Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 28 •

Eren opened his eyes and sat up, looking around. His mind was still foggy about what had happened. He saw nothing but tall, giant trees. He looked down and noticed several smaller Titans lurking below.

"You're awake," Reiner said, standing on a branch above him. As Eren looked up at the two traitors, Reiner said calmly, "Welcome back." Eren gasped, remembering everything that happened. He started to charge at the pair, but he realized that he couldn't move his arms. He shifted and struggled against the dark green cloak tied around him, finally managing to free the stumps he had left with a shriek. Steam erupted from his amputated arms. Beside him, Ymir cleared her throat.

"I'm not in any better condition here, Eren," she said, "Seems we're both having a shit day." Reiner said, "Sorry, Eren. That was my fault. Got in a hurry back there when I bit your nape." Eren sighed, "I see. So, I lost."

The sun sank lower into the sky, casting a deep orange colour over the fields where the combined forces of the Scout, Garrison, and Military Police regiments rode at top speed. Lorraine rode next to Armin. Hannes called ahead to Mikasa who was riding faster as they grew closer to the forest, "Mikasa! Slow down a bit! You're drifting closer to the vanguard again! Do you want to mess up the entire formation?" Mikasa obeyed, holding her scarf closer as she pulled back. Lorraine rode up beside her and said, "I want him back too." Mikasa said, meeting Lorraine's gaze, "I know." Lorraine held out her hand and Mikasa took it. Hannes said as the girls returned to their positions, "Hey, you both know that boy isn't going to give up. It's our job to stay calm and just be there when he needs us. Just like back in the good old days." Lorraine smiled.

"Right," she thought, "The good old days. Those were simpler times. Eren would come home bruised with Mikasa in tow. Usually Carla would patch him up and he'd get a good lecture while Mika and I would finish whatever chores she had been doing before. If we were lucky, Eren would go to his room and sulk quietly for a bit afterwards, but usually he'd torment us and Armin until we were all laughing again." With a loud pop, a green smoke flare flew up into the sky, catching the attention of the group. Hannes looked up and said, "That's the signal to join the center ranks." Lorraine shook her head, snapping herself back to the present, and let go of Mikasa's hand.

Eren swiftly shoved the healing skin of his arm into his mouth, snarling as he bit down, sending a shock of pain up into his elbow. Bertholdt stood up and said, "Eren, don't." Ymir placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Easy there, hothead. Look around you. We're in the Forest of Giant Trees within Wall Maria." Eren looked around as Ymir continued, "We're leagues away from Wall Rose, deep in the heart of Titan country." The two injured captives looked down at the variety of Titans that had them surrounded. Ymir leaned on his shoulder and said, "And of course, we have these bastards," she gestured up to Reiner and Bertholdt, "They had the foresight to suit up in full ODM gear. Of course, Reiner took yours." Eren growled. Ymir said, "My point is, even if you had the strength to turn into a Titan, it wouldn't do you much good. For one thing, they can just do the same thing if they want. If not, they can retreat into the trees. Power or no power, getting out of here would be tricky as hell." Reiner spoke up.

"She's right," he folded his arms, "Besides, neither of you have the energy to transform anyway." Eren narrowed his eyes and said, "Right. You expect me to just sit here and take the word of a liar?" Ymir said, "It's honestly not like either of us know the ins and outs of how this Titan thing works." She raised her voice, "Hey, Reiner. You said you'd start talking once Eren was up. So?" Reiner said, "Yeah. I did. We're taking you back to our hometown. Of course, I realize neither of you is really going to just do as I ask."

Lorraine thought to herself, "Please stay strong, Eren. We're coming." She squinted into the bright light of the sunset, seeing the tops of the giant trees just coming into view. Beside them, a red smoke flare was shot up into the sky, signalling a Titan spotting. She bit her lip and kept pushing forward.