My Hero

Chapter 28

The Armored Titan managed to land a hit on Gunther, which sent his body flying. Many of the scouts were riding around the armored titan on their horses, but most of them didn't dare approach him. Mikasa almost managed to free Eren but was kicked down by Bertolt, and Sasha captured her just in time. Eld also fell victim to the Armored Titan, and his bloody corpse flashed in front of Captain Levi's eyes like it was in slow motion.

'Oruo...Petra...Gunther...Eld....'

"I will avenge you." A dangerous spark ignited in the captain's dark eyes, and he headed straight for the armored titan. Right at the same time, Erwin attacked Bertolt. Firm resolve resounded from the commander's features, and Bertolt was caught by surprise. The Armored Titan turned his attention to them, but Captain Levi quickly changed that. "Pay attention to me, you asshole!" The Captain managed to find a spot on the armored titan's legs that wasn't covered in armor and slashed across it, which led to the titan losing its balance for a bit. At that point, Erwin managed to cut Eren's confines, and he fell down, but was quickly caught by Jean, who turned his horse around and rode as far away from the Armored Titan as possible.

---

"Now it's our turn, Armin!" I held on to him, and Armin used his 3D maneuver gear to get us both closer to the Armored Titan, where he dropped me on his shoulder. I used Bertolt's panicked state to my advantage and quickly captured him in a tight grip, pressing the blade I had prepared against his throat. I shouted at the top of my lungs. "REINER!" The armored titan's head turned to me. "I know you can hear me. I don't want to do this, so don't make me do it. Just...leave..." My expression was a mixture of anger and sadness, and involuntary tears were gathering in my eyes. "Please... Reiner..."

---

From inside the Armored Titan, Reiner was taken aback. "What the hell is she doing? If even a drop of Bertolt's blood is shed, he can turn into the Colossal Titan. Doesn't she realize that??" But then he saw her desperate tears, and his heart throbbed painfully in his chest. "You know, don't you? You are aware of all the risks, and you came with nothing but a blade, begging me to stop this. I could easily crush you... but you know I won't, just like I couldn't kill you." Reiner clenched his teeth in irritation. He was painfully aware of what he was about to do.

---

I could feel the slight shaking of Bertolt's body. Everyone's gazes were on me. They were watching intently as the strange situation unfolded before their eyes. After a moment that lasted painfully long, the armored titan nodded. I loosened my grip on Bertolt. To my surprise, the armored titan offered me his big hand, which I climbed on hesitantly, and carefully placed me down on the ground. I looked up at him, not able to move my gaze. "Thank you, Reiner." I uttered the words and watched the Armored Titan's departure before my knees gave out. My body was trembling from all the tears rolling down my face.

"Desi!" The Commander kneeled in front of me. I couldn't bear to look up at him. He wrapped his arms around my shaking body, and the sudden rush of warmth nearly suffocated me. The battle of emotions inside of me made it hard to breathe properly. Erwin began to pet my hair and whisper reassuring words in my ear. "It's alright now, my dear. Everything is alright."

"Y-yes" I half sniffled, half answered him.

"Let's go home, Desi."

I looked up at him and nodded. Erwin wiped some of my tears away and offered me his hand. I took it, and he helped me climb up on his horse. We repeated the same position from before. That was when Mikasa approached us with an actual smile on her face.

"I don't know how to thank you, Desi."

"Me? I didn't do much. Everyone is responsible for our success today."

"Even so, thanks to you, both of them left without Eren. I don't know how you did it, but thank you."

"You're welcome, I guess."

If only she knew how guilty I felt for being completely useless and for the very little support I could provide for Eren.

Everyone soon started to cheer and exclaim happily. Everyone but Captain Levi. He was staring at the corpses of his squad—no, his friends—in complete silence. He asked for help carrying the bodies. They were loaded on a wooden carriage along with the rest who lost their lives. Once that was done, it was time to head back.

"The threat is still not over. We have a long way to go. Don't let your guard down and be on the lookout for possible Titan attacks. Once we exit the forest, we will go back to our previous formation to secure a safe journey back to the walls. Let's go back home!" Erwin instructed everyone.

"Yes, Sir!"

We made it out of the forest with very few titans in our way and without any casualties. Everyone took their appropriate places along the formation. My eyes were starting to close when I heard the commander's voice.

"Desi, what you did back there was very brave but extremely foolish. And I even told you to stay away."

Ah, the commander was scolding me. 'How cute', I thought in my half-awake state. "I am sorry...Erwin..." I mumbled quietly. On the brink of exhaustion and enveloped by the calming warmth from the commander's body, my eyes fluttered closed, and I fell into a deep sleep.

---

"Don't think a simple apology is enough. You ignored my words and put yourself in danger. If something had happened to you..." The commander looked down and noticed her sleeping face. It caused a smile on his face. "You silly girl, what am I going to do with you?" He wrapped her with his cape and pressed her gently against his chest, so she could be in a more comfortable position. "Rest well, my dear. You did good today."