You are my Soul

☾hapter VIII

I had just felled my tenth Titan. The situation was peculiar; moments earlier, I could have sworn I heard Armin's voice piercing through the chaos. I wondered whether Mikasa had caught wind of it too. However, contemplation had to be postponed.

Soon, I rejoined the rest of my squad. Before us loomed a Titan, unmistakably an Aberrant. Towering and unusually swift, it raced with alarming speed, its trajectory aimed directly at the gate.

" Damn, why is it disregarding us ?".

" It's an Aberrant ! Overthinking won't help !".

" Its speed... Even we elites might struggle to intercept".

" At this pace...".

The chatter amongst my comrades filled my ears. Time for talk was over; our duty was clear. Casting a nod toward Mikasa, I received her subtle affirmation-a wordless understanding passed between us.

With synchronized determination, Mikasa and I surged forward, poised to terminate the threat.

" I'll handle its ankles; you go for the neck". I commanded in hushed urgency.

" Understood". Mikasa replied, her voice a steely confirmation.

My blades found their mark at the Titan's ankles, severing its supports and causing it to crumple, halted in its deadly dash. Mikasa capitalized on the opening I'd created, dispatching it with precision. Victory ! Our partnership proved formidable once again.

Our elation was short-lived, however. As we glanced upwards, astonishment clouding our expressions, the sight of lingering civilians met our eyes. What were they still doing here? Wasn't the evacuation meant to have concluded ages ago ?

" What... are you doing ?". Mikasa's voice carried uncertainty as she gazed at the scene before us.

" Oh, perfect timing. Hey you, make these people help me ou t! I'll reward you handsomely !". The man's words erupted with an air of urgency.

Is he utterly clueless or deliberately obtuse ? It's apparent that the wagon won't fit through that tunnel-it's too wide for the confined space.

" Even now, our comrades are risking their lives. They're out there fighting Titans, dying, all while the evacuation stalls". I interjected, incredulous at the man's obliviousness.

" Of course they are ! It's your duty to lay down your lives to safeguard citizens and their assets, isn't it ?! Don't bask in self-importance just because you freeloaders are finally upholding your responsibility after a century of negligence !". The man's retort dripped with arrogance.

Mikasa's countenance darkened, her displeasure apparent. Not a wise response, my friend. A nerve-wracking gulp slid down my throat. I trust Mikasa to navigate this-she'll resolve it with the finesse it demands. I'll stay vigilant, ready to intervene should anyone attempt to undermine her behind her back.

Stepping down from the Aberrant's head, Mikasa threaded her way through the crowd, closing the distance to the merchant boss.

" If you believe it's natural for people to die for the sake of others, then surely you comprehend that sometimes, the sacrifice of a solitary cherished life can rescue countless others". Mikasa's voice resonated, assertive and unwavering.

" Go ahead and test me ! I've known your employer for a great many years. You're oblivious to how effortlessly I could manipulate you and your subordinates !". The man's response was an attempt to mask his unease with bravado.

Confirmed : he's certifiably foolish. His most appropriate course of action would be to back down, yet he's opting for an ill-advised display of bravado instead.