୧ ׅ𖥔 ۫ CHAPTER VI . trost ⋄ 𓍯
🐚 #'             m . jaeger

HER BODY SWUNG OVER THE TOP OF THE WALL , her eyes instantly searching for her older brother . "eren !" she shouted , her breath catching in her throat as she spotted him with connie and thomas , blades clutched tightly in hands .

maeve marched over to him , his voice being interrupted as she threw a punch at his arm , grabbing ahold of his shoulders and shaking him . "what the hell were you thinking , you maniac ?!" she scolded , her words slithering out from in between her gritted teeth .

eren's face was in disappointment and annoyance , "i let it get away . ." he mumbled , his voice in an exasperated tone .

"hey ! there's no time for discussion ! the wall's been breached . if we don't get our asses moving soon and block that hole up , we'll have another massacre on our hands !" connie motioned towards the demolished gates . the sound of maneuver gear stung the air , their bodies turning .

the four of them raised a fist to their heart , standing straight and formally as they greeted one of the higher positioned officers , a soldier of the garrison .

"what are you doing ?!" he spoke , his feet landing in front of them , "the contingency plan for the colossal titan has already begun , get to headquarters . anyone who made contact with it , don't forget to report !" he commanded .

more garrison soldiers rushed past them , leaping off the other edge of the wall as they investigated the area .

it was chaos down below , the evacuation bells echoing throughout the city as citizens screamed and let out cries for help , some even praying .

the advance team set up a large mesh to block the hole off , followed by more traps and defence mechanisms . the roaring of the cannons bellowed as they shot free , piercing the flesh of a few oncoming five to ten meter class titans .

the graduates of the 104th trainee corps were located at headquarters , a ruckus breaking out as everyone rushed around to prepare their gear for battle . maeve fiddled with her gas tank , triple checking its contents to make sure it's full .

a clanking noise came from behind her , which made her peer over her shoulder . armin was trembling over their situation , his hands barely being able to keep still as he tried filling up his gas canister .

"are you okay , armin ?" eren inquired , noticing his struggles with a hint of urgency in his voice . mikasa stood next to maeve , staring at them . "i'm — i'm fine . ." armin replied , letting out a shaky breath .

"we're in bad shape , aren't we ? i mean , it's not like we have the equipment to quickly patch an eight-meter hole . . we never even managed to dig up that big rock near the front gate !" he exhaled , his hands quivering .

"since we can't seal the hole , we'll have to abandon the town . it's only a matter of time before they breach wall rose ! they can wipe out humanity whenever they want , anyway !" he panicked , the thoughts that raced through his head disappeared as he turned , feeling someone grab his arm .

he had been so indulged in his own mind that he never noticed maeve kneeling beside him . her grasp on his arm was firm , but gentle , guiding his hands and helping him fill the canister .

"these things haven't seen us , yet . they don't know what we can do ." she muttered , her voice soft , yet full of nerves . "calm down , armin . fear is what gets us killed ." maeve reassured , his face relaxing . he became quiet , letting out a small sigh . "forgive me ." he mumbled .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

        "follow your training ! stick to your assigned groups ! under the garrison's orders , you will resupply combatants , relay orders , and kill any titans that you see , on sight ! garrison intercept forces will form the vanguard ! trainees , led by the supply team , will compromise the middle guard ! the garrison's elite forces will form the rearguard ." captain wellman informed . "messengers report that the advance team has been neutralised ."

        a loud gasp was heard amongst the trainee's and other soldiers at his words . "the outer gate has been compromised , and titans have entered the city . in other words , the armoured titan may appear at any time to destroy the inner gate !" he shouted , a look of despair on the two soldier's faces next to him .

everyone's mouths fell agape , looking around as they whispered to each other . "silence !" he screamed , his tone commanding and urgent .

        "as we speak , the vanguard is fighting them off . we have but one objective in this battle : to defend wall rose with our lives until the evacuation is complete ! as you are all surely aware , desertion in the face of the enemy is punishable by death ! mark this well and fight to your last dying breath ! dismissed !" the captain shared , an instant fleeing of the gathered soldiers as they raced around the place , finding their positions and groups .

        maeve searched frantically , her heart pounding against her chest . why was she doing this ? what made her decide to enlist ? no one forced her to .

she assumed it was the guilt of backing down on her mother's wish that motivated her , or perhaps it was her devotion to her brother's cause ; to seek revenge .

        she slammed into someone , looking up . he groaned , his face scrunching at the sight of her . "i've already bumped into one jaeger , another just seems like bad karma ." jean grumbled , shoving maeve out of his way . she already felt bad enough , but his comment sent her over the edge .

maeve found two figures in her peripheral vision , familiarising herself with them . she advanced towards them , watching her brother pull away from mikasa's grip , beginning to walk in the direction of his sister .

        they stopped in place , staring at each other . maeve let out a quiver , her gaze moving to her shoes . "i heard they assigned you to team thirty-two ." eren spoke .

she nodded along , "team thirty-four should be thanking the gods that they have someone like you with them ." maeve responded .

eren studied her hopeless expression , a frown forming on his face . her head raised , noticing his overwhelming stares . his hands rested on her shoulders , holding her firmly .

        "maeve . . whatever you do , don't go off on your own . you stick with your group . stay close , and don't drift . don't be a hero . and please , for the love of god , use those skills you always show off with during training . think with your head first ." he conveyed , his voice trembling .

she looked to the side , her features relaxing before she faced her brother again . "perhaps it's better to tell yourself this , you maniac ." she slightly smiled , adjusting her grin at the sight of the seriousness on his face .

        he pulled her towards him , his arms wrapping around her tightly . she jolted from his embrace , hugging him back . "you know i'll be fine ." maeve reassured her brother . "just don't get yourself killed ." he muttered , "you too ." she replied .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

"team thirty-two , support the rearguard !" a soldier commanded , his maneuver gear stinging the air as he took off . maeve looked out over the rooftop , her sight catching a dozen titans or more roaming throughout the city .

she watched other groups fly past , small gusts of winds blowing through her hair from the force of the gear pelting them through the atmosphere . "we'll start off with a small group . everyone needs to stay close . we can't have any casualties on our hands , i won't let us ." connie mentioned .

she was surprised at how serious he became over the past few hours , a side she never saw from the boy . the guy beside maeve had broadened eyes as he stared at the ground , his breathing heavy . ymir nudged him , seeming irritated .

"knock it off , jackson , before i leave you behind ." she grumbled , her voice a teasing tone . the dirty-blonde's gaze travelled , now on ymir . "i'm not meant to be here ." he muttered , a tremble in his words .

"is anyone really meant to be here ?" maeve responded , attracting the attention of the distraught soldier and her comrades .

"we made a pledge to serve humanity until our last breath , and that's what we'll do . fear is what gets us killed , klaus . so shake it off before i knock some sense into you ." she rebuked . "leave him alone , you two ." christa , another small blonde , spoke up .

"what the hell are we even doing ? shouldn't we be getting out there ?" ymir commented , "we're observing our surroundings , keeping an eye out . these aren't like the dummies we used during training drills , you know that ?" christa replied .

ymir chuckled lightly under her breath , "still know how to keep the mood , don't you ? not to worry , i'll protect you , christa ."

the blonde rolled her eyes , "i don't need protecting . i'm quite capable myself , actually ." she retorted , slightly annoyed . "will you all just shut up !" connie shouted , making everyone jolt . a silence fell upon the group , klaus's saddened whimpers growing louder .

ymir let out an agitated sigh , turning to him , "will you be quiet —" her sentence was interrupted as he reached out to grab her by the coat , shrieking utterances no one could hear over his cries .

"me ?! be quiet ?! my friends . . they're out there . . their bodies being devoured as i just sit here , cowardly , waiting as a pool of dismay surges inside of me !" he screamed . ymir tugged at his jacket sleeve , taken back from his outburst .

"i can feel it . . i can feel the guilt clawing at me ! i can't take this shit anymore !" he cried . maeve put her hand on his shoulder , his grip releasing on ymir and turning on maeve instead .

"just leave me here ! leave me to rot , leave me to decay ! maybe then you'll have the decency to spread dignity on my name , instead of shaming me for fearing for my life !" he spat , his face inches away from maeve's .

her gaze trailed from his grip on her shirt collar , meeting his eyes . her teeth grit , bringing her fist down against his face . christa gasped , their mouths drawn agape . except for ymir , who was watching attentively .

klaus felt his cheek , becoming silent . maeve kneeled beside him , crouching . "your guilt will not purify you , but it will make you stronger , instead . your anger will not reason your behaviour , but it will make you fiercer , instead . we , as soldiers of humanity , must learn to put our heavy hearts of grief and sorrow towards our dedication to the sanctity of the lands . your hard work will never go to waste unless you sacrifice yourself to the beasts that ravage our home . so , why should you give into their hunger ? a true soldier , one that strives to make a better society , would fight till the very end . not wait around for it ." she breathed .

he scanned her firm features , which were fixated on him . she stood up , looking down at him . "which soldier will you be ?" she asked , her brows furrowing in anticipation , her amber eyes narrowing . klaus exhaled , studying his fellow comrade's faces around him .

the silence grew , his face scrunching up as he thought about his choices . he stared down at his palms , watching as they curled into a ball . connie's voice shook , "hey . . let's just calm down now , alright ?" the boy spoke .

a small hum emitted from maeve , her head nodding at his silence . "let it be , then ." she uttered , "i won't sacrifice the rest of my group for one timorous , fearful soldier . i have no more time to waste ." maeve huffed .

she turned to connie , "we search for a small group first , correct ? then let's do that instead of hanging around here any longer ." the boy's lips pursed timidly , his gaze moving behind her , catching sight of a six-meter class titan .

maeve peered over her shoulder , her blades drawing . fright struck klaus's features as he took note of it , letting out a few shaky breaths . "this is your last chance , jackson . will you be known as the coward , or the hero ?" she questioned , her back turned on him .

"maeve , slow down ! we can't just leave him !" christa protested , "i've given him enough options and chances ," maeve responded , "it's time for him to decide ."

she stepped forward , stopping at the sound of frantic shouts . "no , god ! please don't leave !" he shrieked , rising from the ground in a hurry . ymir and christa stared at him , eyes broad . maeve looked down , turning to face him .

"just . . please don't leave me behind with that ." klaus pleaded , motioning towards the titan . maeve was quiet for a moment , resting another hand on his shoulder . "you made a good choice , cadet ." she reassured .

connie picked up his fallen jaw , swallowing his spit . "well . . that's one problem solved . but , how about biggie over there ?" he motioned , watching as it grew closer . "we do what we've been ordered to do . we exterminate it ." christa answered , drawing her blades as ymir followed after .

"i'll take out it's achilles , any of you can go for the kill ." maeve commented , clutching her swords . "yeah , and it'll be me that slays the bastard ." connie smirked , pulling his blades from his sides .

"in your dreams , springer ." ymir nudged him . maeve leapt off the roof , her maneuver gear enabling and sending its grapples swaying past the titan's feet , clinging onto a wall behind it . she lunged through the air , her blades prepared for combat .

the swords sliced through the titan's upper heel tendons , making it collapse to the ground , falling to its knees . the grapples detached , launching her in the atmosphere as she searched for her comrades , "now's the time !" she shouted .

christa was the first to leap off the rooftop , driving her blades deep in the titan's nape , pulling them out as she landed on the other roof , taking a few tumbles .

maeve landed next to her , her head thrown back , breathing heavily . that took a lot out of her , both courage and strength . connie cheered loudly across from them , throwing his hands up .

˙ . ꒷ 🕊️ . 𖦹˙—

they were quick to look around for more , still supporting the rearguard as they followed through with their previous tactic , over and over .

"that's yours , maeve !" ymir called out , landing on the corpse of a titan she had killed . another appeared , this one standing at least eight meters tall .

it's body collapsed from the immense pressure her blades had against the back of its neck , a few blood specs splattering against maeve's face , immediately evaporating into steam .

her maneuver gear enabled , the sound of it stinging the air as she flew by , landing next to ymir . she huffed , earning a proud slap on the back from her comrade .

"atta girl !" ymir grinned , chuckling as maeve let out a few tired breaths . "there's still no words from the vanguard that we should know about ? . ." maeve exhaled , "not that i know of ." ymir shrugged .

maeve's ear twitched , looking above . connie and christa were with klaus , waving at them frantically from the rooftops . ymir and maeve enabled their maneuver gear , their feet landing besides their squad members .

"another group was spotted further out on the rear ." christa informed them , "a big group this time ." klaus added . he seemed to have brightened up ever since maeve's speech , almost like he was inspired .

        "let's get on it then ." ymir miffed , her voice full of exhaustion . the group leapt off the rooftop , lunging across the city with the help of their maneuver gear . maeve felt the breeze blowing through her hair , the wind brushing against her face .

she soared through the sky , her grapples retracting and reattaching to buildings as she flew . she kept her eyes wide open , searching for any opposing threats . she clutched her blades tighter , staying close to her comrades .

        that was when her peripheral vision caught something . a someone , rather . a gasp fell from her mouth , her lips agape . for the first time ever , maeve forgot about everything . she forgot about her morbid situation , she forgot about the titans , she forgot she was a solider of humanity .

her heart pounded , changing her path and moving in the same direction of the small blonde boy that was sat on a rooftop , alone .

       connie peered over his shoulder , his eyes widening . "maeve !" he called out , attracting his other comrade's attention .

"where are you going ?!" ymir shouted , her grapples retracting back and sending her in the direction of the cadet , chasing after her . the other three followed behind .

        maeve landed , putting her swords away as she ran up to him , crouching beside the boy . she put her hands on his shoulder , shaking him aggressively . "armin !" she yelled , her face twisting at the sound of no reply .

the blonde continued to stare at his hands , his features struck with guilt and despair . maeve scanned her surroundings , searching high and low .

she panted , the sound of her heart beating against her chest being the only thing she could possibly hear over her own thoughts . "eren !" she shouted .

        her squad members approached them , slowing down as they glanced at armin . connie kneeled next to them , staring at the dazed boy as maeve continued to look for the rest of team thirty-four .

"come on , armin ! wake up ! talk to us !" connie shook him , "armin !" he screamed . the blonde gazed up at him , puzzled . "are you okay ? are you hurt ?" connie breathed a sigh of relief as armin shook his head at his last question .

  "what about your team ? where are they ?" his hand pulled away from the boy's shoulder , looking at the strange mush in his palm . "jesus . . what's this weird slimy shit ?" he muttered .

        "what happened here ?" connie inquired . armin let out a shaky breath , a shriek being heard from him as he violently grabbed at his head , one hand holding it as the other beat at his skull .

"you . . useless idiot !" he cried , his screams becoming more inaudible as the tears streamed down his cheeks . connie stood back , watching him , motioning for maeve to come back over . "h — hey ! armin ! calm down ! get ahold of yourself !" he rebuked .

        maeve rushed to his side again , gently guiding connie out the way as she kneeled in front of the boy . "armin ! just breathe !" she comforted , "where are the others ?" her words cut like knives in his soul as his gaze slowly moved from the ground , glaring at her . his eyes were broadened , his brows furrowed in dishonour .

        she broke off the strained eye contact , looking around again . the sky was overcast , dark clouds lurking over them as more smoke signals from around the city went off .

maeve turned her head at the sound of an utterance , "leave it be , maeve . you don't want to hear what comes next ." klaus spoke .

her lips parted , glancing at armin once again . his face was scrunched up as he tried holding back more tears , small whimpers emitting from him instead .

        her heart dropped , a pit forming in her stomach . "i'm sorry . ." he whispered , "it was because of me ." armin continued to mumble . he looked up from the ground again , noticing her changed expression , one of realisation and sorrow .

his stare became timid , finding comfort in the sight of the ground rather than her tearful gaze . he snivelled , wiping his face . "i'm so sorry , maeve , i'm so incredibly sorry . . you have every right to be mad at me ." armin sobbed .

        his fists curled into a ball , "your brother is dead . . because of me ." his voice trembled , his words sounding more like a confession .

"hit me . tell me i'm weak and frail . tell me how my life is nothing compared to those that were lost , and i'll take it all ." he heaved , his throat becoming tighter as the words kept spilling out like vomit . "kill me , god . . just kill me already ." he muttered .

        "it's like you said , jaeger . i won't sacrifice the rest of our group for one timorous and fearful soldier . we're better off just leaving him ." ymir recalled , her remark ringing in maeve's ears .

  "it's a shame . . a shame that only this pathetic loser survived instead of eren and the others . it's more of a waste than the time we're losing right now ." she commented , peering over her shoulder to sneak a glance at armin .

        a low growl came from connie as he spoke up , "at this point , you're asking for it . . you want me to shut that vile mouth of yours forever , or what , bitch ?!" he spat .

christa joined in , "settle down , will you ? none of you are thinking straight ." she responded to the arguing , urgency in her tone .

ymir threw her arm around christa's shoulder , embracing her firmly . "that's christa , for you . the mediator queen ." she smiled , "after this operation ends , we should just get married !" the brunette teased , quietly snickering to herself .

        armin's nose twitched , his lips jittering as he glanced at maeve again . her gaze stayed on the ground , her fists clenched . her face was unreadable , armin had no idea what she was thinking . and if he was being honest , it scared him .

connie muttered something under his breath , his hand reaching out for armin . "tsk , we won't leave you here . you can stand , right , armin ?" he inquired .

the blonde stared at his friend's palm , his teeth gritting in self-reproach . he rose from the ground , his eyes staying on maeve . he wiped his face , approaching the ledge .

"i'll go meet up with the others on the rear . i'm sorry for causing trouble ." he softly spoke , his maneuver gear enabling , sending him flying through the streets . "armin !" connie called out , watching the distance between them furthering .

klaus rested a hand on the boys shoulder , "enough , connie . just let him go ." he said . connie exhaled , glancing at maeve . she was standing , her face in her hand as the other clung to one of her swords .

"what now ? . ." he mumbled . "we advance ." klaus responded .

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        she sat there with her thoughts , her mind flooded with anguish and turmoil . the memories that appeared felt bittersweet , her brother's voice now a distant dream .

her gas canister was basically used up , leaving her with only a little amount of fuel , and almost out of blades . her group had met with others out on the rear .

connie paced back and forth on the rooftop , his breathing heavy before he stopped . he glanced at the strawberry blonde beside him , his lips pursing . "jean , what should we do ?" he asked .

jean sat with his elbows on his knees , his face in his hands as he stared at the ground . "there's nothing we can do . . they finally issued the order to retreat . but without more gas , we can't climb the walls ." he responded , "we're all going to die . . because of those cowards ."

"the supply team ? . . what happened to them ?! were they wiped out ?!" connie probed for more answers , "they're too terrified to move . which , i can see why . . but abandoning their mission to resupply us to hide inside headquarters ? unbelievable . and sure enough , the titans have swarmed them , so we can't go get more gas ." jean shared .

"then we'll work around them ! we'll destroy the titans planted around hq ! we won't be any worse off than sitting here . ." connie concerned himself with coming up with more and more attempts to solve the situation , his voice an urgent tone .

"if we keep running , we'll just waste the gas we have . without the use of our maneuver gear , we really are done for !" he went on .

jean looked up at him , his brows furrowed in exhaustion and hopelessness .

"i'm surprised to see you using your head for once , connie . but do you seriously think we can do that , given our numbers here ? most of the veterans in the vanguard were killed , which of us trainees could lead a suicide mission like that ?" his gaze trailed to the remaining squad groups that were resting on the rooftops , crying , praying , or just sitting by themselves .

his eyes settled on connie again . "well , even if someone could , we can't fight the titans . i bet the gas supply room is chock full of three to four meter class titans . obviously , we can't refuel with them around ." jean sighed .

connie's features tensed , the sweat forming on his face becoming noticeable . "so . . we're doomed ? . ." he mumbled . jean ran his fingers through his hair , letting out another shaky breath , "what a stupid life . . if i'd known this would happen , i would've told them ."

another soldier flew in , their footsteps dashing across the tiles of the rooftop as everyone else gasped at the sight of them . "is that . . mikasa ? wasn't she with the rearguard ?" klaus spoke , his words attracting the attention of maeve .

she raised her head , her sight first catching a glimpse of armin , who was sitting alone , then trailing over and finding mikasa , talking to annie's group . mikasa rushed over to armin , kneeling in front of him .

maeve watched from a rooftop over , studying the girl's expression . it was hard to see , but she noticed the colour begin to drain from her face as armin stared at her , tears in his eyes . armin looked down at the ground , trembling .

he sat on his knees , his hands resting on his legs , which were curled into balls . "the members of trainee corps team thirty-four . . thomas wagner , nack tias , milius zermusky , mina karolina . ." he heaved , his next words being almost unbearable for him to get out .

"eren jaeger . ." armin whispered , his voice raised slightly , "these five died valiantly in the line of duty !" he cried . others began to mutter , a few murmurs among the remaining soldiers being heard at armin's words .

jean glanced at maeve , a frown forming on his face . her lips were jittering , eyes glossy as her eyebrows furrowed in anger and grief . what had she joined this shit show for ?

she lowered her head , curling into a ball as her back leaned against the wall behind her . her home was gone . jean opened his mouth to say something , pausing and turning his head again at the sound of another raised voice .

a blade was drawn , which was what attracted maeve's attention . she sniffled , looking over at the other roof again . mikasa stood at the edge of it , her sword in the air .

"i'm strong ! stronger than any of you ! i can defeat those titans myself , without the help of any of you !" she shouted .

"you are not only weak , but you are spineless cowards . i am disappointed . . in all of you ! so just stay here . . stay here and watch ." she concluded , a few people among the small crowd speaking up .

"mikasa . . what are you saying ?!" one said , "you're kidding , right ? you can't defeat them all !" another commented . "if i can't , i'll die ." mikasa replied , turning her back on them , "but if i win , i'll live . if i don't fight , i can't win ." she leapt off the roof , her maneuver gear enabling .

maeve's mouth fell agape , wiping her eyes with her jacket sleeve . jean kissed his teeth , muttering a few words before he drew his blades out . he raised one in the air , just as mikasa did , addressing the crowd .

"listen up , were we trained to let our fellow comrades fight alone ?! fuck , no ! do you really want to become the spineless cowards she says we are ?!" he shouted . jean quickly moved towards maeve , his hand out for her .

she stared at his palm , then at him . "don't embarrass me here , jaeger . . i'm trying to make a statement ." he whispered . maeve shoved any fear she had away , vengeance residing in her mind .

she took his hand , feeling his grip become tighter as he pulled her up from the ground . "advance !" he yelled , rushing towards the edge and leaping off it , his gear quickly enabling as it latched on to anything it could find , sending him flying throughout the streets .

maeve watched as connie followed after him . her gaze travelled around the place , observing as everyone else began to join them . klaus nudged her , a slight smile on his face .

"which soldier will you be ? the coward , or the hero ?" his recollection of her quote struck something inside of her , a switch flicking on .

she could hear the dimming of a lightbulb in the back of her mind , listening to the faint hum of it become louder and louder .

her blades drew out from her side , her face relaxing . he nodded , resting a hand on her shoulder . "good choice , cadet ." klaus commented .

she turned , rushing off the roof , her body lunging across the city as her maneuver gear enabled , following the direction of jean and connie .

mikasa paved the way for the others , slashing and slaughtering any titan that came into contact with her . maeve never saw her in such a way . mikasa had never been so reckless before , and part of her believed it was her way of coping with the death of eren .

maeve caught up with armin , noticing his small but subtle glances at her . his face still seemed guilt-ridden , exhaustion etched into his features . his eyes widened , watching as mikasa began to fall from the sky .

armin's grapples retracted , attaching somewhere else , sending him in a different direction as he chased after her . maeve had noticed her as well , following after him .

the cool winds were enough to make her eyes tear up , the breeze blowing against her face . she clutched her swords , beginning to lose sight of armin . her vision was blurry and distorted , throwing her off . she wiped her eyes , opening them up again .

her heart sank , and for a split second , she swore it actually stopped . everything slowed down as soon as she spotted it , an aberrant . the titan leapt off one of the rooftops , it's jaws extending wide open as it's body grew closer to her .

she let out a shaky breath , blocking out the noise around her . her body became paralysed . she knew she would die in these fields , but what was she dying for , exactly ? for humanity ? if she was being honest , she never cared about the world , and the world never really seemed to care about her .

her grip around her blades loosened , her eyes slowing closing again as she drifted further towards the titan .

"maeve . . maeve !" a soft voice whispered , his tone slightly raised . the little brunette girl sat up , turning to the blonde . "did you see that ? . . they're bleeding ! i made them bleed , and now they're running away !" she grinned from ear to ear .

the boy stared at her , his mouth agape . "don't worry about 'em , armin ! as long as you have me , no one will touch you ! dreamer's honour !" the girl remarked .

       that day . she often thought about that day . but , why now ? why was she thinking about it here , of all places ? had that little boy left such a mark on her soul ?

she despised how distant they grew , especially ever since they commenced training all those years ago . she knew they weren't those same innocent children anymore , but , would it truly hurt so bad to go back to how they used to be ?

       "dreamer's honour ." the blonde responded . "you can't use that while playing cards , idiot ." the brunette commented , "we never disclosed any rules for that saying ." he smirked . she rolled her eyes , "just admit you cheated , already !" the girl groaned .

        her grip tightened around the blades again , the grapples quickly retracting back . she cranked her eyes open , noticing something in her peripheral vision .

her mouth fell agape , her face releasing from its tense and focused state , twisting into one of awareness and realisation . he shoved her body out of the way , watching as she looked back at him .

"klaus !" she screamed , "m —" the jaws of the titan slammed shut on him , sending blood and gore spraying throughout the air .

        she'd seen this before . her mother , her brother , her other comrades . . this world is cruel . had she not been so involved in her own affairs , maybe klaus would still be alive . she was to blame for his death , and that would be a debt she'd carry for the rest of her life .

        she let out a grunt as she landed on the rooftop , her blades scattered across the tiles in front of her . she looked up , watching the aberrant swallow the rest of her comrade before fleeing , bouncing from roof to roof .

        why was she so pathetic ? all she ever felt was envy for her brother , now where is he ? she always looked down on klaus for being scared , but it was him that saved her . she didn't even do anything to save her mother . she just sat there , waiting like the coward she is .

she talks so highly about courage and dignity , yet has nothing to show for it besides from a couple of titan kills and assists . hell , she even contradicted her own words from earlier .

she was completely ready to sacrifice herself to the beasts that ravage their home , all because she couldn't bear to live such a pitiful life anymore .

        her hands clenched , her eyes beginning to swell as her throat tightened . she sat on her knees , hunched over . she leaned forward , her fists slamming against the tiles as she rested her forehead on the ground below her .

she snivelled , the snot in her nose running . maeve whimpered , hitting the ground with her fists repeatedly as she sobbed loudly . "you fucking idiot !" she whined , "you're a worthless coward , a self-loathing wimp !"

       she heaved , "why couldn't you just be more like him ?! why can't you fight ?! . . why are you so afraid ?!" maeve exhaled . "eren was twice the person you are , why was it him that died ? . . why couldn't it have just been you !"

her scolding stopped at the sound of a loud and deafening bellow , one that made her jolt .

       maeve looked around , standing up as she peered over the rooftop , her sight catching two fifteen-meter class titans . one was built extremely different . this one had a toned fit with long , brown hair , green eyes , and a wide mouth with multiple sets of sharp teeth .

       her mouth was drawn agape as she watched it take a fighting stance , glaring at the one in front of it . the other titan charged towards it , and in a singular blink , the abnormal titan threw a punch , the force being so powerful that it decapitated the opposition's head , sending it flying through the air .

maeve ducked as the head crashed into a tower behind her , jamming itself into one of the open crevices .

        she turned her head , watching the abnormal titan approach the other titan's headless body , landing a finishing blow on it as it stomped on it's nape , harshly . it stared at the body , its gaze moving upwards as it began to walk away .

ֶָ֢⭑ᥫ᭡ Melanie Speaks !! 𖠵 ⋄ 𓍯

the trost arc will probably be split into three chapters , and thank you guys so so much for getting army dreamers to reach 300 reads , that's literally insane !! this was such a long chapter .

special dt to strvkovz  !!