An Unexpected Turn in Fate

Chapter 7 -- Reclaiming Wall Rose

We continue running on the wall as excitement forms in the pit of my stomach. In this series, this battle is humanity's first victory over the titans. Eren will manage to pick up the boulder and block the enormous hole. "Eren, how do you feel?" Mikasa asks, interrupting my train of thought.

"Fine."

"Eren, are you sure?"

"I told you I'm fine!" Eren snaps, glaring at her. "I'm much better now than when we were surrounded!" I shift uncomfortably, staring at them through the corners of my eyes. Mikasa heaves a sigh, looking away from him and proceeding to run.

"We've got no time for playing house, Jaeger," Rico intercepts, getting in between them. She was a rather short woman with shaggy chin-length blonde hair and silver-colored eyes. She wears a pair of small-framed glasses held on by bands around her head to keep them from falling. Rico also wears a white button-up shirt under her garrison uniform.

"I know!"

"I can't believe we've gotta trust the fate of mankind to a spoiled brat like you," Mitabi complains, rolling his eyes in annoyance. Mikasa's eyes flash dangerously as she shoots him a glare. "Enough chatter! We're almost at the shortest route already," Ian states.

I peer around the city, realizing there were no titans nearby. The decoy team must've made their move. Once we're near the boulder, Ian says, "Here! Let's go!" Rico stays behind to give the signal as we leap off the wall to reach the boulder using our vertical maneuvering equipment. We move as quickly as possible, and when we get close enough, Eren propels himself in the air and bites hard on his hand.

A bolt of yellow lightning shrouds him as he transforms into his titan form. Eren walks towards the stone before letting out a roar. He slowly turns around and approaches us, aiming a punch at Mikasa. She jumps in the air, barely avoiding his attack and slamming into the chimney of a house.

"Mikasa!"

Ian hurries towards her. "Ackerman, look out!"

Mikasa pivots to the side, ducking under Eren's hand. She sprints at him, sending her wires at his chest. Mikasa launches herself at him, landing on his face. Ian, Rico, and Mitabi stare at her in shock as a warm smile appears on my face. She really does love him, doesn't she? I think to myself.

"Hey! Ackerman!" Ian yells, clenching his fists in desperation. "Stand down! Now! Get away from him! That's an order!" Mikasa completely ignores him and proceeds to stand on Eren's nose. Rico exchanges a look with Mitabi, having a serious expression on her face.

"Eren! I know you're in there somewhere!" Mikasa yells. "I know you recognize me! That's right! Come on! Snap the hell out of it! We've got a breach to seal up!" Rico fires red smoke into the air as I jump in surprise. "Eren, listen to me. You're human," she continues.

"Get out of there."

Mikasa swings out of there as Eren punches himself in the face and falls unconscious. "What the hell?" Mitabi demands furiously, crossing his arms. "You're telling me the kid was a regular titan all along?"

"Eren!"

Two soldiers swing towards us, having worried looks on their faces. "Captain, there's two titans on us right now!" One of them declares. I furrow my eyebrows in concentration, seeing a few titans approaching us.

"Watch out!" The other one yells. "There's a twelve meter and a four meter coming in on us from the rear!" I frown, looking around the group. Mitabi and Rico glance at each other, having conflicted expressions on their faces. Ian remains silent, being deep in thought. Mikasa stares worriedly at Eren, clenching her fists around her blades.