My Hero

Chapter 34

I was on my way to the Scouts' headquarters. My instructions were to speak with Eren, Mikasa, Jean, Armin, Sasha, and Connie. We were the assigned team for the secret mission to uncover Annie's true identity. Our task was to make sure she didn't suspect anything and provoke her to make a move. Hanji-san was working on positioning her new invention in hidden places throughout the territory of Wall Rose. In case something went wrong with either our plan or Hanji's trap, Eren would be plan B and transform into a titan. If that also fails, since last time he couldn't stand a chance against the Female Titan, Captain Levi and Mikasa would be prepared to fight against her. The commander asked me to be very careful, but there was no way I would stay on the sidelines. I respected his opinion, but as a soldier, it was my duty to always be ready to fight when the need for that occurred. And I strongly believed that would happen.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Morning, Desi."

I joined them for breakfast and explained the whole plan while we ate. Eren still behaved coldly. Unlucky for him, he currently has no choice but to listen to me carefully. We would have to work together on this mission, whether he liked it or not. He had been silent so far, but it looked like something was bugging him, so he finally spoke up. "How can you be so certain Annie is the female titan?"

"I am not 100 percent sure it's her, but all clues point to..."

"And we are supposed to just take your word for it?!?"

"Eren, there is no need to get angry."

"On the contrary! You've been behaving strangely ever since we got kidnapped. I wouldn't be surprised if you turned out to be..."

"I dare you to finish that sentence!!" But he didn't say a word. I bet he didn't expect me to respond like this. I got up from my spot. "What's wrong, Eren?? I thought you were angry. Tell me, what am I? A traitor? An enemy of humanity? Or maybe I'm just another titan-shifter who plans to trick you for my own selfish desires??"

"Hey, hey, Desi, calm down."

"I can't do that, Jean. If Eren wants to deal with this issue now, let's do it. Let's get it over with and focus on what's more important, because I am getting very tired of his attitude! Eren, do you think everything can be solved by screaming in each other's faces? I suggest you learn basic human manners first!" Everyone was quiet and didn't dare say a thing. Even Mikasa wasn't coming to Eren's rescue. I sat back down. "Can we please continue with the plan for our mission now?"

"Sure, Desi." Armin was the one who answered me. The mood shifted greatly. Just "perfect".

"Excuse me for a bit; I need some fresh air." I proceeded to stand up. "Don't follow me, Jean." I stopped him in his tracks.

"...Fine."

---

After Desi left the room, Jean immediately began to scold Eren. "Are you out of your damn mind?? You do realize she saved your ass, don't you?"

"What the hell do you mean??"

"First of all, she's the one who found out the true identities of Reiner and Bertolt, and while most of us might have ended up confused and unable to do anything, she immediately found a way to report it to the commander. Second of all, she is the one who risked her life to convince Reiner and Bertolt to leave without you. It doesn't matter how you behaved; she always tried to help you. That's what she does all the time—she goes around and helps whoever she can. She almost died because of you in Trost District, but did she ever hold you responsible? No, she was happy the mission was successful. That's who she is, and that's how she does things. So, instead of being a huge asshole, maybe you can at least show some gratitude!"

"But... she still treated Reiner and Bertolt like friends, even after she learned the truth..."

"Of course she would! All of us were together for a long time, and she was especially close to the two of them. How would you feel if, for example, Mikasa and Armin turned out to be enemies of humanity? Wouldn't you defend them?"

"But that's different!"

"And why the hell is that different?!?"

"Because..."

"You're doing the same with Annie, you know."

"Huh?"

"When Desi first mentioned that Annie might be the Female Titan, I saw the shock in your eyes. You don't want to believe it, and if it's true, you will probably refuse to fight against her, won't you? In this situation, you and Desi are very alike, so either live with it or learn to live with it. I, for one, am very tired of you behaving like a child."

Eren scoffed in irritation, but there was nothing he could say against Jean's words.

"Guys, I don't think we should fight this much. We are not getting anywhere."

"I'm sorry, Armin, but these issues need to be addressed once and for all, so we can move on from them and do good when duty calls for it."

"Yes, you're right, Jean."

"Eren, are you alright?" He ignored Mikasa's question; his mind was preoccupied with other thoughts.

"Soooo, who's still hungry?? I know I am!" Everyone looked at Sasha like she wasn't right in the head. "What?? It's always a good time to eat delicious food!"

"We just finished breakfast! How is it that you're still hungry?" Connie asked Sasha.

"I simply enjoy delicious food and like to talk about it. I don't think that's something bad!"

"Whatever you say." Connie shook his head.

"Maybe if you take my example and eat a bit more, you might grow taller!"

"What is that supposed to mean, Sasha??"

"Not you guys as well..." Armin sighed. Right when they needed to be united as one, the biggest arguments had to occur.