I Love You... In Every Universe (AOT Alternative Universe)

24. Crushing Blow

AUTHOR'S POV:

The Scouts raced through the Forest of Giant Trees.

"When the Colossal Titan vanished, whoever was inside had been wearing maneuver gear, so that they could escape in the steam. Don't you think the same possibility applies here?" Erwin said, looking at Hange.

"But at the time..." Hange said. "Based on what we saw when Eren emerged from the Titan, we concluded it would be impossible." She continued. "His equipment was destroyed, and his uniform was gone. Above all, Eren was so weak, he couldn't even stand unassisted."

"The Female Titan was able to attract other Titans with her cry. We failed to predict this, and the operation failed." Erwin said. "If Titan abilities vary depending on skill, it was a mistake to use Eren, a total novice, as the basis for our assumptions." He shifted his eyes straight ahead. "If we are to outwit our enemy, we'll need to think outside the box."

He continued. "If the enemy has some way to retain its strength, it may be able to transform once more."
.

Horse hooves were heard on the outer edges of the forest.

"I have a feeling that this mission has failed..." Faye said. "But, if they have succeeded in capturing the Female titan, I want to know who the traitor is."

"Someone who was there, who saw Eren transform must be the female titan." Armin replied.

Faye was now deep in thoughts. Her eyes widened when she realised something.

"Hey Armin!" She quietly said.

"Hm?" Armin replied, looking at her.

"Don't you think... The female titan... Looks familiar..."

Armin's eyes widened. Then he looked ahead.

"Yeah... She does." Armin said.

"She looks like Annie." Both of them said in unison with wide eyes.
.

The cloaked figure moved away as Eren hung in mid-air, staring at Gunthar's dead body in disbelief.

"Gunther!"

"Eren!" "Oluo yelled and grabbed him and pulled him along. "Don't stop! Onward!" Then he shoved Eren.

Eren watched their deceased comrade be left behind.

"But Gunther!" He said then gasped when the cloaked figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight. "Who's there?"

"Protect Eren! Damn it!" Oluo yelled, looking over his shoulder. "What do we do? Erd, where should we go?"

"There isn't time to reach the horses!" Erd replied. "Head for HQ as fast as you can!"

"Is it from the Female Titan?" Oluo asked, looking back as they flew away. "Or is there more than one?"

"Damn you..." Petra cursed and glared. "How dare you?!" She turned her body toward the cloaked figure, enraged. "Come at me! I'll defeat you, even if it kills me!"

'The Female Titan? Impossible...' Eren thought with wide eyes. 'Why? Didn't we catch it?!'

The cloaked figure fell back.

Squad Levi was silent, looking back, waiting for what they knew was coming.

After a few moments, blue lightning struck and a massive explosion boomed across the forest, sending shockwaves through the air.

"I knew it... It's coming!" Erd yelled. "The Female Titan!"

The Female Titan emerged from the steam, running at them.