My Hero

Chapter 26

Mikasa took down a 7-meter-tall abnormal titan at the entrance to the forest and returned to her horse.

"Seems like there are no other titans for now, Captain."

"Good work, Mikasa. We are bound to meet more inside." She just nodded slightly. "Oi, Mikasa. Keep your head up. You will see Eren soon."

"Yes, you're right, Captain."

"Erwin, all the scouts made it here. We can't lose any more time."

"Understood, Levi. Alright, everyone, it's time to enter the forest. Onward!"

---

Quite a few Titans had gathered under the tree I was on. It felt like they were waiting for me to fall just so they could eat me. I got goose bumps from the terrifying thought. I wondered what had happened to the survey corps. I hoped they were safe. There was nothing more I could do right now. I felt so useless... First I got myself kidnapped, then I let Reiner and Bertolt get away with Eren, and now I was just sitting and waiting to be rescued... It wasn't like I had much choice in the matter, but it still felt horrible. Bertolt, huh? I wondered about his titan form. And then it hit me. 'He's the colossal titan, isn't he? With his height and the fact that he came together with the Armored Titan, no wonder.' I didn't even notice I had regained a bit more of my memory. I shouldn't have been able to remember anything before meeting Reiner/The Armored Titan. I looked down at the titans. "Sorry, fellas, but I don't plan to become your meal." I was so lucky that they couldn't climb trees. I sincerely hoped they didn't possess the ability to learn that... Another very terrifying thought. Suddenly, most of the titans forgot about me and headed in the opposite direction, towards the entrance of the forest. That could only mean one thing.

---

"A group of titans is approaching! Take them down!" Erwin Smith's voice reverberated around the forest. The titans fell one by one under the hands of the Scouts. "Levi, take your squad and head towards the end of the forest as fast as you can. I'm afraid we won't be able to catch up to Reiner and Bertolt if we get delayed here for too long."

"Got it."

Mikasa quickly approached the commander. "Sir, I want to join them as well."

"That's not possible. You are one of the strongest members of the Survey Corps. I need you here."

"But, Sir..."

"I understand your worries, but you will just have to trust Levi. Can you do that?"

"Yes, yes, I can."

"Good, now we need to go."

---

I carefully got up. I was certain I heard his voice. In a bit more, I would see him again... I notice someone else approaching me—a group of them, actually.

---

"Captain Levi, there are a couple of titans around a tree ahead of us, and there seems to be a human up there." Petra notified the Captain.

"Alright, Squad Levi, let's get rid of them."

---

There's no doubt about it: that was definitely Captain Levi's squad. I held onto the tree just in case while they killed the titans one by one. And then someone climbed it and landed next to me.

"Captain Levi!" I don't think I've ever been happier to see him.

"Oi, Desi, what are you doing up here? Where's Eren?"

"He was... Reiner and Bertolt left me here, and they went on ahead with Eren. Reiner told me they are going to take him to their village, whatever that means."

"Tch, so troublesome. I'm glad you're safe, at least. Erwin is on his way." And with that, Captain Levi left me and joined his squad on the way out of the forest. Luckily, I didn't have to wait much longer.

---

"Commander Smith, there is someone on one of the trees up ahead." A scout pointed out, and Erwin looked up, his gaze searching around. And then he saw her. He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Desi..."

---

"Erwin..." I couldn't contain my happiness when the commander hurried up to me. The happy tears fell freely from my eyes. I wanted to hug him; I wanted to just sink into his strong arms, but this wasn't the appropriate time and place. For now, I would settle for the loving look in his eyes.

"My little girl, you're safe."

"Erwin, I missed you so much."

"So did I, my dear." He carefully took a hold of my body, and we made it down the tree. "You will ride together with me."

"But, Commander..."

"It's an order."

I couldn't help but smile. "Yes, Sir." He helped me climb up on the horse and positioned himself behind me. Damn, how embarrassing!

The commander turned to the survey corps, which awaited his orders. "Alright, everyone. Let's go get Eren back!"

"Yes, Sir!"

When we started moving, the commander whispered in my ear. 'Once we go back inside the walls, I will make sure to punish you properly for leaving my side.'

It was a good thing he couldn't see my face because it grew hot, all the way up to my ears. I could feel the fast beating of his heart against my back. It filled my whole being with pure joy.

'Gosh, I've missed this man so much.'

---

"That damn old geezer, doing whatever he pleases in a situation like this!" These were just some of the thoughts going through Jean's mind after he saw Desi again. 'Well, at least she's safe.' A smile of relief painted his features.

---

"Reiner, we need to hurry up if we don't want the Survey Corps to catch up to us."

"I know, I know, Bertolt. It's not like I can do anything with all those trees in my way." They had reached the end of the forest, and in front of them lay a vast field. "Perfect." Reiner changed to his titan form, and Bertolt jumped on his shoulder, with Eren tied securely to his back. At one point, Bertolt got tired of Eren's screams and shut him up by tying a piece of cloth around his mouth. The armored titan ran ahead at a quick pace.

---

"Captain Levi!"

"Yes, I saw it, too. Our targets have finally decided to make things more interesting. Let's show them what we're made of!"

"YES, SIR!"

Captain Levi and his squad called for their horses, which followed after them obediently all the way through the forest, and prepared themselves for battle.