୧ ׅ𖥔 ۫ CHAPTER VII . heartbeat⋄ 𓍯
🐚 #'                                 m . jaeger

        "MAEVE !" A VOICE CALLED OUT . her sudden haze had faltered , leaving her with the action of scanning her surroundings . footsteps approached from behind her , her vision still blurry as it harvested tears . she sniffled , feeling someone touch her hand .

        it was armin , mikasa and connie following after him . "what happened ?! are you okay ?!" connie probed , "how about that titan — did you see what it did ?!" he inquired . she stood there , her mouth agape .

        "talk to us , maeve ." mikasa spoke . the girl let out a hasty exhale , noticing the three of them waiting for a response out of her . "klaus — he . ." her throat tensed up , her gaze finding more comfort in the sight of the ground . "he's dead ." she announced , already feeling the guilt gnawing at her soul .

        "that . . that can't be . ." connie muttered , "how'd it happen ?" her fists clenched at his words . her heart ached at the loss , but yet , she couldn't seem to own up to it . how was she supposed to admit that the reason their comrade is dead is because of her ?

        "he saved me ." she whispered , "he pushed me out of the way of an aberrant ." maeve swallowed her spit , her mouth dry . she looked up , her eyes meeting armin's . in that split second , she realised something . he'd been here before himself .

        his look of empathy and understanding stabbed at her heart , one that she never thought about sparing the boy back when her brother had saved him .

        a hand cupped her face , a finger gently caressing her cheek as it rubbed off the blood . mikasa rested her hands on her shoulders , staring into her eyes .

"we'll have more time to talk about this later , alright ? what matters now is that you're safe ." she said , her expression blank . maeve fought through her glare , noticing the pain and sorrow that struck her onyx-coloured eyes .

        her face scrunched up , her arms wrapping around mikasa's body as her head rested in the crevices of the girl's neck . she hesitated at first , taken back by her embrace . mikasa's arms soon rested nicely on her shoulders as they draped over maeve's back , hugging her tightly .

mikasa was the older sister maeve never had . she was always there , always knew when she felt bothered , always protected her and armin from bullies , and never made her feel bad .

        that shameful feeling that tugged at her heart strings began to wash away as she felt mikasa begin to brush her hand in an up and down motions against her back , eventually stopping at the sound of an utterance .

        maeve sniffled again , peering over her shoulder before pulling away from mikasa . "i have a plan ." armin spoke , his gaze staying on the abnormal titan that they saw earlier as it let out another deafening bellow .

        his head turned , his eyes bouncing between the three of them . "you guys will have to execute it ." armin shared , receiving a puzzled look from the trio . "this is going to sound crazy . . but do you think we could use that titan ?" he motioned towards its formidable stature , setting off alarm bells in maeve's head .

        "that thing ? armin —" her words were interrupted , "just , listen . it attacks other titans , right ? it isn't interested in us at all . could we lead it to the supply area somehow ? if it defeats the ones swarming headquarters , we might be able to save everyone ." the blonde stratified .

        "lead it ? how would we do that ?" connie questioned . "i think it's fighting instinctively . the three of you will have to defeat any titans near it , that should make it move to find more . and if it was smart enough —" armin's sentence was finished for him , "it should move towards headquarters ." maeve concluded , her eyes narrowing as she scanned the titan . she hesitated before nodding , letting out a shaky breath .

        "i'm thankful that we've got two brainiacs with us , but we can't pull off something that dangerous based off some hunch ." connie commented .

        maeve turned to him , "you don't think we should even try it ? it's risky , sure , but if it works , everyone will be able to resupply . then maybe we'll finally be able to get the hell out of here ." she said . "eve's right ." mikasa responded . connie looked at her , his eyes widened , "you can't be serious !" he exclaimed .

        "better to try something than to simply wait for our own demise . let's go along with their plan ." she conveyed . "armin's plan , not mine ." maeve corrected . the blonde's gaze became timid as the three of them looked at him , a soft pink tint applying to his face from the sudden attention and recognition .

       connie muttered , his voice low , "if we fail , they'll all laugh at us . ." armin nodded , "but if we succeed , everyone will survive ." he added . "let's get to it then ." mikasa replied , rushing past as maeve and armin followed after her . "oh , gee . . fine !" connie groaned , chasing his comrade's footsteps .

maeve's maneuver gear enabled , sending a loud hiss through the air as its grapples clung to buildings . her body swung through the sky , her swords clutched in her hands . she accelerated with full force , driving the blades through the nape of a titan . it fell to its knees , crashing into a tower in front of it .

        the breeze grazed against her face in a harsh manner , the winds becoming stronger as the other three followed . armin had ran out of blades and gas long ago , so connie carried him as maeve and mikasa cleared the way of any titans .

her gaze kept travelling around , sometimes even peering over her shoulder to look at the abnormal titan behind them . she couldn't help but think how odd it was , how puzzled it left her .

        she looked forwards again , scanning her surroundings . something leapt out in front of her , her grasp tightening around the swords .

        her eyes widened at the sight of it , she'd seen it before . it was pretty hard to forget an aberrant , anyways . especially the one that killed her own comrade .

        everything slowed down as she continued to glare at it , something flickering inside her .

there's always been an endless series of taunts from a flame that grew deep in her heart . an unyielding rage would emit from the blaze , one that sent desperate screams and bellows ringing through her ears , dying to be unleashed .

        she had no idea where it came from , she never used to feel it until a few years ago . maybe it was everything that happened that day that had fuelled the flame inside , but all she felt in that moment was it pounding against her chest , becoming bigger .

        her grapples retracted back , sending its hooks in a different direction . it clung to the titan's neck , sending her forwards . she let out a shaky grunt as she soared through the air , driving the blades deep into its nape .

        her erratic exhales turned into exasperated screams as she pulled her swords out , blood painting the atmosphere a dark red . her head throbbed , making her wince .

        "you'll have your say in our plan . . when i am six feet under ." a raspy , masculine voice whispered behind her . she turned around , her ear twitching as her eyes widened . she breathed heavily , landing on the decaying titan corpse .

         her eyebrows furrowed in confusion , hearing the movements of the maneuver gear flying past her . "maeve , get moving !" mikasa ordered , accelerating forwards .

        this wasn't like a casual murmur of someone , it sounded like the person was pressed up against her ear . or , in her ear . in her head . what was weirder was that she swore she recognised the voice , but she couldn't put her finger on it .

        her maneuver gear enabled again , following after mikasa . armin and connie caught up with her , sneaking a few glances . "what happened ?! you look like you saw a ghost !" connie probed , his voice overruling the sound of the wind and whirring of the maneuver gear .

        "i'm fine !" maeve growled , a low hiss emitting from her words . connie flinched from her raised tone , his eyebrows furrowing . maeve took note of his reaction , looking forwards again in shame .

        she didn't mean for it to come out so cruel , she couldn't even recall where her sudden attitude came from . perhaps she was just agitated and exhausted over their current situation .

the abnormal titan from earlier rushed past them as they got closer to headquarters , its fists raising to the regular titans that hung outside .

        with great force , its strength sent the two titans flying across the street , knocking them to the ground . it let out another bellow before charging towards the two again .

        mikasa crossed her arms against her chest , her legs together as she pin dived through one of the glass windows , tumbling inside .

maeve followed , then connie and armin . the brunette grunted , her back slamming against the wall . "mikasa !" another voice spoke up , attracting the attention of maeve .

        "you . . you guys are alive !" jean breathed a noticeable sigh of relief . maeve stumbled to her feet , feeling her head , "good to see you too , kirschstein ." she groaned .

he chuckled at her sarcastic tone , a grin forming in the corners of his lips . connie exhaled , knocking on his gas canister , "i'm all out , but we made it !" he smiled .

        he turned to armin , slapping him on the back , "from now on , i'm going to listen to everything you have to say ! your word is law !" connie declared .

the blonde yelped from the harsh hits , a small smirk tugging at his lips . maeve and armin exchanged looks before she pulled away first , muttering something under her breath . he raised his eyebrow , his head turning at the sound of connie's voice again .

        "that titan is an aberrant that kills other titans ! ain't that cool ?! it's not even interested in us !" he shared , motioning towards the abnormal titan .

        jean's mouth fell agape at his words , "you're serious ?!" he blurted , "hell yeah ! if we use it to our advantage , we can escape !" connie responded .

"we're going to use . . that ?" a soldier commented , his voice a low and wary mutter . more whispers were heard among the remaining cadets , "how are we going to use a titan ?" another spoke .

        "a titan helping us ? that's a bit of a stretch —" jean's scoff was cut off , "it isn't a stretch ." mikasa said , "i don't care if it's an aberrant , or whatever the hell it is . . we need it to stay here , and to keep fighting . that's our most realistic chance for survival ." she conveyed .

another feminine voice chimed in , "forgive me . ." she began , "you're from team thirty-two , correct ?" the girl motioned towards maeve . she nodded her head , watching the girl's face brighten up .

        "perfect ! have you seen klaus jackson around ? he's supposed to be with your group , but i haven't heard from him , nor have i seen him ever since this whole thing started ." she inquired .

        "he's dead ." maeve's sentence was fast paced , almost cutting off the girl's words . her smile slowly withered away , her head lowering . "i see ." she muttered , "who was he to you ?" connie asked .

        the girl took a deep breath in , exhaling . "he was my brother ." she answered , her lip slightly pouting .

        her breath caught in her throat , noticing the girl's fists beginning to clench . maeve's eyes met armin's gaze , his stare the same one from earlier ; understanding and empathetic . she swallowed down all her guilt , letting out a shaky breath as she frowned .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

        "are scatter shots really enough ? will these actually be any use against the titans ?" jean questioned , playing around with the rifle in his hand .

        "given our circumstances , i'd like to think that they're a whole lot better than nothing." armin responded , kneeling in front of everyone as a layout of the headquarters sat , drawn on a map , at his feet . he glanced at maeve , noticing her distraught expression .

        he cleared his throat , which brought her back from her haze . "if there are only a group of three to four meter class titans in the supply room , even this may be enough firepower to blind them all at once ." armin commented .

        "what's the plan , blondie ?" reiner inquired , "you're blonde yourself , reiner . just give him some space while he works it out , got it ?" maeve grumbled .

        bertholdt and connie let out a snicker behind him , their immaturity earning an eye roll from annie . "what's up your ass ?" reiner glared , "enough ." mikasa interrupted , her brows furrowing in a scowl .

        ever since that encounter with klaus jackson's sister , she'd been in a rocky mood . anything was possible of pissing her off . normally , she'd feel patient in a situation such as this , but something just seemed to be triggering her .

        maybe the guilt was catching up to her again , and this time she's taking it out on others rather than herself .

        "we'll use the lift to lower a large number of people through the central ceiling . they'll fire in the faces of the seven titans in unison to take their vision out ." armin shared , "the seven of us hidden among the ceiling beams will strike the blinded titans in a coordinated ambush ." he added .

        "everyone's lives will depend on this one strike , so stay alert , and keep focused ." maeve said . "hey ! the lift's ready ! guns , too ! they're all loaded !" a soldier called out .

        everyone stood up , advancing towards the elevator , meanwhile seven of their strongest kept back . "jaeger ." jean spoke , attracting the attention of the brunette .

        he held his arms up , two swords swaying between his palms . she collected them from his hands , looking down at the sharpened blades . she nodded , flashing him a small and subtle smile , "thank you ." she responded .

        the boy shifted around uncomfortably before speaking up again , "i'm sorry ." he blurted . maeve glanced at him , her eyebrow arching . "for what ? . ." she asked .

        "for eren . i know me and him never got along , but he was a good person ." he exhaled . she stared at her feet , "you don't have to apologise ." maeve frowned . "i know , i just . . wanted to ." he muttered .

mikasa rested a hand on maeve's shoulder , "we better get moving , we don't have all day ." she remarked . "we'll be right there ." maeve replied . the ravenette disappeared from sight , waiting by the staircase with the other four .

        maeve looked back , noticing the pink tint to jean's face . "why do you look like that ?" she questioned , her eyes narrowing in a probing way .

        jean stared at her , "uh — why do you look like that ? buzz off ." he nervously stammered . something clicked in her head , searching for the girl again .

"it has something to do with mikasa , am i right ?" she smirked , watching as he became redder . "just — shut up !" his face flushed . she let out an exaggerated gasp , "i knew it !" maeve whispered . "hey ! knock it off ! we're wasting time !" mikasa shouted from around the corner .

maeve jolted at the feeling of a pinching sensation against her arm , yelping . "tell anyone , and i'll smash your face in ." he added , his voice serious and bone-chilling .

        maeve saw right through him , "please . . you won't go anywhere near me , jean-boy ." she teased , "i would beat you in a fight in every lifetime ."

        he scoffed , walking with her around the corner . "dishonesty ? coming from our golden girl ?" jean chuckled , "never in my fourteen years of living would i have ever expected to be called someone's 'golden girl' . ." maeve spoke , bewildered by his words .

        connie nudged her , "come on , you know you like it ." he smirked , proud of his remark . he let out a sharp yelp as maeve elbowed him , "watch it , baldy ." she mumbled , a small snicker emitting from her sentence .

        "jesus . . i would've preferred constance ." the boy groaned , rubbing his bruised shoulder . "yeah . . constance does sound better ." reiner grinned , "thanks for the suggestion , constance ." jean bantered . "you call me that again , and i'll give you a haircut like mine , horseface ." connie sneered .

        maeve chuckled , trying to hide her smirk from jean as he glared at her . "what are you laughing about , pumpkin head ?!" he shouted , earning an exaggerated gasp from the girl , "who are you calling 'pumpkin head' ?!" she argued .

        "hey ! settle down !" bertholdt ordered , his voice a low but raised mutter . "he's right , you guys are loud enough to alert the titans that a trampede of horses are coming through ." annie finally commented , her scornful tone enough to make the group silent for a moment .

        "i don't know about horses . . horse sounds close enough ." maeve grumbled , "shut up , brat !" jean bellowed , their bickering raising loud snickers from connie .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

she held her breath , balancing her weight out against the ceiling beam beneath her as the lift lowered down , attracting the attention of a few of the titans . maeve kept her eyes closed , being sure not to look down or even open them in the slightest until she heard gunshots .

        she heard the thumps of titan footsteps moving in rhythmic motions , followed by a sudden , laboured gasp from one of the soldiers .

her heart pounded in her chest as the anticipation grew , the silence feeling all too overwhelming . another shaky gasp was heard , which triggered maeve to slowly creep her eyes open .

        she moved her gaze to the lift , watching as they readied their gunfire . she glanced forwards , her legs raising her body as she prepared to leap off the beam .

"evie ."

"yeah ?" she whispered back almost instantly .

her eyes widened , scanning her surroundings . there was no one else beside her except for bertholdt , and he seemed extremely concentrated on what was happening down below .

she was just tired , why else would she be hearing things ?

she shook it off , clutching her swords in her hand . a click was heard , then followed by multiple gunshots which echoed throughout the vicinity .

        maeve dashed across the beam , leaping off of it . the blades dug deep in the nape of the titan , collapsing backwards as she landed beside it .

        she let out a grunt , looking around . her eyes caught sight of connie , stumbling backwards as a titan approached him . her mouth fell agape , "connie !" bertholdt shouted , his voice brimming with urgency .

a sharp steely noise bounced off the walls , a loud thud following after . the titan fell to it's knees , crashing against the ground . annie landed with ease in front of it , letting out a hasty exhale .

        maeve released her grip around the blades , breathing a sigh of relief . "we got them all ! begin the resupply !" jean announced , everyone on the lift buzzing in accomplishment . the elevator soon lowered , letting them all off .

maeve shifted around in a couple of boxes and found more blades , lining them perfectly in her carriers by her sides . she clanked one of the air tanks together against her gas canister , twisting and pushing them so that the tank would eventually begin to refill it . it let out a hiss , gradually getting more quieter as it ran out of air to provide .

"you wouldn't mind helping me with mine , would you ?" a voice inquired from behind her . she sat still , a smile creeping in the corners of her lips as she recognised the person without even having to turn around .

        "you already know how to do it ." she commented , "i must have forgotten . can you show me ?" he kneeled beside her , his canister in his hand . she looked at the empty , steel bottle , her gaze turning on him next .

        "there are better ways of trying to talk to me , you know that ?" she said , "i know ." armin responded , a smirk tugging at his lips .

she did the same thing , watching the meter on the canister begin to rise as it filled up . there was a silence between the two of them as they waited , a comforting one . it was a type of silence that you wouldn't want to break , but just had to anyway .

        he opened his mouth , pausing as maeve interrupted him , "please don't say anything about it ." she shook her head , her words sounding like soft pleas , "i know what happened to him wasn't your fault ."

armin stared at the ground as she went on , "i'm sorry that i just basically stopped talking to you , i'm sure it made you feel ten times worse . i was an asshole for that ." maeve sighed .

        "you shouldn't be the one apologising , it should be me ." he responded , "i was the one that got him killed , not you . you should never say sorry for something you didn't do ." armin conveyed .

        "but i killed klaus , didn't i ?" she blurted , "i'm the reason why he's dead . i'm the reason why someone's sister is grieving ."

he furrowed his eyebrows , the words caught in his throat as he stammered . "well . . i don't . ." armin let out an exhale , trying to put his sentence in the right way . "it's alright . you don't have to justify what i did , armin ." maeve huffed , handing him back his full gas canister .

        she stood up , sliding her tank in between a strap on her blade carrier . "we'll just talk about it later —" she paused , feeling someone grab her hand . maeve looked down , noticing the blonde's grip on her .

"to carry that burden with us for the rest of our lives would be a waste of theirs , wouldn't it ? we weren't given this second opportunity to live in guilt , we were given this chance to help open our eyes and realise that not everyone can be saved , and to take in just how short life really is . i made a promise to myself that before i die , i'll get to see what lies beyond the walls , and that's what i'll do ." he added .

        another silence fell upon the two as everyone else rushed around , small murmurs and clanking noises being heard .

a faint hum emitted from the brunette , her hand wrapping around his palm as she pulled him up . "i made a promise to my mother five years ago that i would rescue my brother from his reckless ways , yet , i failed . i failed the both of them . your reassurance means nothing to me , armin ." she rebuked , her voice cold and distant as she began backing away .

        she grabbed her — still intact — blades from the table beside them , walking towards the exit .

"dreamer's honour ." he mumbled . she turned around at his words , "what ?" she questioned .

        "promise me that you won't let what happened to klaus and eren happen to anyone else . you might have failed your mother , but you haven't failed me yet ." armin stared at her , his deep , ocean blue eyes piercing through her soul .

       "i don't know , armin —" he cut her off , "please , maeve . don't turn your back on me ." the boy pleaded .

she sighed , her index finger picking at her thumb as she thought about his words . "well . . since you asked so nicely ." she smirked , hearing him chuckle , "asked ? you had me begging ." he grinned . she giggled , glancing at her feet . "dreamer's honour ." maeve reassured .

the pair walked outside , standing beside bertholdt and reiner . maeve nudged the blonde , motioning towards the rooftop , "is that mikasa ?" she questioned .

        armin observed the figure before coming to a conclusion , "i was wondering where she went ." he muttered , his maneuver gear enabling . he lunged through the air , his feet landing on the tiles of the roof as maeve followed after him .

"mikasa , we need to get out of here ." he spoke , his hand resting on her shoulder . "that titan . ." she mumbled , staring at the formidable stature .

        maeve caught onto her stares , her gaze trailing in front of them . the same abnormal titan from earlier had crashed into one of the buildings , being eaten alive by other titans as steam emitted from its body .

        "cannibalism ? . ." armin commented , "i don't understand , can't it regenerate ?" maeve hummed , jolting at the sound of another bellow ringing through the air .

the titan slowly shuffled around , its body limp , the exhaustion taking over . "i thought that if we could solve the mystery of that titan , it may give us a way to overcome our bleak predicament . ." mikasa shared , "that's not a bad idea ." a voice chimed in .

        maeve peered over her shoulder , noticing bertholdt , reiner , annie and jean standing across from them . "if it gets eaten , we won't learn anything from it ." reiner stated , "we'll try to keep it alive by killing the ones that are eating it ."

"let's just slow down for a second . we finally have the chance to get out of here , why risk more lives trying to save some stupid titan ?" jean remarked .

        "i don't believe it's stupid . in fact , it's ten times smarter than any titan i've seen . i mean , it takes fighting stances . . what other titan have you seen that can do that ? it certainly has a mind of its own ." maeve added , "besides , there's a chance it could even prove useful to humanity . it would make a far more effective weapon rather than a cannon ."

"we just have to assume it's another aberrant ." jean replied . armin let out a gasp , "that titan . . it's the same one that killed thomas !" he exclaimed . maeve's gaze caught sight of it , her face scrunching up in disgust .

        it was eerily lanky , basically skin and bones is how she would describe it . the abnormal titan used the rest of its force to push itself up , another titan still clinging to its arm as the other one was already torn off .

it charged towards the titan armin was speaking about just before , a murderous glint darkening its forest green eyes .

        its other arm fell during the process , its jaws opening as it grew closer towards its opposition . the abnormal titan sank its teeth in the nape of the other titan , biting down harshly as it raised it high in the air .

it looked to its side , slamming the titan against the ground before lifting it up again . another titan approached them , moving at a leisurely pace .

        the abnormal one swung the other titan around in its jaws , releasing its grip around it as it flew at the oncoming titan , sending them both crashing into a building , kicking up rubble as it demolished more housing .

the abnormal titan let out a thunderous roar , hot steam producing from sites where its limbs are absent . "let's just go . . it doesn't need our help ." jean commented .

the titan collapsed to its knees , hitting the ground and sending an ungodly quiver into the earth's core . "i guess it finally exhausted itself . . wrap it up , we're getting out of here ." jean said , his voice commanding .

        everyone chose to ignore his utterances , staring at the decaying corpse . "maeve , get them to snap out of it , will you ?" he asked , groaning at no reply . he walked up to them , peering over her shoulder , "what is it ?"

a strong gust of steam blew from the titan's nape , rendering the body nearly invisible from all the mist . she narrowed her eyes , scanning the corpse herself .

        she couldn't see anything , but mikasa did . in an instant , she leapt off the roof , her maneuver gear enabling as she swung down the building , rushing over to the stature . she climbed the body , disappearing amidst the fog .

"shit , where'd she go ?!" jean muttered frantically , his eyes searching through the steam . maeve's breath caught in her throat , her heart pounding .

       the whirring sound of maneuver gear filled the air , the breeze gently blowing against her face as she gravitated downwards .

        she listened to armin's calls , choosing to ignore them on her own grounds . her boots slammed against the concrete as she found her footing again , running across the street .

she stopped , her eyes swelling . mikasa held eren in her arms , keeping him close to her . the girl sobbed , tears streaming down her face . she snivelled , burying her face into the crevices of his neck .

        maeve rested a hand on the girl's shoulder , kneeling beside her . her mouth fell agape , studying his lively , yet unconscious expression . he was out cold .

her lip pouted as she peered over her shoulder , noticing armin's face twist into one full of tenderness and shock . he glanced at her as he stopped at their feet , dropping to his knees . he looked to eren , his breathing becoming shaky .

        maeve sniffled , her vision growing blurry as a tear fell down her cheek . she touched her brother's hand , her heart aching at the feeling of it . her fingers slithered around his palm , gently holding it .

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        "i'll kill them all ." her brother grinned , his eyes dull . she stared at him , her mouth agape . "eren ? . ." armin mumbled , mirroring the girl's shock .

        mikasa stood in front of the three , her blades clutched in her hands . armin and maeve kneeled beside him , both of his arms draped over their shoulders .

        eren's gaze lifted , his eyes widening at the scene . he let out a gasp , scanning his surroundings . maeve gripped his shirt collar , making him face her . "tell them everything you know ! spare no details !" she quietly exclaimed , her voice trembling . "please , eren ! i'm sure they'll understand ! they have to !" armin chimed in .

        "did you hear that ? he said he'll kill us all ." a soldier commented . "yeah , i heard him alright ." another responded , "he's going to devour us , like the monster he is ." eren continued to look around , a puzzled look on his face .

       the garrison soldiers surrounded them , their blades pointed in their direction as a captain stood before them , his glare shooting daggers from afar .

        "trainees eren and maeve jaeger , as well as trainees ackerman and arlert , what you're doing right now is an act of treason ! we may decide to kill you on the spot !" the garrison leader announced , shouting across the square .

        eren cocked his eyebrow , a shaky breath leaving his lips . "if you attempt to lie and deny the accusations you're facing , or even move in the slightest , we will fire a projectile at you immediately ! we will not hesitate !" he shared .

        "answer me at once ! are you a man ? or are you a titan ?" the captain interrogated . maeve watched as the faces of the other garrison soldiers began to twist and contort at the sight of her brother , some brimming with disgust and disdain , others stricken with distress .

        "i — i don't understand the question !" eren responded . the garrison captain kissed his teeth , "monster ! try that again , and i'll blow you to pieces ! it takes only a matter of seconds , you won't even have time to take your true form !" he huffed .

        "true form ? . ." eren muttered , "your comrades witnessed it ! they all saw as you emerged from within a titan ! humanity has permitted an unknown creature like you to infiltrate wall rose ! even if you are trainees given to us by the king , the safest course is to eliminate the risk effectively ! right now , the armoured titan could strike wall rose at any minute , humanity will be annihilated ! i won't waste more time or troops on you , so answer my question !" the leader rebuked .

        maeve felt the pit form in her stomach again , her body turning to her brother . she rested her hands on his shoulder , shaking him back and forth .

         "your words are what matters in this situation , not ours ! one single slip up , and we're all dead . you got that ?!" she scolded his silence , her voice filled with urgency .

         "now's our chance , captain ! if we dismember him while he plays human —" one of the soldier's words were cut off as mikasa approached them , her gaze becoming increasingly intense , "my specialty is tearing through flesh . if necessary , i am willing to demonstrate at any time . if any of you would like to experience it firsthand , i invite them to be the first to advance ." she intimidated .

       "mikasa ! you can't fight another human ! where would we run ?!" armin commented , his voice trembling . "what the hell is happening ?!" eren panicked , staring at mikasa's tense stature .

        "three hours ago , armin informed me of your death . approximately one hour ago , a titan appeared . this one seemed . . unusually abnormal . . to say the least ." maeve exhaled , her brother's attention focused on her , "you emerged from the nape of that creature , eren ." she whispered , her eyes broad .

        his mouth fell agape , his gaze travelling down his body . his shirt was torn and ripped just as it reached his forearm , his fists clenching . his head spun to the side with ease and urgency , staring at his sister .

        "i'm not a titan ." he mumbled , "that's not what they think . they believe you were there that day when wall maria fell — they say you had something to do with it ." she explained .

        "i'll ask the two of you , now . ." the captain's words made maeve's ear twitch , her head slowly turning . "eren jaeger , and maeve jaeger . ." he began , "what are you two ?!"

         her heart stopped . "you both are siblings , are you not ?" the grey-haired lady next to him commented , "how can we be sure that she's not one as well ?" she hummed .

         maeve sat on her knees , trying to process the subtle accusation . armin peered over his shoulder , his face in distraught as he waited for the pair's reply , mikasa doing the same .

        "i'm . ." maeve murmured , the words being caught in her throat , becoming nervous at the glares she was receiving .

        "answer my question , maggots —" the captain's sentence was short-lived as eren intervened , "we're humans !" he screamed , his bellow echoing throughout the square .

        she let out a hasty exhale , noticing the captain's arm begin to raise , stopping high in the air . armin gasped , beginning to tremble . panic surged through her body , her heart pounding against her chest .

       "mikasa !" maeve blurted , watching as the ravenette spun around , dropping her blades . mikasa grabbed ahold of eren , throwing him over her shoulders , "armin , maeve , we're going up !" she announced . eren grunted as he slammed against the girl's body , "stop !" he shouted .

        maeve peered behind her , inches away from her brother's face , her gaze catching something that swayed between them . her eyes found a necklace that was hung around his nape , a very distinctive key attached to it . everything slowed down in that moment , her eyebrows furrowing in realisation . their eyes locked , staring into one another .

eren's lips slowly parted , his face scrunching up in awareness . he flinched , holding his head in pain as mikasa carried him away . the captain's arm fell down , a firm response releasing from his command as the roar of a cannon filled the air .

he eventually pushed himself out of her grasp , his feet hitting the ground as he raced towards maeve and armin , mikasa chasing after him .

        he grabbed the blonde by his jacket , his arms interlocked with mikasa's as the ravenette pulled maeve to her feet , her palm closing tightly around the girl's arm . her brother bit down harshly on his hand , sending a bolt of electricity through the air .

muscles extending , bones cracking and forming around them as the shell met it's body , sounding a loud and deafening explosion throughout the vicinity .

        maeve creeped her eyes open , her breath catching in her throat as as she recognised her new surroundings . she was hidden amidst a formidably sized rib cage , from the looks of it . steam was emitting from whatever she was under , barely able to see three-metres in front of her .

        she looked up , noticing the stature built above her and how its bones were quick to wither and decay . she let out a sigh of relief , running her fingers through her mid-length hair . maeve wriggled around , kneeling next to mikasa and armin .

        "i remember . . hearing the cannon fire . . and then there was a horrible sound , a shock wave , and heat . . are we inside a huge skeleton —" the blonde's words were interrupted , "eren protected us . that's all we need to know for now ." mikasa conveyed .

        she turned to maeve , "are you alright ? you're not hurt , are you ?" mikasa inquired . "i'm fine ." maeve breathed , jolting at the sound of footsteps .

        she drew her blade out from her side instinctively , raising it in the air as she stumbled to her feet . the brunette peeked around the cascade of bones , their faces softening at the sight of him .

        "are you guys okay ?!" he huffed , "eren !" armin exhaled , "what is all this ?!" he questioned . eren shook his head , "i have no idea . . but this thing will soon dissipate like any other titan corpse , so let's get away from it ." he suggested .

        eren stepped through the fog , his gaze staying on the current opposing soldiers . "are they in shock , or just waiting to see what we'll do ? come to think of it , the garrison isn't even doing anything , but . . they'll attack again before long ." he muttered to himself .

the three of them walked out from under the corpse , joining his side . eren looked to the skeleton , letting out a sigh . "shit . after showing them this , i doubt we'll be able to talk our way out ." he mumbled .

        his eyes widened , grabbing the necklace he was wearing and staring at it . the key glimmered against the sunlight , curiosity and mysteriousness emitting from it . "that key . ." she whispered , attracting the attention of her brother .

"you remember it too , right ?!" he furrowed his eyebrows in anticipation of her response , his face relaxing in appreciation of her awareness and recognition as she nodded her head . his grip released on the key , his hands resting on his sister's shoulders as he met eye level with her .

        "listen to me — dad said that if i go to the basement of our house , i'll learn everything there is to know ." he explained , "what's there to know about ? . ." maeve inquired , "titans . what they are , and why they're here ." eren replied .

"what ? why would he hide it ?" she spoke . he kissed his teeth at her comment , "thousands of soldiers from the survey corps died searching for an answer to humanity's freedom , yet he kept it all to himself ." eren grumbled , "what the hell was that bastard thinking ? . ." he spat .

        his grasp on his sister's shoulders grew increasingly stronger , digging his fingers into her arms . "where has he even been for the past five years , anyway ? not a single letter received from him . . has he even bothered to search for his daughter and son ?" he chided .

"eren ." mikasa grabbed his wrist , releasing his grip on maeve . his arms retracted , noticing her wince in pain . "forgive me . ." he shamefully muttered . "we have more priorities right now ." mikasa stated , motioning towards the other soldiers . "yeah ." eren replied .

the skull of the skeleton cracked , falling from its spine and crashing against the flooring , sending a quiver through the ground .

        the group stayed clear from the bone matter , the steam and dirt particles hiding them from the garrison as they spoke somewhere secluded . "i'm getting out of here ." eren concluded , "not without me , you're not ." maeve added . "do you have to make everything so hard ?" he scolded , "i must have learnt at your feet ." she retorted .

        eren scoffed at her words . "where will you go ?" armin inquired , "for now , i don't care where . but , once i'm in the clear , it'll be over the walls , to the basement . . as soon as i become a titan again ." he told .

        "you can do that ?" the blonde questioned , "i don't know how to do it myself . . it's sort of similar to the way you can't explain how you move your own arm , you just do it on instinct . back then , my only thought was stopping that shell , so that body had no other function and rotted away after serving its initial purpose ." eren explained .

        "i'm flattered that you went through all of that trouble to save us ." maeve bantered , snickering as his eyes rolled in their sockets .

        he stared at his palm , his fists clenching as he let out a few exasperated mutters . blood seeped onto his upper lip , alerting him of a nose bleed .

        he wiped his face , gazing at the red liquid that clung to his fingers . "your body is in bad shape . ." armin commented , "how i feel doesn't matter ." eren rebuked .

        "i've come up with two solutions . if you don't try to protect me , they won't kill you three . i've made up my mind . . i'm leaving here , alone ." he stated . "i've made up my mind as well , and you're not leaving without me ." maeve declared .

        "don't fight me on this anymore . just stay here with armin and mikasa , you hear me ?" eren huffed , "i have just as much entitlement to that basement as you do . don't forget , dad said he'd show us both what he and uncle christoph were working on down there ." maeve conversed .

        she noticed the sweat forming on his face , exhaustion etched into his features . he glared at her , his gaze softening as he recognised her unyielding expression . armin's eyes bounced between the two , eventually settling on maeve .

        "now just hold on , will you ? i said i've come up with two solutions ." eren sighed , turning to the blonde , "armin , i'll let you decide ." he motioned .

        armin gave him a puzzled look . "i know what i've just said isn't that realistic . . the smartest thing to do would be to stay with the troops and use this ability strategically , but i don't believe the garrison would hear me out on anything i had to say . if you can convince them that i'm not a threat , i will trust your judgement and follow your lead ." eren added , "that's my second option ."

        maeve peered over her shoulder , noticing his stares . he glanced at eren , a shaky breath escaping his lips . "why would you entrust me with this choice ? . ." he asked , "whenever shit hits the fan , you somehow always know the right thing to do ." eren replied , a soft and reassuring grin casted on his face .

        her ear twitched at the sound of mechanical whirring , then a clank . "captain wellman , we're ready to fire the next round at your command !" she heard a voice call out . the mist began to clear , and she spotted a cannon aimed in their direction .

        a gasp slipped out from between her lips , grabbing armin's shoulders . "we have at least fifteen seconds left before that thing shoots at us again , so you're going to have to come to a conclusion ." she commented .

        his eyes widened , his gaze scanning her features . armin's eyebrows furrowed in awareness and determination , beginning to stand up . maeve let go of him , watching as he glanced at the three of them .

        "i'll persuade them ." he concurred , turning around and walking through the fog . he detached his maneuver gear from his side , the sounds of the metal parts smashing against the ground echoing throughout the square .

       maeve's eyes narrowed as she tried to see past the cloud of dirt particles that were floating around them , her vision readjusting as the area cleared up . rifles were pointed at them .

        "now you've done it !" the captain yelled , "i'll do it , arlert ! i'll give the order !" he threatened .

        armin raised his hands in the air , showing he has nothing in them . "maeve and eren jaeger are not enemies of humanity , and we're prepared to share all the information we have gathered !" he exclaimed , his body trembling slightly .

  "i'm not interested in hearing you plead for your lives ! how can i believe you , when the boy's already shown us all what he really is ?! if you say he's not an enemy , then prove it ! if you fail , i'll be forced to exterminate the threat !" captain wellman huffed .

        "there's no need for proof ! the question isn't what we think of him . ." armin began , turning his attention to the surrounding garrison soldiers , "i'm told that many of you saw him , which means you witnessed him fighting the titans ! you saw the titans swarm him , you saw the titans eat him ! that means the titans considered him food , the same way they think of us !" he shouted through breaths , "that is the truth , no matter what we may think or believe !"

        maeve looked around , watching as the soldier's faces twisted in realisation and withdraw their confidence upon holding a blade towards the group . they whispered among each other at his words , their mutters reaching the captain's ears , "silence !" he commanded . "prepare to attack ! don't be fooled by their clever lies !" wellman responded .

        her heart thumped at his words , observing as he faced armin again , occasionally glancing to his subordinates . "the titan's actions have always been beyond our understanding ! it's possible they could pretend to be human , speak human languages to trick and deceive us ! we can't let them get away with anything else !" he conveyed , the soldier's weapons being raised again , the same disdainful look returning to their faces .

        armin peered over his shoulder , his eyes catching sight of maeve . his face softened at the fear that was brewing on her face , her hand that was reached out for him . he let out a hasty exhale , a fist raising to his heart as he turned around again , facing wellman .

        "i am a soldier ! i swore long ago to dedicate my life to the revival of humanity ! if that pursuit were to cost me my soul , i would be glad !" he cried .

        "if we use his titan powers and the forces we still have , we could take back this town !" armin's shrieks left a look of distraught and shock upon wellman's subordinates .

        "with my final breath upon my demise , i shall wish for humanity's glory and try to persuade you of his strategic value !" the boy concluded , breathing heavily .

        there was silence for a moment as armin's screams echoed throughout the city , the solider next to wellman reaching out to his superior , "captain wellman , i believe we should consider —" his sentence was cut off , "shut up !" the leader bellowed . he turned to armin again , his hand beginning to twitch , slowly rising .

        maeve leapt from the ground , the weight of her maneuver gear feeling heavy as she sprinted across the square . "maeve !" her brother called out , being held back by mikasa as she reached for her blades again .

        the girl came to a grinding halt against the concrete , her hand across armin's chest as she screamed out across the vicinity , "if you raise that arm any further , captain , i will come back and haunt all of you myself !" she shouted , noticing his arm stop high in the air .

        "maeve , what are you doing ?!" armin tugged at her jacket sleeve . "are you threatening me , jaeger ?!" wellman scoffed , disbelief striking his tone , "that wasn't a threat , sir . that was a promise ." she growled . "maeve ! . ." armin whispered .

        the captain glared at her , "so be it , then ." he responded coldly . just as he was about to bring it down , his arm was caught by someone else behind him . "enough . . as big as you are , you've always been as delicate as a newborn fawn ." the other man said .

        wellman peered over his shoulder , shock overruling his features , "commander pyxis !" he muttered . the commander took a few steps forwards , examining armin and maeve .

        "did you not see the boy's splendid salute , or the girl's striking ferocity ? even with her last moment's of life being threatened , she continued being a fighter . that's what humanity needs , don't you think ? a fighter ." he commented .

        pyxis stood in place , glancing at the other garrison leader , "i've just arrived , but messengers have kept me abreast of the situation ." he explained , "you go command the reinforcements , i think we should listen to the kids . ."

        armin dropped to his knees , a smile forming on his face . maeve let out a sigh of relief , her hands trembling . she could hear her heart pounding against her chest , her legs feeling wobbly as she swallowed her saliva , glancing at her brother and mikasa from afar . they seemed just as grateful for the commander's appearance as she was .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

        the wind blew through her loose hair as they observed the commander's firm stature , looking out over the wall . "i see ." he replied , "and if we reach this basement , we'll understand everything ?" pyxis inquired .

        "yes , sir . . please say you believe us ." eren answered . he took a deep breath before speaking , "as long as you two lack absolute conviction , i can't promise more than that i'll keep it in mind ." the commander chuckled softly .

        he turned around , approaching the four of them . "but i do take pride in being able to recognise the truth of what i see . i'll guarantee your safety ." his words eased their nerves , their faces relaxing .

        pyxis let out an amused hum at their expressions , "trainee arlert , was it ?" he questioned , "yes , sir !" armin responded .

        "back there , you said we could use the titan's power to reclaim this city . did you really think so ? or was it just a plea to save your life ?" the commander interrogated .

"it was both ." armin replied , "what i planned out in my head was that eren could become a titan , then move that boulder to seal the demolished gate . but , it was just an idea . although , it's possible i could get them to at least consider using eren's power to find a way out of our predicament ."

his eyes lingered on the blonde for a moment before he spun around again , looking out over the city . maeve hesitated , her voice being heard , "but . . of course , commander — we really did want to survive ." she added .

"you wanted to survive . . i can trust those words more than any others ." he chuckled , pulling something out from his jacket . it was a flask .

his light laughs were muffled as it pressed against his lips , taking a sip out of it . he turned around again , screwing the cap back on and sliding it in his coat pocket again as he kneeled in front of eren .

     "well ? think you can do it ?" he inquired . eren gave him a puzzled look , "do what , sir ?" the boy asked . "seal that hole ." the commander answered , his voice sounding insistent .

"well , i'm not really sure . . i don't know much more than everyone else here does . so , whether i can do it or not , i can't answer you for sure when i don't know ." eren stated . "i'm sorry , i must have asked the wrong question — will you do it ? or won't you ?" pyxis huffed .

the boy's eyes widened , readjusting as a flicker of determination ignited across his face . he peered behind him , staring at the life that lived on the other side of the wall . eren glanced at maeve , noticing the slight smile distinguishing her tense features .

he let out a soft exhale , turning to the commander . "i'll do it . . i don't know whether i can seal the hole , but i'll do it !" eren concurred .

ֶָ֢⭑ᥫ᭡ Melanie Speaks !! 𖠵 ⋄ 𓍯

okay so it's been a week later and somehow army dreamers reached another hundred views . . thank you lot so so much for 400 reads !! this was an incredibly long chapter and my fingers hurt from typing :( word count is 8.4k !!

another special dt to strvkovz  !!