35

"Sasha, get Samuel out of here, everyone. The Colossal Titan is right here, don't let him get away. We kill him right here." Eren ordered everyone, the others looked at him, frightened at the thought of fighting the Colossal Titan, but Eren didn't bother to wait.

Eren activated his ODM Gear with swift and agile movements, using the grappling hooks to latch onto the city's walls. As he ascended, he felt the thrill of the wind in his hair and the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Finally, he reached the top of the wall, drawing his gleaming swords as his feet touched the solid surface. Before him loomed the massive form of the Colossal Titan.

Eren looked up at Colossal's Titan face with fury. His emerald green eyes glittered like precious gems in the sunlight, emanating a fierce determination and unyielding power that seemed to pulse through his veins. His gaze never faltered as he spoke in a low, rumbling voice, "Hey, it's been five years."

As the colossal titan gazed back at Eren with its piercing, soulless eyes, the air was thick with tension and fear. Eren knew he had to act fast before the titan's massive arm came crashing down on him, so he made a split-second decision to leap off the towering wall just as the colossal titan swung its arm with a deafening roar. With an earth-shattering impact, the titan's colossal arm obliterated the round of cannons that had been mounted on top of the wall, sending debris and smoke flying in all directions.

Eren's eyes were blazing with fury as he glared at the colossal titan, gritting his teeth and muttering under his breath. "That Bastard," he growled, his voice low and menacing. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he watched the cannons fall one by one, each one crashing to the ground below with a deafening thud. Its massive arm swung with tremendous force, sending the cannons plummeting one by one to the ground below. The deafening roar of the explosive impact echoed throughout the city, causing the ground to shake beneath the feet of the onlookers. Eren knew he had to act fast if he wanted to stop the shifter.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eren deftly activated his ODM Gear, firing his grappling hook with lightning-fast precision, which latched onto the Titan's massive arm, the sharp metal claws embedding themselves firmly into the flesh of his target. With a burst of gas, his ODM Gear propelled him forward, and he landed with a thud on the Titan's arm.

As Eren charged forward toward the shoulder of the Colossal Titan, his heart pounded with a mixture of fury and determination. The heat radiating from the massive creature's body was intense, even though it wasn't using its steam as it had before. Eren gritted his teeth and pushed himself harder, his muscles straining as he ran toward the titan's shoulder. He knew this was his chance to strike, to finally take down the monster that had caused so much destruction and pain.

As Eren's intense green eyes locked onto the glowing orbs of the Colossal Titan, he felt a shiver run down his spine, as if he had encountered those same eyes before. However, Eren didn't have the luxury of dwelling on this thought as the massive behemoth swung its gargantuan right arm in an attempt to snatch him up like a helpless insect.

Despite the colossal titan's immense size and strength, his movements were slow and lumbering due to his sheer mass, which made him an easy target for Eren. With lightning-fast reflexes, Eren leaped off the titan's shoulder and unleashed his ODM Gear, a powerful grappling hook that allowed him to traverse the air with unparalleled speed and precision. With a well-aimed shot, Eren's hook found its mark in the soft tissue around the nape of the titan's neck, sending a surge of pain coursing through its body.

Eren knew he needed to be careful not to kill whoever was inside the nape, they still needed the enemy shifter for information and for his power to be transferred to someone else, but that didn't mean he couldn't cut the arms and feet of the person inside.

"You're Mine." Eren cried out with absolute rage behind his eyes; with a burst of gas from his ODM Gear, with his heart pounding in his chest, Eren Yeager launched himself forward towards the nape of the Colossal Titan, the twin blades of his omni-directional mobility gear glinting in the sunlight as he expertly maneuvered through the air.

As he closed in on his target, the adrenaline coursing through his veins, Eren suddenly felt a searing blast of heat wash over him, the intense steam generated by the Titan's massive body slamming into him with full force. Despite the sudden setback, Eren refused to give up, gritting his teeth and pushing forward with all his might, his eyes locked on the vulnerable spot that would spell the end of his enemy.

Eren's body was writhing in agony as he clenched his teeth tightly, feeling the intense heat of the scorching steam burning through his entire being. The excruciating sensation was as if his insides were being cooked alive, and with every labored breath, it felt like he was swallowing a searing hot coal that scorched his throat. The pain was unbearable, searing through his nerves and causing every muscle in his body to tense up in anguish. Still, Eren ignored the pain knowing his Healing ability would keep him from dying; his sole focus was on the son of a bitch inside the Titan.

As Eren pulled the triggers of his vertical maneuvering equipment, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, urging him forward toward the nape. The steam emitted by the massive titan did nothing to deter him from his mission as he focused solely on his goal of destroying the enemy that had brought so much destruction to his world. With single-minded determination, Eren pushed through the thick, opaque steam, his blades at the ready, poised to strike at the Titan's weak spot. However, as he swung his blades forward with all his might, he was met with nothing but empty air, his attack missing its intended target.

Huh! Eren thought, completely confused, only now realizing the Colossal Titan had disappeared as if he was a ghost; With lightning-fast reflexes, he reached for his ODM Gear and fired his grappling hook at the side of Wall Rose, feeling the reassuring tug of the cable as it pulled him upward. As he swung through the air, his eyes scanning the landscape, his feet made contact with the rough surface of the wall. But his relief was short-lived, as he quickly realized something was amiss. Expecting to see the colossal corpse of the Titan that had destroyed the city's gate, along with the shifter responsible for its rampage, Eren instead found himself staring at two massive footprints left in the dirt. Where had the body gone? Had the shifter somehow managed to escape?

"Huh, where did he go?" Eren exclaimed in anger, his fists clenched tightly. This had been an excellent opportunity to take out the enemy once, and for all, and yet, the Titan Shifter had vanished without a trace. No matter how hard he squinted his eyes, Eren couldn't even catch a glimpse of where his foe had gone. His heart sank as he quickly figured out that whoever the traitor was, they had access to ODM Gear - the same gear that Eren and his comrades used to maneuver around the battlefield. As he stood there, feeling frustrated and defeated, Eren couldn't help but wonder who could have betrayed them. Was it someone he knew, someone he had trained alongside with, or someone he had trusted with his life? The thought of a traitor in their midst made Eren's blood boil with anger and disappointment.

"Eren!" Connie's voice echoed across the Wall Rose, reverberating off its towering heights as he bellowed down to Eren, who clung precariously to the side of the wall with the aid of his trusty ODM Gear. His hands cupped around his mouth to amplify his voice; Connie's eyes scanned the area below, frantically searching for any sign of the colossal titan. With bated breath and a pounding heart, he turned back to Eren and yelled, "Eren, did you catch him?" The wind whipped through his nonexistent hair as he waited for a response.

Eren's eyes followed Connie's gaze as he tilted his head back to look up at him, who was standing at the top of the Wall. The wind was blowing at Eren's hair, but he paid no attention to it as he was filled with a mixture of sarcasm and anger. "Do you see his giant corpse anywhere, Connie?" Eren shouted, his voice echoing across the Wall.

"...N-No." Connie stuttered out, rubbing the top of his head with embarrassment; Eren's ODM Gear whirring as he propelled himself upwards with incredible velocity. As he reached the top of the wall, Sasha Braus appeared as if from nowhere, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.

Without hesitation, she strode over to Eren; her hand outstretched to assist him in his climb. Eren, grateful for the aid, grasped Sasha's hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her skin against his own as he heaved himself up and over the edge of the wall. As he stood, panting and sweaty, he turned to thank Sasha, his eyes meeting hers in a moment of mutual appreciation for their teamwork and bravery.

She noticed the slight burns that marked his face and hands, and without skipping a beat, she reached into her backpack and pulled out a skin bottle filled with cool, refreshing water. "Here," she said, handing him the bottle, "wash your face. You have burns." The urgency in her voice made it clear that she was not going to take no for an answer.

"Thanks, Sasha," Eren expressed his gratitude as he reached for the bottle skin she handed him. As he carefully poured the cool water on his slightly burned face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief washing over him. Although the pain was still present, he had grown accustomed to the discomforts by now.

"Sorry about that. I almost had him." Eren apologized to his friends with clenched teeth; He had been so close to capturing whoever the sifter had been, but despite his best efforts, the enemy had managed to slip through his grasp. The adrenaline was still coursing through his veins, his heart pounding in his chest as he replayed the moment over and over again in his mind.

Daz, with an uneasy smile on his face, quickly interjected, "Huh! Don't apologize, men. All of us got frozen in shock. You were the only one who did anything." Daz quickly said with an uneasy smile on his face while looking at the destroyed gate of Wall Rose.

"Guys, we need to think about the gate. It's destroyed; we need to do something." Connie quickly reminded them before pointing at the destroyed gate at the bottom of the wall; before Eren could tell them they needed to regroup in the Headquarters, a Garrison Soldier walked up to them.

"What are you doing here?" he barked, his eyes scanning the wall for any other slackers who might be lurking around. "Get to the Headquarters right now; The Colossal Titan Response Operation has already started." The Garrison soldier addressed the cadets with authority, and they all saluted accordingly.

The garrison soldier, with a stern expression on his face, commanded in a loud voice that anyone who has had a direct encounter with the Colossal Titan must immediately report it to the higher authorities without delay. His sharp eyes scanned the cadets but then settled on Eren, whose face still bore the faint scars of his recent battle with the Titan.

With a crisp salute, Eren and his comrades bellowed in unison, "Yes, sir!" Their resounding affirmation echoed throughout the walls. As they propelled themselves toward the edge of the towering wall, the wind whipped past them, a harbinger of the perilous journey ahead. Undeterred, they leaped into the city, their eyes fixed on the distant Headquarters that loomed in the distance. With every twist and turn, they deftly maneuvered their gear, their hearts pounding with adrenaline as they hurtled toward their large building.

Later

Annie's questioning gaze was as cold as the winter wind, piercing through Reiner with the force of a thousand icicles. Despite the frosty reception, Reiner stood his ground, refusing to back away or retreat. Meanwhile, Bertholdt stood awkwardly to the side, looking on with a mixture of unease and confusion as he watched the two engage in yet another heated argument.

It was a familiar scene, one that had played out many times before, but this time there was something different in the air – a tension, a sense that something was about to give. Annie's eyes never left Reiner's, as if daring him to challenge her, to prove her wrong. "Are you sure this was a good idea?" she asked, her words hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.

Reiner's voice trembled with exhaustion as he addressed Annie, "It was the only idea, Annie. Once enough Titans gather in Trost, I will turn and destroy the gate of Wall Rose, just like we did last time. We'll wait for everyone to take shelter inside Wall Sina, and then the King will make his move. And when he does, we'll be ready to capture him." The weight of their plan had been wearing on Reiner for some time now.

Arguments had become the norm in their group, with tensions running high and emotions frayed. It seemed like only yesterday that they were a team of determined warriors ready to take on any challenge. But now, doubts and second-guessing plagued their every move. Reiner couldn't shake the feeling that they were in over their heads, but he knew that there was no turning back now. They had come too far to give up on their mission, no matter the cost.

His exhaustion was a result of having to constantly maintain a façade of lies to all his friends, pretending that he was one of them. The weight of his secrets was suffocating, and he felt the burden of guilt and shame bearing down on him relentlessly.

Reiner knew that he was sleeping with a bunch of corpses, and the thought of it made him sick to his stomach. He was aware that his friends would soon die, and the fact that he would be the one responsible for their deaths was a heavy burden to carry.

The weight of his impending actions weighed heavily on his conscience, and he felt like he was drowning in a sea of guilt. Reiner couldn't help but wonder how he had gotten to this point. How had he become so entangled in this web of lies and deceit? He knew that he had made some terrible choices along the way, and now he was paying the price for them. The worst part was that he was fully aware of the consequences of his actions, and yet he couldn't seem to stop himself from going down this dark path.

Reiner's mind was a chaotic mess as he stood there in the midst of his thoughts. His headache was growing stronger by the second as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to make sense of everything he needed to do. This world is cruel, Reiner thought; he couldn't forget all the faces he had encountered along the way, but Eren's face reminded him of himself the most. Eren had the same determination and drove that Reiner possessed when he was a young fool. It was a bittersweet feeling for Reiner as he realized he had lost that spark somewhere along the way. He couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he had stayed true to himself.

We both are the same, two stupid kids way over our heads, thinking we could make any kind of change in the world. In reality, we were never able to change anything, Reiner thought with melancholy, remembering his mother hugging him for becoming a Warrior and his father's words to him.

Reiner's world had crumbled under the weight of his father's hateful words, which had convinced him that he was powerless to change anything. His spirit was broken, and he had resigned himself to a bleak fate. However, when Marcel revealed that he was not even meant to be a Warrior, Reiner's world was turned upside down once again. At that moment, he knew the bitter truth: he was not a Warrior, he was not a Hero, but rather, he was a Mass Murderer. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and he felt like he was suffocating under the weight of his own guilt and shame.

Reiner escaped his dark thoughts when Annie spoke. Annie gazed out the window at the clear sky, her mind racing with fear as she listened to the panic-stricken screams of people outside, all running to safety. Her heart pounding, she murmured under her breath, "Let's hope he does make his move as soon as possible," her eyes flicking away from Reiner and towards the chaos outside. Despite the closed window, the sounds of the terrified masses reached her ears, making her shiver with apprehension.

The Three Marley Warriors, with immense caution and precision, had taken refuge in the basement of their headquarters to discuss a matter of utmost importance in complete privacy. The silence in the underground chamber was only interrupted by the faint echoes of footsteps of the people frantically running around on the floors above as if their lives depended on it. The sound of their pounding feet was so loud that it reverberated through the foundation of the building and seemed to shake the very ground beneath the Warriors' feet. These footsteps were a clear indicator of the palpable fear that had engulfed the entire building and the imminent danger. Nevertheless, the Three Marley Warriors remained undaunted and resolute in their mission as they huddled together in the dimly lit basement, their eyes shining with a fierce determination to emerge victorious.

As Annie stood beside her fellow warriors, she could hear the distant sound of people crying. She felt a pang of sympathy for them, knowing that they were aware of the impending doom that was about to befall them. Even so, she couldn't blame them for their fear and despair - after all, the Titans were approaching and would soon swarm the city. But as a member of the elite corps of soldiers tasked with protecting the city, it was their duty to stand firm and hold the line until all the civilians could evacuate safely. Not that it would matter much, knowing Reiner would bust down the gate the moment enough Titans gathered.

Annie hoped, at the very least, that Eren would survive through this brutal battle against the Titans. She had formed friendships with Mina, Sasha, and perhaps Armin, but out of all of them, she hoped Eren would make it out alive. She knew she couldn't bear to see him getting eaten by one of those monstrous creatures, not after witnessing so much carnage and destruction over the years. The memories of the countless lives that had been lost to the Titans flooded her mind, making her feel sick to her stomach. Especially knowing it was her fault.

Reiner's eyes were heavy with exhaustion as he urged his companions to move quickly, "Let's go back upstairs before anyone notices anything." He knew the risks of being caught, but the thought of staying in this eerie place any longer was unbearable.

"We know what we should do," he reminded them, his voice barely above a whisper. The warriors had been trapped in this nightmare for what felt like an eternity, and the idea of returning home seemed like a distant memory.

"Soon, we all will return home," Reiner continued, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "All of us." He repeated the words to himself as if trying to convince himself they were true. "Soon, this nightmare will end," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the ground. The weight of their situation was heavy on his shoulders, and it was clear that the normally determined Reiner was struggling to keep his spirits up.

"To the End, Reiner," whispered Bertholdt, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the footsteps above. He looked at his friend with a mixture of determination and fear in his eyes. Reiner nodded slowly, his jaw set in a grim line as he braced himself for what was to come.

Suddenly, Bertholdt's unease melted away, replaced by a fierce sense of camaraderie as he slapped his friend's shoulder with a resounding thud. Reiner tensed at the impact but then relaxed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything.

As the two warriors stood shoulder to shoulder, the weight of their mission heavy on their hearts, Bertholdt placed his hand on Reiner's shoulder. It was as if he was saying, "I've got your back," without needing to say a word. Reiner felt a surge of gratitude towards his friend, knowing he could count on him no matter what.

Annie was the only one who said nothing; she simply followed them behind, her mind going to the annoying Eren, hoping at the end of this day, he was still alive, so she could kick his ass for worrying her so much.

Eren Yeager

"Eren, what should we do?" Ymir questioned him the moment she and Krista saw him, the freckles girl had expected this day to go smoothly, but the Colossal Titan showing up out of nowhere was the last thing she had expected.

As the chaos erupted and the once peaceful city was bombarded by massive debris, Ymir's quick thinking and sharp reflexes saved both her own life and that of her dear friend, Historia. With a deafening crash, chunks of concrete and metal rained down from the sky, threatening to crush everything in their path. Amid the pandemonium, Ymir spotted Historia in the distance and sprinted towards her, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her towards the nearest shelter. With every step, the ground shook violently beneath their feet as the destructive force of the falling rubble intensified. Just as they reached the safety of a nearby house, a colossal boulder crashed onto the ground where Historia had been standing mere moments before.

After arriving at the headquarters, the first thing Eren did was report his confrontation with the Colossal Titan; after doing that, Eren started searching for his friends; after finding Armin and Mikasa amongst the sea of cadets, it didn't take long for them to find Ymir and Historia, they had gone to the ODM Gas Room to refill their tanks with Iceburst Gas, and talk about their plan.

"This changes little once we go out there," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction and authority. "I will reveal myself to everyone, and I hope that the Armoured Titan will be foolish enough to try and capture me." His friends listened intently, nodding in agreement as they prepared to face the dangers ahead. Armin gulped slightly, hoping he was on the same team as Mina.

"Ymir, take care of Historia for us," Eren said, and he flashed a warm smile toward her. Ymir, being the fun-loving and carefree person she is, couldn't help but let out a playful giggle. She then proceeded to wrap her arm around Historia's shoulder, pulling her closer to her side in a protective gesture.

"No worries, Eren," reassured Ymir with a grin, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I will watch over Historia like a hawk, ensuring that she is safe and sound, with me by her side, protecting her from any harm that may come her way." Eren nodded in gratitude, his eyes filled with appreciation for Ymir's unwavering loyalty toward their friend.

Meanwhile, Historia's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as Ymir leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips as if to emphasize her promise. The blonde girl's heart raced with excitement as she savored the sweet taste of Ymir's lips, feeling her body begin to tingle with desire. As Ymir and Historia shared their intimate moment, Armin chuckled to himself, amused by their display of affection. He couldn't help but feel happy for his friends, grateful they had found each other in this crazy world. With a smile on his face, he walked away, hoping to find Mina somewhere.

Mikasa, Ymir, and Historia walked away when an officer called them, leaving Eren alone with his thoughts.

Eren swiftly reached for the gas can and started refilling his gas. He could hear the faint sound of footsteps approaching from behind, but he didn't pay much attention, as his mind was preoccupied with the mission's urgency. His fingers deftly unscrewed the canister's cap, and he poured the fuel into his 3D maneuvering gear with practiced ease. As he finished refilling his gas, Eren turned around, ready to join his comrades and continue their mission. However, his eyes met with the most unexpected sight, and his heart skipped a beat. There, standing right in front of him, was Annie, with an intense and serious expression that he had never seen before.

Before Eren could even ask her if she was alright, she grabbed his tunic and pulled him towards her, silencing his words with a passionate kiss that left them both gasping for air. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, the intensity of their emotions making everything else seem insignificant.

As Eren's lips met hers, he felt his mind go blank with pleasure, consumed by the sensation of her soft lips and the fiery passion that flowed between them. Without hesitation, his arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her close to him as he deepened the kiss, his hands sliding down to grasp her shapely backside through the smooth fabric of her uniform. The intensity of their embrace was electrifying, sending shivers through his body as he lost himself in the moment, completely swept away by the heat of the moment and the overwhelming desire that burned within him.

As their lips locked in a passionate embrace, Annie could feel her body responding to Eren's touch. She couldn't help but moan softly as his hands explored every inch of her curves, sending shivers down her spine. Although she had never admitted it out loud, Annie found herself getting lost in the pleasure of Eren's touch, especially when he ran his hands over her backside, squeezing and massaging it with a firm grip. Especially when he worshipped it with his tongue.

The need for air eventually forced them to pull back, leaving a thin string of saliva connecting their mouths. Annie's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, mirroring Eren's own flushed face as they both struggled to catch their breaths. The intense moment between them was charged with electricity, each of them feeling the other's breath on their skin as if they were one entity. "Don't you dare die, moron," Annie spoke seriously near his ear; she quickly kissed his cheek before walking away.

Eren stood there, frozen, as he watched her walk away, her silhouette disappearing into the distance, leaving him with a million thoughts running through his mind. Annie had always been a mystery to him, but the way she could push his buttons and get under his skin was something he couldn't deny. As he took a deep breath, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his emotions threatening to take over, but he knew he had to stay focused on his duty. He had a mission to complete, a responsibility to fulfill, and he couldn't afford to let his personal feelings get in the way.

Eren's abrupt departure from the room was met with a chaotic scene of cadets darting in every direction, their hurried footsteps echoing off the walls. Despite the crowded space, Eren pressed forward, determined to make his way through the sea of people. However, just as he was about to clear the throng, he felt a sudden jolt as someone careened into him, nearly sending both of them tumbling to the ground.

Eren swiftly pivoted on his heel, his eyes darting towards the sound of a soft moan, only to find Sasha rubbing her forehead in distress. "Sasha?" Without hesitation, Eren called out to her, his voice laced with a hint of confusion, hoping to offer her comfort in her time of need. The sound of his voice seemed to draw Sasha out of her stupor, and she quickly lifted her gaze towards him, her eyes brimming with fear and tears threatening to spill over the edge of her lashes.

Sasha's heart was pounding so hard she thought it might burst out of her chest at any moment. Fear had taken hold of her as she looked around. Turning to Eren, her voice trembled as she stuttered, "Eren, a-are we going to die?" The question hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty and dread. But despite the fear, Sasha found herself throwing her arms around him, embracing him tightly as if trying to hold onto life itself. She knew this could be their last day, but at that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of Eren's body and the comfort of his embrace.

"No, of course not. You survived the Colossal Titan. The pure Titans will be a piece of cake for you." Eren said with a reassuring smile as he hugged Sasha tightly, hoping to ease her fears and make her feel better. Sasha, who had been feeling anxious and nervous about the upcoming battle, couldn't help but let out a small giggle as she buried her face in Eren's chest. She felt safe and protected in his embrace, and his words of encouragement gave her the confidence she needed to face the pure Titans with courage and determination. Even though the situation was dire and the odds were against them, Sasha knew she could rely on Eren and her fellow soldiers to fight alongside her.

"If you survive this," he promised with a charming smile, "I will give you a whole chicken." The words were spoken with such conviction that Sasha found herself looking up at him with dreamy eyes, the determination quickly returning back to her like a wild wave crashing onto the shore. Sasha could almost taste the succulent, juicy meat of the chicken, and the thought of it gave her the strength to keep going, to keep fighting, no matter what lay ahead.

"It's a promise then," Sasha said; as Sasha's words lingered in the air, Eren couldn't help but notice the faint pink tint that had spread across her cheeks, and he wondered what was going through her head.

She looked at him with a mix of determination and vulnerability, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions. "It's a promise then," she said softly before taking a deep breath and adding, "Eren, please don't die." The urgency in her voice was almost palpable, and Eren could feel his heart racing in response.

Before he could respond, Sasha leaned in and placed a quick, desperate kiss on his lips, her soft lips lingering on his for a moment before she pulled away. Eren was momentarily stunned by her bold gesture, feeling the warmth of her lips against his even after she had moved away.

"That was for good luck," she said, her voice soft and playful. The tingling sensation on her lips made her heart race with excitement, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of heat spread across her cheeks as she looked up at him.

Eren's sheepish grin only added to the warmth she felt inside, and she couldn't resist the urge to move closer to him, feeling his strong arms wrap around her waist in response.

"I wouldn't mind more luck," he said, his voice low and husky as he gazed into her eyes. Sasha's face turned redder by the second, her heart pounding in her chest as she felt Eren's warm breath against her neck. She knew she should pull away, but the feeling of his embrace was too intoxicating to resist.

"Perhaps later, after we are safe."

Later

The once serene city of Trost had now turned into a chaotic mess, with the entire place being overrun by panic-stricken citizens, desperately fleeing towards the inner gate in search of refuge and safety from the impending danger that loomed over the city. The deafening sound of bells echoed throughout the city, serving as a warning signal for all the civilians to evacuate immediately and to leave everything behind in order to save their lives. The streets were jam-packed with people, all trying to get to the inner gate before it was too late. The scene was nothing short of apocalyptic, with every inch of the city engulfed in a frenzy of chaos and destruction.

As the Garrison prepared for the inevitable attack by the Titans, the soldiers split into two main squadrons. The first squadron, comprised of battle-hardened veterans, was tasked with halting the Titan threat for as long as humanly possible.

They knew the gravity of their mission, and the fate of the entire city rested on their shoulders. As they stood at the ready, their eyes fixed on the horizon, they knew this could be their last stand.

The second squadron, on the other hand, was focused solely on the evacuation of the civilians. They were tasked with escorting the residents to safety and ensuring that every man, woman, and child was accounted for.

They knew that every second counted and that their actions would determine the fate of the citizens they were sworn to protect. At the same time, a group of newly graduated recruits prepared for the upcoming Trost headquarters battle.

The newly graduated soldiers stood at attention, their backs straight and their eyes focused on the Garrison soldier who stood before them. He looked at them with a stern expression, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Now that you have graduated from the Training Corps," he bellowed, his voice echoing across the parade ground, "you have become full-fledged soldiers!"

"The Survey Corps that have the best soldiers to deal with Titans are unfortunately absent. We are short of soldiers, so it is your duty to ensure the safety of the civilians and ensure all of them get evacuated. Once you finish refilling your gas supplies and blades, head to the plaza to receive instructions on your duty!" The Officer spoke, his eyes filled with fear; he looked on the verge of losing it.

The sun was high over the Trost District, and the sound of soldiers rummaging through their equipment bags filled the air. Many of them found themselves busy refueling their gear or filling their boxes with sharp blades, eagerly preparing themselves for the upcoming battle.

However, not all soldiers were as confident and fearless as their peers. Some could be seen huddled in the corners, their faces pale and their hands shaking with fear, dreading the thought of facing their enemies on the battlefield.

Despite their varied reactions, all of the soldiers had one thing in common: they were recent graduates ready to embark on their first mission as members of the Trost District Garrison Troops. As they gathered in the headquarters courtyard, their eyes fixed on the captain of their unit, Kitz Weilman, who stood tall before them.

With a sense of urgency in his voice, the captain barked out orders for everyone to divide into groups of five members. The tension in the air was palpable as the soldiers scrambled to form their groups, each one knowing that their lives may depend on how well they worked together. The captain's shrill voice seemed to rise in pitch as he gave his final command, placing each group under the command of the Garrison Troop.

"Your main task will be to help supply, transmit information and eliminate the Titans! The first line of defense will be the vanguard! In the second line, the squads of recruits commanded by the Garrison Troop! And in the rear, the elite squad of the Garrison Troops will take care of the evacuation of civilians! Furthermore, we have been told that the advance squad has been annihilated!" The captain said.

As soon as the news reached the ear of the recent graduates, their hearts began to race with panic and fear. The Titans, with their immense power and strength, had already destroyed the outer gate of the city, which meant that the Armored Titan, known for its ability to break through the inner door with ease, was likely to reappear at any moment. A sense of impending doom began to take hold of everyone present as they realized the gravity of the situation. The once lively and bustling city now lay in ruins, with the Titans wreaking havoc at every turn. As the cadets huddled together, a grim expression graced their features, and murmurs of disbelief and fear began to echo through the ranks. The fate of the city now rested on their shoulders.

Captain Weilman's voice boomed through the air, cutting through the chaos like a knife. "Be quiet!" he ordered, his eyes darting from soldier to soldier. "The Vanguard is fighting right now. Your mission is clear - kill as many Titans as possible to ensure the safe evacuation of our fellow citizens from the city. Your duty is of utmost importance, and failure is not an option. Remember, the fate of humanity rests on our shoulders." The captain's words hung heavy in the air, each syllable resonating with the weight of the responsibility that they bore.

The new soldiers in front of him felt his knees weaken as the reality of the situation set in. "You must obey my orders without question," the captain continued, his voice rising in intensity. "If you disobey or attempt to flee, you will be charged with treason and executed immediately. We cannot afford any weakness in our ranks. Now, to your positions! The fate of humanity rests on your shoulders."

"Yes, sir!" All the cadets responded in unison, making the regulation salute with military precision. The cadets quickly began to organize with their respective squads, each one taking their assigned position with a sense of purpose and urgency.

However, as they prepared for the task ahead, there were some who couldn't control their fear and began to panic. The sound of retching filled the air as a few cadets started vomiting, despite having an empty stomachs.

"Why did I have to go here today?" Jean murmured, fear and despair in his voice, as he looked around the dark and eerie hallway of the headquarters. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he envisioned what lurked in the shadows.

"Tomorrow, I was going to go inside!" he thought, wishing he could turn back time and avoid this mission altogether. But it was too late now; he had to push forward. As he walked further down the hallway, his footsteps echoing loudly against the concrete walls, Jean couldn't help but notice that he wasn't the only one expressing his complaint. Many cadets huddled against the wall and began sobbing, while others even vomited due to the fear and nerves they felt.

Despite being in a dire and precarious situation, Eren Yeager remained unperturbed and composed as he strode calmly towards his fellow comrade Jean Kirstein. As he approached Jean, Eren's eyes conveyed a sense of determination and purpose.

Without hesitation, Eren reached out and grabbed Jean by his jacket, causing the latter's expression to transform from one of confusion to one of pure fury and indignation. It was clear that Jean was not expecting Eren to approach him in such a brusque and confrontational manner, and the suddenness of the encounter had caught him off guard.

"I hope you're happy, Eren. This is exactly what you wanted, isn't it? Fighting Titans on your first day, this is better than you had hoped." Instead of countering him, Eren pinned him against a pillar.

"So what, are you going to give up like this?" he asked, his eyes still filled with the determination that had driven him for years.

"You said you would become an MP, for what have we suffered for three long years? We suffered through worse through Blood and Sweat. You survived that, you can easily survive this, and tomorrow you will go to the interior. Remember what you're fighting for? Do you not have a mother waiting for you?" Eren's words echoed through the place, leaving a tense silence in their wake.

Jean looked away; his shoulders slumped in defeat. But Eren was not finished yet. With a sudden burst of energy, he shoved Jean away, his eyes blazing with fury.

"You can't give up now," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Not after everything we've been through. We've fought tooth and nail to get this far, and we're not going to back down now. You have the strength and the skill to become an MP, and you know it. You just need to find that fire again, that drive that pushed you through the toughest of times."

As the latter looked at Eren with shock written all over his face, he couldn't believe that Eren, of all people, was the one encouraging him to keep moving forward. Eren, who was about to walk away, felt a sudden grip on his shoulder and turned around to see Jean staring at him with a determined look. "I know you have a lot on your mind, Suicidal Bastard, but you also have people waiting for you. So, no matter what happens, promise me one thing - Do Not Die yet," Jean spoke with conviction, making sure that Eren understood the weight of his words. Eren, taken aback by Jean's sudden concern, was left standing there feeling a little lost and caught off guard that Jean, of all people, was the one telling him not to die.

Eren quickly found Mikasa standing beside Ymir and Historia. All three nodded back at him. Eren knew they were all ready, and so was he.

Later

Eren encountered his squad on the rooftops of one of the many houses in the Trost District. It should be said that he was surprised to learn who he would lead.

"Well, Eren, it seems you are our leader," Thomas said with a bright smile, "We will follow your lead." Eren was surprised. He had never thought of himself as a leader, but he knew that he couldn't let his squad down.

As Eren nodded in agreement, his gaze shifted towards Armin, who was accompanied by Mina standing beside him. With a sense of determination in his eyes, he uttered the words "Armin, do it" firmly, catching everyone else off guard. As the others looked at each other with perplexed expressions, Armin, being the only one who seemed to know what was going on, reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek and shiny flare gun. Just as Mina was about to inquire, Armin raised it towards the sky, and without warning, a jet-black flare soared upwards, its intensity and height far surpassing any other signal that had been launched before.

"Armin, what was that? What is happening?" Thomas asked the blonde, who kept quiet.

"Everyone, listen up! As your squad leader, I am ordering you all to follow Armin's leads, and trust me when I say that I will protect every single one of you this time." The other members of the squad, curious and slightly taken aback by Eren's sudden authoritative demeanor, were about to ask for more information when Eren swiftly activated his ODM Gear, soaring higher and higher above the ground.

Armin's voice carried a sense of urgency as he commanded the rest of the group, his eyes fixed on Eren, who was rapidly ascending higher and higher from the ground. "Don't follow," he repeated grimly, his tone laced with apprehension.

"Armin, what is happening?" Mina asked her boyfriend. The blonde simply looked at Eren as he jumped twenty meters up in the sky with his ODM Gear.

This is it. It's time for us to Attack Back, Eren thought with pure determination. With a deep breath, Eren bit down on his hand so hard that the taste of copper filled his mouth. The pain was excruciating, but he gritted his teeth and let out a fierce roar. Suddenly, a blinding yellow lightning bolt struck him, illuminating the entire district for a split second.

As the new soldiers soared through the city, they were suddenly halted in their tracks by a sight that left them breathless. In the midst of the city of Trost, a colossal figure stood tall and proud, towering over the buildings at a staggering height of 27 meters.

The Titan let out a deafening roar, causing the warriors to recoil in terror. Among them was Reiner, whose body trembled with fear at the sight of the behemoth before him. As the three warriors of Markey looked on in horror, they couldn't help but wonder which Titan this could be. Its size alone was enough to send shivers down their spines, half the size of the Walls.

As Eren took on the form of Attack Titan, he stood confidently, his eyes fixed on the horde of Pure Titans approaching him. He knew that his transformation would force the traitors lurking in the shadows to reveal themselves eventually, but for now, he had to focus on the task at hand. His sharp gaze swept across the entire Trost District, taking in the devastation that the Titans had wrought.

The once-bustling streets were now littered with the remains of destroyed houses and the lifeless bodies of the unfortunate victims, their blood staining the cobblestones a sickening shade of crimson. As he stood there, his muscles rippling with the raw power of his Titan form, he couldn't help but feel a sense of determination welling up inside him. He would do whatever it took to protect the remaining citizens of Trost.

Eren let out a deafening roar that reverberated throughout the entire city. The sound echoed through the streets and alleys, causing fear and panic among the soldiers. But Eren was not deterred.

He had a mission to fulfill, and nothing would stand in his way. With his muscles bulging and eyes blazing with fury, he charged forward toward the Pure Titans, who were wreaking havoc on the city.

The ground shook beneath his feet as he ran, his powerful legs propelling him forward with incredible speed and force. The Pure Titans may have been formidable opponents, but Eren was determined to fight until his last breath to protect his home and those he loved. So he let out another battle cry, "Fight, fight, fight!" and launched his first attack at the Titans.