37

Annie

Just like her patience, Annie's caloric reserve would soon end. Her muscles were screaming to stop as she heavily gasped for air, that little do to cool down the scorching heat she was feeling. Given the fact that the day she would leave her father's cabin to try her luck in the Marleyan Government Program was nearing, he submitted her under particularly rigorous training, which was far too demanding for her undeveloped body.

That training consisted of him yelling the name of techniques that she had to quickly execute on him. In the beginning, he wouldn't retaliate. However, if she took more than one second to perform the movement she was ordered to or if she performed incorrectly, he would get increasingly more aggressive.

"What are you doing, Annie? Continue!" he wrathfully ordered. He was investing too much in her; whether she liked it or not, she had to give it her all. Anything less was unacceptable.

"No! I don't wanna!" she yelled. Even though she rarely left her house, she watched the other children around her age enough to know how pathetically weak they all were. She knew most of those who would soon compete against her had little to no training backing them up. She was confident she would easily earn one of the titan powers, but most of all, she was very aware of her superior skills in not just combat; at that point, she also had gunmanship and mental strength going for her. Her most problematic threat was Bertholdt, but even he was no match for her. For these reasons, she saw no point in trying harder. She had already reached her peak.

"What are you talking about?! This isn't time for rest!" he roared. How did she dare disobey him? His word was absolute; her opinions were irrelevant. He was already planning the physical punishment she would receive.

She couldn't take it anymore. Throughout her life, all she did was fight, fight, and fight some more. No friends. No mother. No love. Only an abusive father who treated her like a tool. In her heart, she felt a pit, a high-energy vortex that keeps pulling her down and down. It was like one of those dreams where we keep falling and falling, and there seems no end to it. If that wasn't enough, slowly, a light appeared to dim. Before she knew it, she was surrounded by this dark, empty space filled with nothing but her negativity and suffering, and then from the darkness. Thoughts appear that it's better to curl up and die somehow rather than to make futile efforts to climb back up towards the little rays of light that still sometimes penetrate that dark, soulless pit. Perhaps that was why she didn't have friends or love.

The words her father had just roared were the straw that broke the camel's back.

Consumed by her flaring temper, she launched the most violent onslaught her years of training allowed to her father's left shin. Caught off guard, even an expert like her father fell to the ground. But that wasn't enough; he didn't suffer enough for the pain he caused her. Even after he fell, she kept kicking him over and over again.

Unlike what she had expected, each kick only fueled her wrath. She was aware she would be severely punished later, but she didn't care; that was probably one of the last days she would spend with her caretaker, so she had to take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to express her feelings. It felt good to be the one in control for a change.

Why didn't he show her the slightest amount of kindness, at least once? She understood that he needed to be rigid, but was all that torture necessary? However, at least she thought he was an honest piece of shit, which she could tolerate. But when Bertholdt came practicing with them, he was a completely different person; from then on, she saw him as a lying pile of shit. Though he was also very strict with him, he showed him kindness.

She couldn't help recalling the first time he came to their cabin when she pushed the boy to the ground; he helped him up and soothed him with kind words, something he wouldn't be caught dead doing to her. She couldn't deny she was jealous; at that moment, she had to look away; the sight was too painful.

But alas, all pleasures come to an end. Her father grabbed her right ankle and pushed it with all his strength. She fell so quickly that her arms didn't have time to cushion the fall, which caused the back of her head to collide with the floor, right on a tiny rock. The impact was very audible, and a crimson liquid flowed out of her head, but it didn't end there. He gripped her other ankle and started raising the angle between her legs as humanly possible, hoping the pain would prove to be a better teacher than him. At an angle of 180º degrees, the pain was already unbearable.

"How dare you harm your father?! Apologize immediately!" she had never seen him that angry, though she couldn't say she blamed him.

"Urgh... Stop! It hurts!" she whimpered as she wallowed in pain.

Smoke came out of his nostrils. Even though it pained him, he felt forced to pull her leash harder than ever. He started punching her nose, teeth, and cheeks, but she avoided her eyes. He didn't want to ruin her chances of becoming a warrior after all.

"I'm sorry!" she screamed. She was just mirroring what she wanted to hear from him. At that moment, she was broken inside and outside. She wondered what was the point of living... why did she bother getting out of bed in the morning...? Probably, because her father would beat her if she didn't...

She didn't dine or sleep in her house that night. She curled up in a fetal position in an attempt to keep herself warm and tried to ignore the rumbles her stomach barked so she could sleep. Her father mentioned warriors have to get used to sleeping deprivation and starvation, so she knew she could endure it.

Reiner

"I'm sorry, Karina. But your son is fucking awful at rugby. I can't let him be part of the team." the Eldian rugby coach apologized as tactful as possible.

"Please! Can't you just give him one more chance? He loves this sport!" she argued. She didn't want her son to be sad.

"I'm very sorry, but I already gave him far too many chances. He can't even run correctly!" he countered.

"Hmph... very well. I'll look elsewhere..." She admitted her son wasn't the sharpest tool on the shelf, but she still couldn't understand how someone could destroy a child's dream so easily. She just had to find another sport that made her son happy.

With a disappointed expression, she turned around in the direction of her beloved son, Reiner Braun. When her eyes mated with his, she put on a happy mask almost instantly.

"So, what did the coach say?" the boy asked. He was confident it wasn't anything bad, as he believed he was quite good at rugby.

"He said you have to leave the team because you were SO GOOD that the other kids wouldn't stand a chance. He also mentioned he didn't have anything to teach you since you were already an expert the day you joined," she assured. She often lied to her son to stimulate the fuel that convinced her that life was worth living: to live with her husband.

"Really?" he gasped joyfully. "But... I wanted to play rugby..." he muttered meekly.

"Reiner, think about the other kids. Do you think they would have fun if you played with them? If you were on their team, they wouldn't do anything because you can easily overshadow them altogether. If you were on their opposite team, they knew they would lose from the start." she dramatically explained. "Your coach asked me not to tell you this, but he said he was extremely jealous of your skills, and he wished you were his son."

"He did? Wow, I'm even better than I thought. But what will I play now?" he questioned cheerfully.

"Don't worry about it. We'll figure something out. Hey, I know what'll make you feel better. Given the fact that you're a wonderful boy, the ice cream fairy asked me to give you ice cream! Cherish it. The ice cream fairy only gives ice cream to the best kids!" she continued her web of lies and handed him a cookie cone with three balls of a frozen dessert that she was hiding behind her back. "She also gave me a little extra for your good behavior!" she gave him a few small sugar sachets for him to add.

"Yay!" he screamed before adding sugar to his treat.

"That's enough sugar, Reiner," she commanded sternly.

"Why?" he asked, disappointed. She didn't speak to him that darkly often.

"Because you're sweet enough!" she whispered warmly next to his ear as she embraced him in her loving arms.

She didn't want him to watch the tear that escaped her eye.

"I'm gonna miss you so much." she emotionally thought.

Later

"Mommy, are you okay? You've been acting strange lately..." Reiner asked. His mother was unusually melancholic. Furthermore, she's been spoiling him frequently, despite their family's low income, and she's been emotionally needy as of late.

Karina was sitting on her bed, and Reiner was sitting on her lap. She was staring intently at the wall, her mind wondering what was the best course of action she had access to.

"Reiner, do you know why we live like shit?" she questioned whimsically, hoping she would masquerade the rage in her voice. Reiner's eyes widened upon hearing that last word. He was very surprised because his mother never cussed, and she consistently told him not to do it, either.

"Emmm..." Still shocked, he took too much time forming a sentence in his thoughts. Honestly, he had no idea why.

"We were abandoned. That's why we live in these camps surrounded by walls." she interrupted him. She didn't care about his answer; she knew it was wrong. She lied about various things in order to maintain his jolly self, but the lie she was about to confess had to be eliminated sooner or later.

"In the past, we did horrible things. We have demons' blood flowing through us. If one doesn't stay within their cage, they become a nuisance to others. The reason you don't have a father is because of that curse too. Your father is a Marleyan... and a Marleyan having an Eldian child is strictly forbidden." Karina was trying her hardest not to convey melancholy in her voice.

"So that's why I never met Daddy. Mommy was always saying he loved me but couldn't see me..." Reiner mused in his mind.

"This... is a secret, okay?" her voice turned slightly more threatening.

"Ok..." he responded weakly. Her tone scared him a little.

"Because we, Eldians, inherited the Devil's blood... we cannot be with him... If only we were born as Marleyan..." Finally, her happy mask fell. Those last words were spoken with genuine sorrow; her voice cracked several times throughout her sentence.

A second tear escaped her eyes that day. And just like the first, Karina positioned herself in a way he wouldn't notice. Reiner could tell she missed his father deeply.

"How was dad like?" was the question he desired an answer to the most but was always too afraid to ask, as he knew his mother would get depressed the moment it escaped his lips.

"He's super tall and buff, just like you when you grow up, I'm sure. This is because he's a war hero. If only you were there to see... he pulled out a gun and killed an armed army of 10,000, THEN he started shooting!" her cheerful mask suddenly returned. "And when he was coming back home, he was bitten by a viper. After three days of agonizing pain, the viper died." she whimsically kept on casting nonsensical lies that her naïve son accepted as truth, for he didn't know better.

"Really?! Tell me more!" he ordered ecstatically.

Seeing him smile converted her forced happiness into genuine glee. "But despite being extremely strong, he cares a lot about you. When he learned he had to stay away from you forever, he cried his eyeballs out. You have no idea how much he loves you..." she spoke softly. "You know, if you participated in the Marleyan Government Program, we could attain honorary Marleyan status, and then you could finally meet your father. I don't want to force you to go, but... do you want to?"

"You don't mind?! I'm so glad you brought that up! I really wanted to try, but I was afraid you wouldn't let me..." the naïve boy had no idea what he would get into.

"Oh! You have no idea how hearing you say that fills my heart with joy!" Karina said, hugging her son, while Reiner was determined to meet his father. His mother had the brightest smile on her face, knowing Reiner would become what he needed to become.

And so he enlisted in the Marleyan Government Program.

Annie

On the day she would start the Program, Annie couldn't be in a bigger hurry to leave that God-forsaken cabin. Not because she wanted to be a hero, not because she held a grudge against the evil Eldians who ruined the other Eldian's life, not even because she wanted a better life! What drove her was the opportunity to stay away from the man responsible for her pain, for all her problems, and the chance to finally be independent.

Despite still being young, Annie knew Marley's propaganda was horseshit; it was just an excuse so they could do whatever they wanted. If everyone in the world believed that Paradis was filled with devils, then no one would shade a tear if all of them would be butchered.

"It seems we won't see each other for a long time... I suppose this is goodbye..." her father muttered. He didn't know what else to say.

"I guess..." she whispered meekly. Then she turned around and started walking. She just wanted that to get over with, but most of all, she wanted to avoid touchy-feely speeches at all costs. Those disgusted her.

"Make our motherland proud, don't disappoint me, girl, or there will be serious punishment for you." Her father's voice reached Annie as she was walking away; The words reverberated in her mind, making her pause mid-stride as a wave of anger bubbled to the surface. She turned around, facing her father with a deadly glare that could cut through steel, her eyes flashing with determination and defiance. She refused to be reduced to a mere puppet dancing to her father's tune.

"I hope I never see you again, and if I do, I hope I only see your corpse," Annie spoke with a tone of conviction that was both chilling and sincere. Her father, who had been the source of her misery for years, stood there with a look of disbelief on his face. The anger that had been simmering beneath his surface boiled over, and his face turned red with rage. However, Annie did not show any fear.

She knew her words would only fuel his anger, but she did not care. She was done with being a victim of his abuse, and she was ready to stand up for herself. As she turned on her heels and walked away, she felt a sense of liberation wash over her. She knew her "father" was probably thinking of ways to punish her, but Annie did not care. Not anymore. She had finally found the strength to break free from his toxic grasp and start living life on her own terms.

Reiner

"This is it, Reiner," Karina announced depressingly, trying her best to maintain her happy mask. "This is goodbye."

"You're so silly, Mommy! No matter where you hide, I'll always find you. And when I come back, give me some ice cream. I'll eat it up real quick, so we can play together like we do when you're sad. If you keep that long face, I won't play with you." he assured happily. Though deep down, he was repressing his own sorrow as well.

"All right, son." she chuckled at her son's playful words. "Don't forget that I'll always love you. We won't be separated because I'll always be in your heart," she noted.

"I'm not that naïve, mom. I haven't seen you smile for real in a long time, so when I come back, I want us to play until you laugh, honestly. I know you're not as happy as you were in the old ways back when you were with Dad. The deal is, if I become a warrior, you have to go back to normal, to your jolly self, no more faking. Don't worry about me. When I come back, I want you to hold me tight like you always do when you come back home, okay." he was sick of lies.

"I love you so much, son. And remember, give those filthy Eldians in Paradis no quarter. They are responsible for our outcast status, so they deserve nothing less than death." she hissed darkly.

"I will, Mom. The first devil I'll squash will be just for you." he was too young to grasp how dark what he had just said was. Indoctrinated as he was, as long as it was dark for the Paradis dwellers, he probably would never grasp how much, either.

"Oh, they don't deserve your presence..." she burst into tears. She promised herself she wouldn't, but she did. "Oh, and you must be really curious about your father. I guess I can tell you a few things now that you're leaving. I used to work at his restaurant. At the time, he had a wife who was sick. He called an Eldian nurse to help, and she did wonders! She was recovering nicely, but when she was about to regain her full health, her brother murdered her! Can you believe it!? He wanted to keep her inheritance, but it backfired. Your father was devastated. That's when I was there to comfort him. Then we started to develop feelings for each other, and... you happened!"

"Thank you for telling me that. I really needed to hear you say that. When I come back, I'll go see him in secret." he knew that was a very summarized version of the story, but he still appreciated it.

They exchanged hugs and goodbyes, and finally, he left. "Next time we see each other, I will be the Hero of the World. And all three of Us will Live Happy Together." Reiner promised his mother. With the innocence that only a child could possess, Reiner walked away from his home, determined to make his dreams a reality and to bring honor and glory to his family. The memory of their embrace and the promise he made to his mother gave him the strength and motivation he needed to face the challenges that lay ahead.

As the gentle wind blew across the blooming small garden, Reiner's eyes caught sight of a pristine white rose swaying and twirling with the wind. Its delicate petals seemed to be performing a graceful dance that mesmerized Reiner, leaving him breathless with awe. He found himself lost in the moment's beauty, unable to take his eyes off the enchanting sight before him. The way the rose moved with the wind made him feel as if it was alive and had a soul of its own. Reiner couldn't help but think how remarkable it was that such a small and delicate flower could bring such joy and wonder to his heart. A White Beautiful Rose.

Annie

As they stood before the Commander, Magath, he swiftly introduced himself and then gestured towards the heavy bags that lay nearby. With an air of authority, he commanded them to each grab a bag, warning that they needed to run for three grueling hours under the relentless downpour without stopping to rest. The weight of the bags threatened to break their spirits, but they knew better than to disobey a direct order from the Commander. With a deep breath, they hoisted the bags onto their shoulders, feeling the rain soak through their clothes and chill their skin. Every step was a struggle, a battle against the weight of the bags and the elements that threatened to break their resolve. But they pushed on, determined to prove their worth and earn the respect of their leader.

Throughout the course of the day, Annie was determined to steer clear of anyone who crossed her path, steadfast in her resolve not to form any new acquaintances. Despite the physical exertion of running around all day, the sustenance provided for dinner was a mere mockery of a meal, resembling a foul-tasting soup that was reminiscent of urine. Exhausted and hungry, the group was promptly sent to their sleeping quarters, with a stern warning that any failure to rise by 6 AM would result in severe reprimands. The oppressive atmosphere and bleak living conditions were taking a toll on everyone's morale.

As the evening descended, Annie lay on her comfortable bed on her side, with her eyes closed and her thoughts drifting away. She could hear the muffled giggles and whispers of her roommates in the girl's domain, but she was determined to get some rest after a long day of classes. The soft cotton sheets felt like a warm embrace, and Annie felt her muscles relaxing as she sank deeper into the mattress. However, her peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted when she felt a gentle nudge on her shoulder from behind.

Annie let out a deep, exhausted sigh as she lay in bed, her body feeling heavy with fatigue. She shifted her position, turning around to face a young woman with long, flowing locks of dark hair cascading over her shoulders. The girl's eyes glimmered with a warm and inviting glow, and her lips curved upwards into a gentle smile. Despite the friendly expression on the girl's face, Annie couldn't shake the feeling that she had met her before. However, the name remained elusive and unimportant to her; it was just another fleeting connection in a string of forgettable encounters.

"What?" Annie questioned with clear annoyance, not bothering to hide it behind a fake smile. Her tone was sharp, and her body language was closed off as she lay on the bed, arms folded tightly across her chest.

The girl who had approached her with an invitation to join them in the conversation didn't seem phased by Annie's icy demeanor. Instead, she smiled warmly and gestured toward herself and the other roommates, who were eagerly waiting for Annie to join them. "I just wanted to invite you to talk," the girl said, her voice gentle and inviting. "We want to know you, too, the best girl in our midst." The other roommates nodded in agreement, their eyes fixed on Annie with curiosity and interest.

The latter wondered why any of them would care to know her. She was Annie, and there was nothing special about her. She was an eldian like them and was here to hopefully become a Warrior and hopefully inherit the power of either the Female or the Cart Titan.

Annie lay in her bed, surrounded by her new roommates, but she focused on the dark-haired girl standing before her.

"You are?" she asked, her voice cutting through the chatter of the other girls. The question seemed to catch the girl off guard, and Annie couldn't help but notice the confused look that crossed her face as she arched an eyebrow in response.

The girl took a moment to compose herself before answering. "Oh, my name is Pieck Finger," she said finally, her voice low and smooth. Pieck continued, "Let's have a talk." She flashed Annie what she presumed to be an inviting smile.

Annie's mind was in a state of constant turmoil as she lay in her bed, her eyes closed tightly, hoping to drift off to a peaceful slumber. She desperately wanted to ignore Pieck's incessant chatter and go back to sleep, pretending nothing had happened.

However, a small part of her wondered what it would be like to talk with other girls her age. Would it be as boring as she thought, or would it bring a glimmer of excitement to her mundane life?

As she lay there, lost in thought, she heard Pieck's voice once again, this time with a hint of urgency. "Come on, Annie, don't be like that. You'll regret it if you don't come with us," Pieck said, trying to persuade her to join their group. Annie sighed deeply, knowing that Pieck was right. She needed to step out of her comfort zone and try something new. Reluctantly, she accepted Pieck's offer, standing up from her bed and joining her and the other roommates.

Throughout the years, Annie slowly started enjoying her time with Pieck, but only with her; the other girls were annoying and a waste of time; Pieck was caring and kind-hearted but smart and paid attention to everything, something Annie knew would come in handy in the future.

Reiner, at first, was just Reiner, but as time passed, his constant rambling about his loyalty to Marley began to irk Annie Leonhart more and more. Every day, without fail, Reiner would talk about how devoted he was to Marley, with his words becoming increasingly grating to Annie. She couldn't help feeling frustrated and even angry by his incessant chatter about Marley, which was a constant reminder of the oppression and injustice that the Marleyan government was responsible for. Despite her best efforts to ignore him, Annie couldn't help but wonder why Reiner was so devoted to a nation that had caused so much pain and suffering to her people.

Bertholdt was the quietest of them; Annie didn't hold any vendetta against him; he was what she would call a friend.

Annie's opinion of Zeke was as clear as day; the way he slithered around with his smooth talking and deceptive charm made her skin crawl, and the comparison to a snake seemed all too fitting. Despite his reputation as the 'Boy Wonder,' a title that seemed more like a façade than anything else, Annie knew he was anything but honest.

Talking to him felt like talking to her father in a way. Annie didn't trust Zeke one bit and knew that neither did he; she wondered if someone like Zeke even trusted anyone in his life. It was clear to her that Zeke's charm was just a tool he used to get what he wanted, and the thought of being caught in his web of deceit sent shivers down her spine.

Marcel was the best of them; Despite her limited interaction with him, his abilities were not lost on her. She recognized that someone like Marcel possessed a gift that could not be taught or learned, but rather it was an inborn quality that only a select few possessed. He was the embodiment of what someone like Reiner, who dreamed of achieving greatness one day, aspired to become. Marcel's abilities were not only impressive but also inspiring, and those who knew him felt privileged to be in his company.

Porco was undoubtedly the most vexatious and tiresome member of their group, surpassing even the infamous Reiner - a feat that was not easily accomplished. Despite his apparent discretion in not spouting out nonsensical propaganda about Marley at every opportunity, Porco's arrogant demeanor and tendency to boast whenever he excelled at something were qualities that did not sit well with her. To make matters worse, he was incredibly volatile, quick to anger at the slightest provocation, and prone to losing control of himself in the heat of the moment. It was as if he was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any given moment, and his presence was nothing short of exasperating.

After the selected warriors were chosen as the next Titan Shifters, everyone was allowed to return to their family and celebrate, except Annie; she had decided to sleep in the barracks if possible until Pieck invited her to spend time with her and her father. That night had been perhaps one of the best nights in her life.

As the night grew darker and the moon shone bright, Annie found herself snuggled in a cozy bed beside Pieck's, engaged in a deep conversation about anything and everything that came to their minds. The two girls giggled and chatted away, sharing their secrets and dreams until the early hours of the morning. As they talked, Pieck couldn't help but ask Annie if she had ever realized that Bertholdt had a soft spot for her.

Annie gazed up at the endless expanse of the night sky, the stars twinkling like a thousand little diamonds, and let out a small sigh. "Not really," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper, as she shrugged her shoulders slightly. Pieck sat beside her on the bed. Her eyes also fixed on the stars above as they shone through the closed window of the room.

Pieck, couldn't help but notice the lack of reaction from her dear friend Annie upon learning that Bertholdt harbored romantic feelings for her. Pieck's mind was racing with various possibilities, contemplating whether Annie was simply caught off guard by the information or if she had always viewed Bertholdt as nothing more than a platonic comrade.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Pieck broke the silence with a pointed question, "Well, he does, do you?" Her eyes darted to the side, keenly observing Annie's facial expression for any sign of emotion. Still, to her dismay, Annie's stoic expression remained unchanged, leaving Pieck to wonder what truly lay within the depths of her friend's heart.

"No," Annie's answer was as blunt as a hammer on a nail. She had no interest in Bertholdt beyond a platonic relationship, and Pieck's indifferent reaction was a relief to her. Annie was pleased that Pieck wasn't trying to convince her to give Bertholdt a chance.

She appreciated Pieck's respect for her decision. "He's a decent guy. I'll give him that," Annie said, her tone softening slightly. "But I don't have any romantic feelings for him. Bertholdt and I are just friends, nothing more and nothing less."

She paused momentarily, contemplating her words before continuing, "At least he's not as irksome as Reiner." Pieck chuckled at Annie's last comment. They both knew how much Annie wanted to pummel Reiner at times.

"I get it, Annie," Pieck said, still giggling. "Reiner can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but you know he means well."

Annie shrugged, "I guess so, but that doesn't mean he's not irritating." She smiled softly, grateful for Pieck's understanding and support.

.

.

.

Eventually, they left Marley on their mission to retrieve the Founding Titan; before leaving, Annie shared a hug with Pieck before departing; the latter told Annie to be careful and return soon.

Losing Marcel was the first sign that the mission was doomed from the Start; the King not doing anything was something else that bugged Annie all the time; either he didn't care for his people, or something had happened to him.

When they decided to enter the Training Corps, Annie noticed Eren right away, especially the way he started a fight on the first day, which was quite a way to get the attention of everyone.

As Annie and her fellow warriors arrived in Paradis, they couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in the way they were addressed by the locals. In Marley, they were accustomed to being vilified and branded as devils by every person they encountered. However, upon their arrival in Paradis, the absence of such hostility was a welcome change. It was a feeling that took some time to get used to, but the warriors couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and comfort in the newfound acceptance they received from the Eldians of Paradis. They were no longer viewed as monsters or demons but as individuals with their own unique stories and experiences. It was a refreshing change of pace for the warriors, and they couldn't help but feel grateful for the newfound respect and dignity they were given in Paradis.

During the three years of knowing Eren and a few others, Annie had thought of ways to ensure his survival, Even thinking of bringing him with them to Marley. Still, Annie knew Marley would probably execute him publicly to show the world that they were killing the 'evil' on the island and fool some people into thinking that Marley was a good place.

Annie knew that was foolish thinking, her last hope was that once they acquired the Founding Titan, they would leave, and she hoped Marley would leave Paradis alone, but she knew that was just wishful thinking of a stupid girl who was foolishly in love with an idiot like Eren.

And now, looking at Eren slaughtering titans left and right, Annie knew she had a choice to make. A Soldier or A Warrior?

Reiner's mind was in utter turmoil as he watched Eren demonstrate his ability to kill the Titans with ease. On the one hand, he couldn't help but feel happy for his fellow soldier, even proud of him in a strange way. After all, Reiner knew deep down what it was like to have that kind of power - the kind of power that could set you free, that could avenge your loved ones, that could make you feel invincible.

If he had been a soldier, he would have been overjoyed to see Eren wield that kind of power, knowing he was the key to unlocking humanity's freedom. But on the other hand, Reiner knew all too well the danger that Eren posed to their mission.

As a Warrior, it was his duty to put aside his personal feelings and focus on the bigger picture: the mission to retrieve the Founding Titan and secure their victory over the enemy. He couldn't shake the feeling that Eren was their biggest target now - the one person who could either make or break their mission, the one person who held the key to their victory or their defeat.

From the way Eren killed the Titans, Reiner knew Eren held the missing Attack Titan, he was too tall to be the Jaw Titan, and if he held the Founder, he would have made all Titans die or turn back into humans. Second, Eren's background didn't support him being the Founding Titan.

Reiner was in a state of turmoil as he stood there, his mind and heart at odds with each other. He felt an intense urge to smash his head against the wall as if it would somehow alleviate the burden he carried. A part of him yearned for Eren to take up the mantle, to retrieve Wall Maria and "free" the world from the Titans, thereby allowing the people within the Walls to experience true happiness. However, the warrior in Reiner remembered his promise to his mother, made so many years ago. The weight of that promise was heavy upon his shoulders, and he could not let it go. Despite the conflict raging within him, Reiner knew that he could not betray his mother's trust and the hope they shared for a better future.

"Next time we see each other. We will Live Happy Together."

His promise to his mother was ringing in his head like a bell; Reiner felt like he was fighting with himself, a part of him being happy that Eren could kill all the Titans, the other concerned that Eren held that power.

I'm such a useless piece of shit, Reiner thought. He gritted his teeth in anger and despair, fighting the urge to scream out his frustration, and felt the burning sensation behind his eyes as tears threatened to spill over and betray his weakness. He couldn't bear the thought of all his friends seeing him cry, so he took a deep breath and held himself strong, determined not to give in to the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume him. It was a tough battle, but Reiner knew that he had to keep up the facade of strength, even if it meant putting on a brave face and pretending that everything was fine.

"Next time we see each other. The Three of Us." Not Three; it was never Three. Never.

Two, only Two, Reiner reminded himself; his father had never wanted anything to do with them.

"Next time we see each other. We will Live Happy Together."

With his heart pounding in his chest, Reiner Braun took a deep breath and, slowly but surely, reclaimed his courage, knowing that what he was about to do was going to be anything but easy. He realized that the task at hand was going to be ugly, unfair, and just plain bad, but he also knew that it was the right thing to do. As he stood there, grappling with his thoughts and emotions, Reiner couldn't help but think of his fallen comrade, Marcel. He knew that Marcel would have done the same thing if he were in his shoes - swallowing back any guilt or remorse he may have felt and doing whatever was necessary to accomplish the mission.

If Marcel were here, he would have reminded us all what we are here for; he would have encouraged us. Reiner thought with determination. Reiner knew that he had to fill Marcel's shoes in some way, to carry on his legacy and keep his team moving toward victory. With a determined expression on his face, he made a mental note to have a talk with Bertholdt and Annie when they had some free time, hoping to encourage them and remind them of what was truly at stake.

In a moment of intense introspection, Annie and Reiner found themselves lost in their thoughts, consumed by their doubts and fears, struggling to overcome the overwhelming weight of their emotions. But just as they thought they had hit rock bottom, they were suddenly jolted back to reality by the sound of Armin's voice. "Eren!" he shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth to amplify his voice, causing the cadets who had gathered on the roof to jump in surprise before all of them turned to see Eren.

With bated breath, everyone in the vicinity gazed in awe as Eren unleashed his brute strength and crushed a Titan beneath his feet. As he turned towards the rooftop where Armin and the others were resting, the onlookers grew increasingly tense and pale-faced. The sheer size of the 27-meter titan caused the ground to tremble with each footstep, the sound echoing through the air like thunder. Even the pavement cracked and shattered beneath his weight as if it were made of fragile glass. All eyes were fixed on the approaching titan as the tension in the air became almost tangible.

The only ones not backing away were those that knew Eren well and also Floch, who strangely looked at the approaching Titan.

As the Attack Titan closed in on them, Connie's heart raced with fear and uncertainty, and he couldn't help but question Armin's judgment with a trembling voice, "A-Armin, are you sure sure that this one is Eren?" Despite his doubts, Connie stood his ground, determined to protect his fellow soldier Sasha, who was standing behind him. With his arms spread protectively, Connie shielded Sasha from harm, his eyes fixed on the approaching titan, ready to face whatever danger may come their way.

Jean surprisingly didn't back away in fear; he simply stared at the Titan with a steely determination in his eyes. Marco, on the other hand, had an uneasy smile plastered across his face, trying to put up a brave front, but the beads of sweat that were trickling down his forehead betrayed his true feelings. As the Titan drew closer, Floch's nerves began to get the better of him. He gulped loudly, his grip around his sword shaking with each passing moment. The sound of his rapid breathing filled the air as he stood there, frozen in fear alongside Jean.

As Eren, in his Titan form, approached, the cadets gathered and were watching in awe and fear. Suddenly, one person pointed out in surprise, "Wait, he has two people on his shoulders!" As he got closer, they could see that the two people on Eren's shoulder were Franz and Hannah, who were previously thought to be dead.

The cadets were stunned, unable to believe their eyes. "They're still alive! I thought they were dead!" one shouted with relief, causing a wave of emotion to overcome the group. It appeared that both Hannah and Franz were exhausted, their faces contorted with pain and fatigue, but they were alive and whole, with no missing limbs. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for this small mercy amidst the chaos and destruction of the ongoing battle.

Finally, the Titan stood before the cadets towering over them, despite being on a rooftop. Hannah and Franz quickly used their ODM Gear and leaped from the Titan's shoulder, soaring through the air with grace and precision. Landing safely on the rooftop, they were greeted by their fellow soldiers, who were overjoyed to see that they had survived the encounter with the Titans. Amidst the chaos and destruction, this small moment of triumph brought a glimmer of hope to the soldiers, reminding them that they were fighting for a cause greater than themselves.

"Come out, Eren. We need to plan," Mikasa shouted; the Titan turned its head to acknowledge her, and with a nod, he obediently kneeled, his massive frame shrinking to a more manageable size. As the others approached, they noticed something unusual about the Titan's nape - it was covered in a shimmering, crystal-like substance, which seemed to serve as armor against any potential attacks.

Reiner's eyes widened slightly as he saw that his neck was hardened, this meant that Eren either knew how to harden his body or that was an ability of the Attack Titan.

As the Attack Titan's nape burst open, a thick, hot steam erupted from within, enveloping the entire area in a haze. The steam slowly dissipated, revealing Eren's muscular form emerging from the Titan's body, his face still connected to the Titan's muscles, which were now detaching from his skin. Eren winced as he felt the lines on his face, starting from his eyes and snaking down to his jawline, marking his flesh with a painful reminder of his recent battle. As he turned to face his friends, Eren couldn't help but notice the dumbfounded expressions on their faces. He knew that they were all bursting with questions, but he couldn't bring himself to speak just yet.

"Armin, what is the plan?" Eren questioned with a commanding voice, his eyes scanning the group of cadets who were assembled before them. He noticed the mixed expressions of confusion and wariness on the majority of their faces, while a few of them had a hint of awe.

His gaze shifted to Annie, who stood quietly at the side with her usual cold expression. Eren expected her to look wary, but to his surprise, he noticed a subtle change in her demeanor. Though her face remained stoic, he could see a glint of something in her eyes, almost like a spark of happiness.

Armin was about to reveal his well-thought-out plan to the group, but before he could even start, Jean suddenly and confidently stepped forward. His sudden interruption caught everyone off guard, including Armin. Jean directed his attention towards Eren.

Jean, being the inquisitive and curious person he was, asked the question that was on everyone's mind, "Wait a minute, Eren, how are you a Titan? What is happening?" The rest of the group, who were standing behind Jean, nodded their heads in agreement as they, too, were eager to know how Eren had transformed into a Titan.

Eren locked eyes with Jean, allowing himself a small smile. "I'm glad to see you're still kicking, Jean," Eren said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "But we need to get out of here before I can explain everything. And don't worry. I'm in complete control of my Titan." Despite Eren's dismissive tone, he could sense the wariness that still lingered among those around him. It was as though they were waiting for him to turn on them, to become the very thing they were fighting against.

"I know for many of you, I'm the very thing all of us are fighting against," Eren said, his voice ringing out clearly across the rooftop as he stood tall and resolute before the gathered cadets. "But remember that I will protect all of you. I defended Trost, and I will continue to do so for the sake of Humanity. I know many of you lost someone in that battle, but answer me this?" Eren paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the faces of the cadets before him, and as he did, he could feel their determination and their resolve strengthening.

"Do you want their sacrifices to mean something?" Eren asked, his voice booming with a sense of authority and determination. His eyes scanned the faces of those around him, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. "Will you stay here and die, resigned to the fate that has been handed to you? Or will you allow your friend's sacrifices to be for naught? Will you let their deaths go in vain?" The group stood silently, their eyes locked onto the young leader as he spoke.

Eren's words carried a weight that seemed to lift the spirits of those who had been beaten down by the chaos and destruction of the world around them. His voice seemed to resonate with a deep sense of conviction, inspiring those around him to believe in something greater than themselves.

"Or will you follow me?" Eren continued, his voice unwavering. "Will you take a chance to see your family again, to remember those brave people that died so you could survive and honor their sacrifices? To remember them in your heart?" The group remained silent, their hearts heavy with the weight of the choices before them. Finally, Jean stepped forward, his eyes filled with a newfound sense of purpose and resolve. "I'll follow you," he said, his voice steady, before looking at everyone behind him.

"What are you morons looking at?" Jean shouted at the group of cadets who were still reluctant to follow Eren. His voice echoed through the rooftop as he stood tall, his eyes blazing confidently. "Eren might be a Suicidal Bastard," he continued, his tone firm, "but we all know we can rely on him. He's proven himself time and time again. He saved Krista in the woods from the Kidnappers. He saved Hannah and Franz, and many of us by killing the Titans. So will you stay here and wait for a miracle because I Can already see it?" Jean shouted at those still reluctant to follow Eren. Those words made many steps forward, slowly, one by one, step forward, all of their faces filled with determination.

Armin, who had been worried about whether or not they would follow Eren, breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the others nod their heads in agreement with Eren's words. Despite not having all the answers yet, the group showed a willingness to follow Eren, which pleased Armin immensely.

"Not bad to think someone like Eren can give an inspiring speech," Ymir, who had been skeptical at first, found herself impressed by Eren's speech and commented on how he had managed to sway the group with his words. Historia nodded in agreement with Ymir and added that Eren had a way of making people believe in him, even when they didn't have all the answers.

Mikasa's voice cut through the tense silence that had engulfed the group, her eyes fixed on Armin as she asked, "Armin, what is our plan?" The question lingered in the air, causing everyone to turn their heads toward the blonde boy, who had a nervous smile on his face.

The weight of so many people's expectations on him was not something he was used to, and he could feel his palms beginning to sweat. As the seconds ticked by, Mina could sense the anxiety radiating from Armin. Without a moment's hesitation, she reached out and gently grasped his hand in a show of support. Feeling her warmth and solidarity, Armin squeezed her hand slightly, his eyes silently conveying his gratitude for her unwavering support.

"V-Very well," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Our first priority is to refuel our ODM Gear." He pointed towards a dilapidated building in the distance, its paint peeling and its windows shattered. But as his finger traced the path toward the structure, his heart sank. Over fifteen Titans were trying to force their way inside, their massive bodies slamming into the walls with a deafening thud. And on the street below, even more, Titans roamed about, their eyes fixed on the group of soldiers huddled together in fear.

"That place is crawling with Titans," Reiner pointed out; many nodded in agreement.

"That's when Eren comes in, he will distract the Titans, and we will get inside. Once we refuel our Gear, we will get beyond Wall Rose and prepare the plan to seal the hole in the Wall of City of Trost." Armin explained his plan; the eyes of many flickered at the hole in the gate made by the Colossal Titan three hours ago.

"You have an idea to seal the Wall?" Bertholdt questioned with a slight hint of skepticism.

Armin confirmed it with a nod. "I do."