An Unexpected Turn in Fate

Chapter 47 -- Joining Forces

A few hours later, Hange manages to make contact with Jean and the others, who managed to find Reiner and Annie. The plan Hange and Maggath came up with was to capture Yelena and Onyankopon, who were about to be executed by Floch and the Jaegerists.

In order for this plan to succeed, Jean would have to pretend to be on Floch's side. He would be in charge of giving the signal, which would be two gunshots. Not only would this allow for Armin, Mikasa, Connie, Sasha, Reiner, Annie, Falco, and Gabi to start their departure from the city on the two wagons, but it would also inform the Cart Titan when it's the perfect time to capture Jean, Onyankopon, and Yelena.

As for Levi and me, we remain with Hange and Maggath while the plan is being put into motion. While Hange and Maggath are discussing titans, Levi and I sit at the edge of the forest and stare at the sunrise.

"A lot sure has happened, huh, brat?"

I smile. "It feels like everything is happening so fast."

"I agree," he says softly, putting his arm around me and pulling me close to him. "I'm just relieved that nothing happened to you during that last battle. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."

My face softens. "Same here. You mean the world to me. I lo..."

Suddenly, the Cart Titan returns from the city and hurries towards us. She stops at a pond, before spitting Jean, Yelena, and Onyankopon out of her mouth and into the water. Jean gasps for breath and starts to throw up, as Hange approaches the Cart Titan.

"The Cart is able to stay in titan form for months at a time, right?" She asks, as her eyes twinkle in pure amazement. "Don't you ever brush your teeth?" The Survey Corps Commander, who stands right in front of the titan, starts to gag, before covering her mouth.

"You shouldn't ask quite things. I'm a lady, remember?"

"Now you're on our side?" Onyankopon questions in a serious yet curious tone, looking over his shoulder at Jean. "When did you join up with Marley?" Jean wipes his mouth and sits up, before turning to stare at the man.

"It was last night."

"Why'd you do it?" He asks, furrowing his eyebrows in concentration. "I don't get it. You could've had a life of luxury. The Jaegerists would've given you anything you asked for." Jean, upon hearing him say that, shifts nervously and lowers his head in dismay. I exchange a look with Levi, who maintains a serious expression.

"You're right," Jean acknowledges. "If I had any sense at all, I would be sitting in my room with my ears plugged right now but no. That burning pile of bones would've haunted me for the rest of my life."

"Jean..." Onyankopon says softly, as a warm smile curves around his lips. "I have no idea what you're talking about, but you have my thanks." Jean nods in his direction and stares at his friend, as a familiar warmth washes over me. If anything, I bet Onyankopon is relieved. Not only was he about to die, but he knew his home was about to be destroyed, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Jean splashes him. "Wash up. You smell like titan breath!"

I turn my attention to Yelena, who sits in the water and remains stunned. "Why me...?" She murmurs in shock, lowering her head and intently staring down at her hands. "After everything...?"

"We needed to borrow the Cart's power to make this plan work," explains Hange, who puts her hands on her hips. "You were just part of the deal. For some reason, they insisted that we take you alive."

That night, everyone meets deep in the forest, where Hange is making some stew. Maggath sits in front of the Cart Titan, with Falco and Gabi right next to him. Reiner sits on the other side of them, with Annie standing in the back and facing away from the group. As for the rest of us, we stand facing them, while Onyankopon and Yelena sit facing away from Hange.