Attack on Titan: Reclamation

Conflicts

(No music for this part either)

Eren and Mikasa were sparring in the recently added training center. They both wore black tank tops, sweat shorts, and sparring gear, except for their chests and heads. Mikasa didn't require a glove for her right prosthetic hand. Armin and Annie were watching on the side, in which Annie was slowly recovering from her hangover.

Mikasa threw a right hook, aiming for Eren's jaw. The Commander blocked by raising his left arm and retaliated with a jab to her right shoulder. Mikasa stumbled and hurriedly attacked again, swinging her left arm backwards. Eren ducked under and struck her stomach. The temperature in her face rose and threw a left roundhouse kick to his head. Eren sidestepped and dodged the kick, but he didn't see the next one she threw. The back of her heel struck his right jaw, causing him him to spit blood and and saliva. He stumbled back, then regained his footing.

"Mikasa," Eren said, rubbing his jaw, "That's enough."

She threw a right uppercut towards him. Eren quickly deflected it and got her into a headlock from behind.

"I said that's enough," Eren hissed.

Mikasa attempted to pry his arms apart, but only succeeded in him tightening his grip. Her face was turning from a scarlet red to a bluish purple at a rather concerning rate.

"I'm going to let you go now," the Commander told her.

He released the Lieutenant Colonel, leaving her gasping for air.

"You're to remain in your quarters for the rest of the day," Eren ordered, "I'll make sure someone brings you your meals."

Mikasa left without a word and with a sour expression on her face.

"What did I do wrong?" Eren asked his two other friends, puffs of steam flying from his healing mouth.

"Well, for one, there's her hand," Annie responded.

"How the hell was I supposed to know that Titan could stretch it's neck that far?!" Eren cried, "Because, last time I checked, I wasn't a psychic!"

"And then there's you being partially responsible for her losing a blood relative," Armin continued.

Eren held his hand to his head and said, "We aren't completely sure that was actually Levi. All we have to go on is that the body was wearing the same goddamn cravat, and that's not enough to prove that it was his corpse."

Annie shrugged and replied, "That's fair."

"That's not it, is it?" the Commander asked.

"There is one more thing," Armin said, "but we're not going to tell you what it is."

"And once you find out what it is," Annie resumed, "you're going to hate yourself for the rest of your life."

"You guys are assholes," Eren said, taking off the sparring gear.

"Only because it's so much fun to watch you struggle," Annie responded with a small, devilish smile.

"Oh sure," Eren retorted, with the most unimpressed expression on his face, "I can barely contain my laughter."

The Commander walked out, only to run into Hanji.

"And I thought you could hold a grudge," she said, "I just saw Mikasa, and she looked pissed. Is everything okay?"

"It's fine," Eren answered, "Just a couple unresolved issues."

"Anyways," Hanji returned, "Scouts will be primed and ready for the Reconnaissance Run in four hours."

"You have two," the Guardian replied.

Two hours later, Scouts and Guardians alike were all on horses or directing carriages, riding their way to the gate. Crowds gathered to witness and be in the presence of these brave souls. Children watched in awe as they found and called out certain names and faces. Most of the focus was on Eren, Armin, Mikasa (relieved from punishment), Annie, and Hanji, whom were at the front and wearing black ponchos. They stopped right in front of the gate.

"Is every Scout paired with a Guardian?" Eren asked.

Armin turned and raised his right fist high. One by one, all the other soldiers raised their fists high.

"Everyone's ready," Armin replied.

"Good," the Commander said, raising his open left hand. Two Garrison soldiers on the roofs of the buildings nearby fired off green flares.

The gates slowly lifted up.

"Charge!" Eren shouted, kicking his horse.

The Runners raced out the gate. Once out, sound escaped Eren's ears, zooming past stumbling or sprinting Titans. One attempted to grab him. The Commander expertly veered his horse to the left. Cannon fire booms came to him in dull, barely audible thuds. Titan blood rained from the sky, landing on his face and barely stung his skin. He quickly glanced around him. Armin, Mikasa, Annie, and Hanji were still alive. His hearing soon returned to normal. A while later, they reached a Titan-free area and found the main dirt trail. Eren raised his hand behind him, signaling to slow down. The horses heaved heavily as they slowed to a slow trot. There were no casualities reported.

Eren's only hope now was that nothing went horribly wrong.