Unexpected Circumstances

Chapter 5: Power Play

AN: Ok, this chapter is basically a whole sequence of segmented events that take place from the Trost arc to the end of the Female titan arc. I know it seems like a lot to jump but I don't want to bore the audience with filler as I don't plan for any significant moments to really occur during this time. Next chapter will be where the story really takes off and the pace will slow down and become more meaningful. Enjoy.

I failed. In the end, I couldn't convince him to change his course. He would've been a most useful tool, but his heart and hatred is still set on conquering the titans once and for all. If I'm lucky, he'll die in the field and I may not have to come across him ever again. So why is it that this feeling is trying so hard to change my mind. Like I've convinced myself he's worthless to protect myself. Why me? Can't I just be normal and be done with this bullshit already. Whatever, it's only a matter of time before I move on and forget about Eren completely. Find the co-ordinate, bring them back and return to dad. Yeah, that's how it'll be. Annie sat on her bed reminiscing about the recent events. She asked Eren not to join the scouts. That she didn't train him only for his skills to be wasted as he became a fresh serving of titan chow. But alas, her words fell on deaf ears. No amount of guilt tripping or insults would change his mind. Honestly, fuck him... For the first time in her life, she makes an effort for someone other than her father and he just throws it back in her face, how inconsiderate. Only a jackass takes her training and slaps her in the face with it and that's just what he is – a jackass.

She nearly cried with joy as Armin showed up in tears, rambling that Eren had died saving her. She was almost tempted to show some emotion and do a little dance to celebrate but an overwhelming wave of loss and emptiness hit her. Eren Yeager, the boy that patched her up and joked around with her. The only boy that showed any indication of giving a shit about her wellbeing... Was dead. Oddly enough, despite Armin's tale which she didn't doubt was true; she still felt that Eren was alive. Almost as if this feeling, this bond, they had still existed and kept them tethered together. She felt it pulling as she turned to see a particular titan in the distance with long dark hair, no lips, and a passion for beating the shit out of its own kind. She narrowed her eyes at the beast, she felt drawn to it and she nearly started moving towards it subconsciously, but she forced herself to stay stationary. Reiner followed her gaze and spotted the titan as well, staring in confusion before looking at Annie. Her face was blank as ever but on the inside, she was in turmoil. No, It can't be. Please Eren, just stay dead. Don't let this be you, hasn't this world already done enough to me. I wish so desperately for you to die but if you turn out to be a shifter... For fucks sake.

The rogue titan fell to the ground face first as everyone observed it with caution. Soon, a slimy noise could be heard as a figure slowly pulled itself from the nape of the titan. Mikasa was instantly by their side and the steam slowly dissipated around them. Sure enough, Mikasa was hysterically embracing Eren. On the bright side, he won't have to be another pointless casualty, but at the same time it's very likely that he's the one we have to capture. If we asked him to come with us... He wouldn't listen; we fucked up when we indirectly killed his mother. He's too devoted to getting revenge, the only choice is to capture him with force.

"Reiner, what do we do?" Bertholdt asked.

"It's very possible that Eren is the one we're looking for. While it doesn't make a lot of sense that he would have 'that' power since it doesn't seem he's of royal blood. However, we have to consider that it's a possibility and we can't leave this unnoticed. Remember, we're here to capture any shifter we find so we can protect our home. Bertholdt, you and I will join the scouts and relay any information to Annie. Annie, you'll join the military police to continue getting closer to the interior. We have to be sure there aren't any other shifters."