from her reverie. "Can you guys keep a secret. Cuz I just totally helped myself to the officers' pantry..." The group's eyes snapped toward Sasha, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and amusement. The warm sunlight dancing across their faces highlighted their varied expressions.

"That idiot," Connie said, shaking his head, "has done it again." Sasha's notorious food thievery had reached new heights. "Meat?" Mikasa continued, her voice laced with incredulity. "Do you have a death wish Sasha." Mina exclaimed knowing how rare meat was after Fall Of Wall Maria.

Sasha's face ignited with a deep blush as she drooled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sasha, they can throw your butt in the clink for that..." Connie warned.

Samuel's disappointment was palpable. "Seriously, what is wrong with you?" Thomas chimed in, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "What isn't wrong with her?" The group's laughter echoed through the bastions, mingling with the distant clangs of swords and the murmur of the crowd below. Sasha's infectious enthusiasm slowly won them over.

A huge blush still plastered on her face, Sasha coaxed, "Don't worry, it'll be fine. I'm willing to share. Ohhhhhhhh, can you imagine the sandwiches?" Despite initially persuading her, the others succumbed to Sasha's persuasive powers. Soon, they were all conspiring together.

Mikasa couldn't help but chuckle at their collective foolishness. Her gaze drifted toward distant Wall Rose, the sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. "Just who was that..." Mikasa wondered, her eyes narrowing as her thoughts strayed back to the enigmatic figure – the Owl.

*Bang*

A deafening thunderclap shattered the air, making Connie's scream seem almost silent in comparison. "Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!" Mikasa's gaze snapped back, her grey eyes locking onto the horror unfolding behind.

"Eh?" Mikasa wondered, her voice barely audible over the pounding in her chest. The Colossal Titan loomed mere meters away, its massive frame towering over the wall. Its empty sockets seemed to burn with an unnatural intelligence, fixed on Mikasa.

"What the hell is th...!!!" Samuel shouted, but his words were cut short. The Titan's colossal feet slammed into Trost's gate, breaching it with ease, just as it had shattered Shiganshina. Followed by a scorching blast of steam exploding outward, sending the cadets flying off the wall.

Mikasa's grappling hooks, anchored in the wall, strained against her harness as she stumbled. She regained her footing, her eyes never leaving the Titan. The beast's calculated movements sent a chill down Mikasa's spine. It methodically destroyed the cannons, clearing a path for the mindless Titans to invade.

Thomas's voice trembled. "No, it's not... It's not possible..." His heartbeat echoed in his words. Connie's eyes were wild, his voice cracking. "They're gonna get in! They're gonna get in..." Mikasa's jaw clenched, her whisper a vow. "No, I won't... I won't let you." She drew her blades, the familiar weight a comfort in her hands.

With a swift motion, she re-shot her grappling hooks, securing herself to the top of the wall. Her unwavering gaze locked onto the Colossal Titan.

"Hello there it's been a while, hasn't it?" Mikasa whispered, her voice laced with a mix of determination and dread. The Titan's gaze snapped to Mikasa, its empty eyes burning with an unspoken malevolence.