Awakened

Chapter 33

Bertoldt missed Annie.

He missed her so much, it hurt. Physically, and emotionally.

Ever since that wretched day of their failed capture attempt of Annie, being with the Shifters has been nothing but borderline hellish. Their leader did not take failures kindly, and he made sure to remind them as soon as they returned. The beating they endured from the man was nothing short of a rage.

Even though part of Bertoldt hated his very nature, his Titan powers, he was also grateful. He knew that he would not have been able to survive that night if it weren't for his healing abilities. Bruises were the least of his problems. His broken limbs were also not much of his concern. No, it was his broken ribs that punctured his internal organs that caused him the most pain. Their leader knew this, which is why in their utmost punishments he would execute that.

Their fractured, splintered, and broken ribs would pierce his organs and cause internal bleeding. He would heal of course, but it was painfully slow unlike his shattered limbs. Reiner had recently gotten another punishment from their leader. He had gone off on a sneak mission to the Scout Regiment keep, and had found Annie. Not only had he disobeyed orders to stay within their encampment, but Reiner had also returned empty handed.

In all their years of living, Bertoldt had never heard Reiner cry or scream, until that night.

Their leader was furious. Annie's absence wore on everyone everyday. Bertoldt wanted her back so bad, so all this agony could stop. Their once close-knit "family" were beginning to be splintered. Anger was beginning to simmer within everyone at Annie's absence. People began to blame her for their cruel treatment. If she was here, their leader would be satiated. He wouldn't project his frustration or fury on them.

Or at least, not as much.

Reiner's anger was beginning to evolve and Bertoldt saw it. Saw it transform to a cold and seething fury, and now Bertoldt barely sees any resemblance of his long old friend.

They stood at attention in their main chamber to the castle. Their leader sat atop his throne, leaning on one side in a lounging manner. Bertoldt had half a mind to burn him then and there.

He had no love for the man, nor any respect really. He believed their leader also knew this. He probably knew that almost everyone despised him, and would rather see him die. However, Bertoldt had the sick feeling that he enjoyed that knowledge. Not because of their hatred for him, but rather because their leader knew none of them could do anything about it. He had them wrapped around his little finger, like dogs ready for a command, and he knew it. He reveled in it, and it sickened Bertoldt.

Nevertheless, he stood straight, hands by his side, staring straight ahead like a perfect soldier. Just like the others. Karan and Kaira were beside him, standing just as still as him. It was Reiner who stood at the far end of the line who had a slight slump in his posture. Bertoldt could tell from the corner of his eyes that Reiner was struggling to stand straight.

Normally, the leader would take them away to "teach" them manners, which was another way of saying their limbs were going to get broken. However, if their leader saw Reiner slouching, he did not say anything. Bertoldt thought it was for the same reason that their leader was the culprit behind Reiner's bad posture. Reiner was still recovering from his punishment from his rendezvous mission that went wrong, and Bertoldt knew his ribs needed a few more days at least in order for Reiner to stand straight without wheezing.

Chains rattled from the entrance of the throne room. In another time, Bertoldt was sure this castle was beautiful. With huge adorned doors and walls, towering over any neighboring kingdoms and practically shouting of its power and might. Now, this castle was nothing more than an empty husk. Its grimy halls, ruined tapestry, and overall deathly ambiance told its tragic historical end.