National Anthem-- E. Jeager

Crucify Me

As I stood motionlessly, I remembered the night of our first kiss. I remembered the last conversation I had held with my father. I remembered how I was the only one providing Armin comfort from the murderous titans, and now I am one.

I turned my back to Eren. If he were to kill me now, that would be it for me. But I was done fighting someone who I didn't allow myself to kill, it was all for nothing.

I stood tediously for a minute or two, but nothing seemed to happen. I remember turning around, but I cannot recall what I saw. Everything from then on went blank.

——————

As I awoke, I quickly realized I couldn't move. My hands were bound. As I tried to call out, I couldn't speak. I was gagged.

My eyes dreadingly peered open, the sunlight burning my vision.

I was in a courtroom, similar to Eren when he was sentenced to live under close moderation with the scouts.

Drool poured from my forced-open mouth, my jaw incredibly sore. I tried to call for my father who stood nervously in front of me, but I couldn't.

"Did you know?" He asked me, his eyes brimming with tears.

I snappily shook my head. He pulled back the gag, allowing me to finally speak. "I promise, I didn't know,"

"I don't think she's lying," Captain Levi added. "She turned by complete mistake, as her leg was torn off."

I quickly noticed that it was only Erwin, Levi, Eren and I held within the small courtroom.

Eren was still completely clueless. Almost as if he didn't remember. Did he?

"Do you remember what you did?" My father questioned.

I nodded. Eren didn't.

As I recalled the event, I began to wonder. "Why? Why am I a Titan?" I croaked.

My father's eyes abruptly widened. He swiftly stood up, clutching the collar of his shirt. "Your grandfather... his last words..."

I suddenly remembered.

'''Her strength is like no other. This entire time, I knew more than I had let on. I can't tell you, it's for the greater good. All I can ask is that you keep her alive, as she is the key.'''

Erwin slapped his palm against his mouth. "Did he do this?"

"I don't remember," I breathed. "I don't..." I resisted against the chains that held me down, fully aware I couldn't break them.

"Let her out," My father demanded.

"Erwin," Levi growled. "Who is to say she won't turn, right here right now?"

"Me," My father poked at his chest, a murderous glare twirling within his eyes.

"Dad, I'm okay," I huffed, sniffling away the tears. "I can do this," I wasn't quite sure whether h was reassuring him or myself.

The doors abruptly swung open, and standing giddily in the doorway was Hange. "I heard we have another Titan on our hands," She grinned, her cheeks flushing.

She rushed towards Levi, roughly placing her hands on his shoulders. "Is it true?" She asked, shaking him violently.

He shoved her away, strolling toward where I sat. He grabbed my hair, lifting my head so that my gaze was locked with Hange's.

Her eyes twinkled. "Y/n's a Titan?" She screamed, hysterically jumping into the air. She folded onto her knees, sliding towards me.

"You're going to let me experiment on you? Right?"

I nodded. "I guess so,"

Hange's soul was so pure. She was someone who you could just never say no to.

She squealed, intertwining her hand with mine. "Can we untie her now?" She asked Levi.

"Go right ahead," he trailed away with his hands clasped behind his back.

She tore the chains that encased my wrists, the cool breeze brushing against my suffocating skin. The chains fell to the ground with a loud clank, allowing me to finally stand.

While she untied me, Levi proceeded to untie Eren.

"I never would've guessed that you, Y/n Smith, would be a Titan," she giggled. She gently held onto my wrist, dragging me along side her.

We strolled through the corridors with Eren close behind until we reached Hange's room.

"I only have one guest bed, so you two are going to have to share," she beamed.

I swore she was doing this on purpose.

Eren and I nodded.

"Well, you two better get some rest. You have a long day ahead of you tommorow," with that, she rushed outside, slamming the door shut behind her.

I slipped under the covers, resting my head against the frigid pillow. Eren lay next to me, facing the ceiling.

I rested my forehead against his shoulder, my eyes fluttering shut.

"I don't remember, but I heard what I did to you was horrible." He suddenly stated. He draped his arm over my head, forcing me to rest on his chest.

"I'm really sorry," a singular tear fell down his cheek. "I don't know why I couldn't control myself. I never wanted to hurt you,"

I positioned my palm against his cushiony cheek, using my thumb to wipe away the continuous tears.

"I don't think you understand," he whispered, turning to face me. Our faces were only inches apart, our lips brushing together.

"I love you," he finished.