He wasn't sure why he thought it now, but he did. As Levi sat uselessly and anxiously (though not daring even an inkling of the true extent of his concern to make itself known in his body language nor in his face, of course), he could do little more than think. It was, realistically, all that he could do. 

In this sorry state, he could not fight, and there was only so much listening he could do to the endless mumblings of Erwin and the constant prattle of the refugees just outside and the incessant demands of the Military Policemen as they did what they could to keep the said refugees under control. 

So, with no other options... he thought, allowing himself to get lost in his own musings, his own recollections, and the depths of his mind. There were many places within his mind that he dared not go, but today... he delved into familiar territory, of things that happened not long ago yet seemed like a lifetime away by now.

His mind brought him back to a time he found rather boring and more than a bit dull, where days had been filled with pretty trivial things. Only precious days ago, not even a week, they were in that abandoned base, working hard to maintain their training and at the same time, preparing for the 57th Expedition. The Special Operations Squad had no idea of knowing how badly it would go, no one could.

Their subordinates couldn't, Eren couldn't, and Amaya couldn't, just as he could not even hope to anticipate how badly things could possibly have gone. Hell, even Erwin couldn't.

So now, while no one was around to bother him, he allowed himself to think back on the lazy afternoons in the market, the cool evenings spent in the shade where the others would chat and the mornings where they would train until the morning fog and dew gradually burned away, and would not stop until the dusk's chill settled into their bones as easily as it settled into the grasses of their training grounds.

It was quiet, yes, which he appreciated, but at the same time, mind-numbingly boring at times. At the very least, the others seemed to enjoy it, and he didn't mind the raucous laughter and mindless chatter if it was them.

Hell, even Amaya's easy, relaxed smile had been a much more common occurrence than it had been in previous weeks, and in previous years. She always would smile when she looked at him, but in the quiet of the abandoned base, she seemed to let herself go a little bit more, and his eyes would always look to that smile of hers, pretty even when not aimed his way, and to her eyes, alluring even when focused on something else.

He thought back to one of their afternoons spent in the markets. Amaya had thought it would be a good idea for their subordinates to all make something from their hometown, local classics from where they grew up that might allow the others a chance to take a peek into each other's lives. Though he and Amaya had very little pride in where they came from, the idea had sparked plenty of enthusiasm from their scouts, and even Eren had joined in on the fun. He could only imagine that they looked incredibly strange in the markets, a group of soldiers strolling around, excitedly picking out ingredients.

He and Amaya had been in the back of the group, and she had stepped close to him to loop her arm through his after a while, and only when it became abundantly clear that their subordinates were far too lost within their own conversation to worry about what they were doing - unless they needed one or both of them to settle a dispute between them, of course. 

His aloof nature, as always, manifested itself upon her actions, and specifically, he'd rolled his eyes... but he allowed her to do it, and so they walked together.

Trouble seemed to find them quickly, though. With how busy the markets were, it wasn't strange to be walking within a rather dense stream of people. Their group moved as the crowd did, with groups and couples and even single shoppers to all sides and of course, the line of marketplace stalls bordering each side of the road. So, when a group of men filed in behind them, Levi had thought nothing of it. No one had, not until one of them called out to them - or more specifically, Amaya.

"They let prostitutes into the scouts now?"

Amaya had glanced sidelong at Levi, not indicating to the men just yet that she'd heard what they said. "Are they talking about me?" She asked him, and he nodded nearly imperceptibly. But with the way her eyebrows furrowed with concern and more than a little bit of anger, he knew she had seen it. "Why does everyone think I'm a...?"

She cut her own question off as one of the other men spoke up. "No, wait, I think I've seen that girl before," he said. "I think people have started calling her the Blue Wing or some nonsense like that."

At his words, she seemed to bristle, and she nearly faltered in her step. "Ignore them," Levi had told her. "They're not worth getting into a fight over."

Of course, he said that, but he definitely felt the urge to give them all matching broken noses and black eyes. He couldn't help but acknowledge the sudden spike in anger, flaring up in a roar within his heart. Who the hell were they, talking about her? If they knew even half of what she did... of what she could do... 

He had half a mind to lay into them, he did. But that would do nothing for the Survey Corps' fragile reputation, and they both knew that. And fortunately for the Survey Corps' reputation (yet unfortunately for Amaya's honor, and to what Levi wanted), they both acknowledged it.

Decidedly, they both looked forward, to at least try to ignore the ilk trailing them.

But damn, if they didn't make something so simple so incredibly difficult.

"Man," said one of them, "they'll just let anyone into their ranks, won't they?"

"And give them such a high nickname," another responded, his voice a lilting sort of muse, one dramatic and with unnecessary flair. "Makes you wonder what they'll do if she kicks the bucket. She and the one they call the White Wing."

"You know what," another surmised, "I think that might be him, there."

"But isn't he...?"

"Tiny? For sure. I don't think he's even able to kill a fly, small as he is."

"Hell, neither of 'em are particularly big, are they? How the hell did they manage to get such nicknames? I'm not counting on either of them to save us all, I'll tell you what."

"If these are the best humanity has to offer, we're all screwed."

The others, their subordinates, were too far ahead to hear this, which was probably for the best; he couldn't imagine things remaining peaceful if they had. But Amaya...

Well, apparently things wouldn't be remaining peaceful considering she heard it. But what could he say? What did he expect? They were criminals at heart. It was to be expected.

She let go of his arm and turned before he could do anything to stop her, not that he wanted to; reputation or not, who were these pigs to judge them - or at least her? He only hoped she wouldn't draw blood. Though they were too far ahead to hear the pigs talk from their asses, their scouts certainly didn't miss the sound of their captain arguing with them.

"Excuse me," she said as she wheels around to face them, all the politeness of the words lost from her tone alone. "Who are you to speak about us? You, who sit at home and expect your little wives to keep a home, rear your bastard children, cook your dinner, and remain loyal to you, when you barely lift a finger? You, who do nothing? When you do a damn thing to help your own family, then you can come speak to me on what we do for all of humanity."

"Whoa," one of the men said. "Calm down, lady-"

"And another thing-"

As she went on and on, belittling the men with only her words and all but making the men - all taller than her, and assuredly taller than him, by the way - all but cower before her, Levi stood by and watched. He fought the urge to smirk; not that he thought he would ever get on her bad side, but this was just a firm reminder not to. Seeing these men be knocked down more than a few pegs was more than amusing, and as the squad watched on, Eld approached Levi rather nervously, his eyes remaining on the spectacle before them.

"Captain," Eld said hesitantly, "aren't you going to... you know... defend her honor?"

"Please," Levi nearly scoffed. "She doesn't need my help. Besides, look at her. I'm not getting in the way."

"I suppose you're right," Eld responded, setting his hands on his hips. "Wow. She's scary."

Levi nearly replied with a proud, "that's my Amaya for you," but he bit his tongue. He'd tell her later... and he had.

When he snapped out of it, and remembered where he was and what was happening, Levi sighed. One of his hands found his injured leg, and he did what he could not to openly curse, because how frustrating was it that he was injured, and for something so stupid? If that brat knew how to follow orders, he wouldn't have had to dive in to save her, and he wouldn't have gotten hurt. And now damn near the entire regiment was off fighting - without him - including, of course... Amaya.

Of all that had been lost, and all that was sure to be lost, he hoped she might make it out of this alright. He knew how she was, and that she was more selfless than anyone he'd ever met, and he had to admit, he was getting worried. How couldn't he? How long could it possibly take to find those damn kids, find the damn breach in the wall, and come back?

He wasn't naïve enough to think anything in life was that simple, especially not in this regiment, but when the woman closest to him was out there fighting... oh, and that wasn't considering the possibility that their suspicions about Reiner and Bertholdt were correct.

Dammit, he should be there. If they turned... If Eren wasn't recovered or couldn't control his Titan...

His hand curled into a fist. Something he learned lately was that it was harder to count those lives they lost that he knew, than those he did not. The figures of how many had been lost on the first attacks on the walls, for example, was public knowledge. But losing even just his squad, and those in the regiment lost during the 57th, seemed like a far larger sum.

Four felt a lot larger than one-hundred when you knew those four lives personally.

The lives of valiant soldiers who courageously gave their lives, compared to the lives of innocent citizens during the attacks...

Those of his comrades weighed heavier on his heart, and they never lessened or eased up. They remained always a constant weight against his shoulders. He could only imagine how much heavier the weight would get before they reached their goal in killing all the Titans, and if Amaya ended up on the list of the fallen...

Tch.

She would admonish him for thinking like that. He had to believe she would return; that all of them would return. He would believe nothing else.

He just hated that all he could do was wait idly by for their return, and more accurately... her return.

—

The battle was finally over, but there was nothing to celebrate. We had lost.

Reiner and Bertholdt had stolen Eren away. We had been powerless to do anything with the wave of heat that had overcome us all, besides the Titan falling from the wall at us. Many of us had gotten burnt from the proximity alone, on our faces and hands and whatever exposed skin we had. The edges of shirts were singed, gear was still hot to the touch, and the oppressive heat had left everyone exhausted and heaving for air.

My face still felt warm, but from what I could tell, it was only my arms that were burnt since I had rolled up my sleeves to my elbow before the fight. That... hadn't been such a good idea, in hindsight.

It was all a lot of us could do to get out of the way, and it was asking even more to scale the wall to safety. I'd helped those considerably more tired than I, those that were closer to the Titan when it fell, like Hange, up the wall. Going back and forth, I escorted them up, made sure they were safely atop the wall, then continued. 

And now at last, what remained of our forces were sitting along the edge of the wall.

And now at last, I allowed myself to give into my exhaustion, at least for a moment.

But only for a moment, because with Hange unconscious, I was the next in line regarding the chain of command. For now, I ordered everyone to rest, rehydrate, and eat. With the help of one of the lieutenants, and additionally Rashad and Laura, I distributed the rations, carried barrels of water over to make it easier for our soldiers to fill their canteens, and helped scouts with their injuries.

I didn't know what else to do aside from that, other than wait for further orders. I'd sent a runner to speak to Erwin, but for now, all we could do was recover as best we could, because nearly as surely as I knew myself, I knew Erwin, which meant that I knew that as soon as Erwin was here or sent his orders, I was sure we'd be sent off after Reiner.

Hange, Moblit, Mikasa, and a great many more soldiers were out right now. They hadn't been able to get out of the way quickly enough, and consequently passed out from the intense heat and burns. I just wished I had realized what Reiner and Bertholdt were doing sooner. Even I was only just barely able to escape the wave of heat and embers.

We were all exhausted and feeling its effects now, even me. I felt for the young ones, I did. If I was this tired, I could only imagine how they were feeling. It didn't help that they had to fight friends of theirs. I involuntarily let out a yawn, my eyes watering at the motion. 

"Shit," I muttered to no one but myself. "I really need a nap."

We had been fighting nonstop for so long by now. I know there had been a day or two as a break between the end of the 57th and the start of the operation in Stohess, but it felt like there'd been no time between for rest. We had gotten back from the expedition and almost immediately set forth for the capital. We had the battle in Stohess, and it was that night, just last night, that we had set out for Utgard Castle. We had only just gotten back here before we had to fight Reiner and Bertholdt.

God, what a day.

Hopefully, we could all rest easy for now, for as long as we were able. I was running thin enough already. The kids needed sleep, and so did us veterans. I lowered myself to sit on the edge of the wall and let my feet hang over the side, and I watched the horizon for signs of... something, I didn't know what. But I was looking for it.

I blinked slowly, my exhaustion catching up with me in a rush. My limbs were sore, my burns ached, and I had a pounding headache. But I had to stay vigilant of course. But all I wanted to do was curl up for a nap in Levi's arms. A nap that lasted for several days, at the very least.

Thinking about it, Levi had to be getting antsy by now. He never was one to just... sit around and do nothing. No, he always had to be doing something. Being injured is the worst possible thing for him. He was probably up and pacing, working the leg he was supposed to be resting. He would be running errands with Erwin, doing this and that and everything else the medical officials had told him not to - and especially what I told him not to.

I laughed quietly at the thought, but I looked up at the sounds of yelling further along the wall. I ran my hand down my face, realizing it was just Mikasa and Armin bickering about something or other. Both surely had the makings of becoming great soldiers, but they needed refinement.

I hadn't spoken to Armin too much, or even at all, but goodness, Mikasa was a brat who worked on her own terms. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that she loved Eren dearly. What I couldn't tell was if it was familial or otherwise, but it didn't really matter. It was clear she wanted little else than to protect him.

One of the scouts walked up to me. I didn't bother looking up to see who it was; if it was a good soldier, he'd make his presence known, and his name as well. But he did something that surprised me: he crouched down, and offered me a small rations packet before even announcing himself.

"Captain Amaya," he said, and I recognized the voice right away, "you should eat." I looked up, seeing the kind face of Jeremy.

"Has everyone else eaten?"

"Those of us who are awake have," he said, as though he knew I wouldn't accept anything but that as an answer. Perhaps my reputation preceded me, even for those I didn't train directly; or had Levi told them that I was too selfless for my own good? Whatever the case, either the soldier before me cared about my well-being enough to lie about everyone else having eaten already, or it was the truth. 

All it took was a good look into his eyes, and I could find no trace of a lie within them. Accepting that he had told the truth, I took the packet from him and opened it. "Thank you," I said before taking a bite. It was dry and rather tasteless, as was to be expected from these rations, but it was food. It had been well over a day since I had eaten last, wasn't it? Well, there were certainly worse options to pick from.

"Do you still have water?" He asked me, still crouched down at my side and gesturing to my canteen.

"I do," I said, looking at him and hoping to reassure him with a smile. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm alright." 

He didn't look convinced, and like he was going to say something, and I resolved myself to not be able to get lost in my thoughts and maybe doze off as I wanted. It was better this way - I had to remain vigilant, not just for my sake, but for everyone's.

So, I invited him to sit beside me. He did so, offering a small thank you in return. He was a younger scout, not from the 104th, but certainly younger than I was. Still, I had to ask: "You don't happen to be hiding a Titan power within you, do you?"

"No, captain," he said with a laugh. "At least, not that I know of."

I sighed ruefully. "We could sure use another ally right now."

"Captain Amaya," he said with surprise, "is that doubt I hear?"

"No," I said through a chuckle. "No, not at all. Anyway, it's good to see that you got out of Stohess alright. But for now, I need something to keep me awake, and since you're closest, it's gotta be you."

"Oh," he said, surprised. "Um. How should I...?"

"Just talk," I told him. "About anything you want."

I took another bite of the food as he hesitantly began telling me about his home village. He took off with it then, telling me all about how he used to live in Wall Rose's territory, so he was very worried about the night's news regarding Titans within it. I didn't blame him. Luckily for me, my hometown was underground, and Titans didn't really care for going underground, so I didn't have to worry about that... not like I left anyone behind there, only Mason.

Jeremy's story offered a good distraction for a while, I'm not sure how long, until at last he trailed off when talking about his grandmother. I was about to ask him why he stopped when he stood up. "Captain," he said quietly, and I then registered the sounds of approaching horses. My breath caught in my throat as I whipped my head around, watching the oncoming group. I grinned and jumped to my feet, suddenly reenergized and suddenly excited, for who else but Erwin was leading the charge.

I waved to Erwin as he approached, and I could see even from where I stood the small smile he let grace his face momentarily. But as he slowed to a stop, he let his usual serious countenance reappear. I couldn't lie to anyone, least of all myself: I was just happy to see them - Erwin and the rest of the scouts. The more bodies we had, the sooner we could set off to go rescue Eren and Ymir.

"Well, look who we have here," I called happily in greeting. "Commander Erwin, himself, huh?" 

He pulled back on the reins and slowed his horse to a stop before me. He turned his horse slightly so he could face and regard me, but did not speak, not even when Moblit approached Erwin as well, greeting him similarly.

Only once Moblit was done speaking did Erwin pipe up. "Is the situation the same?"

"It is," I answered him. "Our injured soldiers are resting, and our able-bodied soldiers are currently standing by. We're ready for your orders, sir."

"Good," Erwin said, and we could then only watch incredulously as Hange crawled their way over to us slowly. For a moment more, he ignored his dear friend - we both did. "Deploy the lifts!"

Hange grabbed Moblit's leg - the only one of us who had not seen them coming. "Ah! Hange!"

"Moblit," Hange breathed out, "give me a map."

As soldiers got busy deploying the lifts and moving the horses and carts, Moblit did as told and spread it out on the wall before them. We gathered around Hange, crouching down to see the map.

"It's a long shot," Hange said, "but there's a giant forest here. We should head straight for it. Though, it's not like they have a way to hide the Armored Titan's footsteps, but... I think that's where they're headed."

"Why's that?" Erwin asked.

"It's a gamble," Hange started to answer, and I nearly remarked that Erwin seemed to operate purely in such things, only to hold my tongue as they continued, "but even if they have the strength to change into Titans, the other Titans outside the wall might still be a threat. Especially after all that fighting. They might not be as bad off as Eren, but I'm sure they're exhausted. Like how Annie was out cold for a while."

Well, that all made sense. Reiner and Bertholdt, as well as Ymir, had been out all night. Eren had fought Annie just yesterday, and had been up all night, as well. And they were only teenagers - odds were good that they were at their breaking point, or were soon to reach it. And exhaustion would lead to mistakes, to faulty thinking, to panicked decisions. Perhaps we could bank on that as well.

"Let's assume for now that their destination is somewhere outside of Wall Maria," Hange continued. "Considering the distance they'll have to cover, we can assume they'll need to recover their stamina. Which means... they'll want to rest somewhere where Titans are unable to reach them. At least until nightfall when Titans can't move."

"It makes sense to me," I agreed. "They're so young themselves, they've gotta be running on fumes right now. It's as sure a gamble as we can count on right now, no matter how you look at it." I looked up at Erwin, who seemed to be considering it seriously. "Reiner nearly lost to Eren, and needed Bertholdt to bail him out. On the back of their near-loss, they've got to be panicking. So, is it set then? Can we get going?"

"It's set," Erwin said surely, standing up. "We head to that forest to rescue Eren. All soldiers, get ready to ride!"

"We have until night," Hange said. "If we reach the forest before nightfall, we might still make it in time!"

"No more standing around, then," I said, unable to hold back my grin. A rescue mission... It'd been a while since I'd done one of those.

"Let's move!"

And at Erwin's command, everyone got to work. Hange started to get up, but Moblit and I were there to halt their movements. "Whoa, there," I said. "You're an injured soldier. Both of you, actually. It's my professional recommendation that you both sit this one out."

"I refuse," Hange vehemently protested, but at my look, they seemed to concede, to acknowledge that I might be right. "You're running on fumes, Amaya, and barely even that." Hange then gestured to my arms. "You may have rolled your sleeves back down, but you're just as burnt as I am, too."

"I've been on jobs longer than this," I said in hopes to assure my dear friend. "Besides, I can't leave all the work to Erwin alone. I refuse."

"I really should know better than to argue with you and Levi," Hange muttered. "Fine. But don't you let yourself get hurt more, Amaya."

"I'll do my best," I said to them. I looked at Moblit, then. "Make sure Hange actually rests, Moblit."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, and I smiled, knowing he would and that, if Hange would listen to anyone, it would be him.

With that said and done, I stood, then joined Erwin as he waited for one of the lifts. For those of us who had gone to Utgard, a few of the soldiers had taken care of securing our horses to the lifts in small groups and escorting them up to the wall instead of resting - which I was thankful for. It didn't take long for scouts to find their horses in this way, and when Strider was led to me, I thanked the soldier then took up a position next to Erwin.

"I do hope you've got a plan," I said to him as we stepped onto the lift as soon as it was ready to lower us on the other side of the wall. "And it seems like we've got quite the strange mix of soldiers with us."

All it took was a simple look around to see that my words were true. With our remaining forces that had not gone with us to Utgard were Military Policemen and a mixing of other soldiers. It was strange, that was for sure.

"This is the most intermingling between the regiments I've seen since joining," I mused, and Erwin smiled, although briefly.

"We're not the only ones who believe in the hope of humanity, it seems," Erwin said, and that was all, while I mounted up. I pulled myself up into the saddle and worked to get comfortable.

When the lift started to descend, I let my gaze take in the landscape before us. With the lands of Wall Maria laid out before us but a destination in mind, this felt more like one of our expeditions than it did a rescue mission, but we would have to be as diligent as always, for we would be heading into Titan territory once more.

When on the ground, and the formation was set, the call was ordered: "Spread out! Take formation to locate any enemies!"

We assumed a minimized long-distance scouting formation. Obviously, we didn't have the resources and numbers to make it as extensive as it usually was, so we did what we could. Of course, considering our close proximity, it would make things easier if things got out of hand for a certain group for them to call for - and receive - assistance.

Already, there were Titans approaching from the right side, but we did not change direction and we did not slow down. If there was a time for detours, it was certainly not now. We needed to get to that forest as quickly as we could, whether they were there or not.

If they were there, the sooner we found them, the sooner we could fight them and retrieve Eren and Ymir, if possible. If they weren't there, the sooner we cleared the forest, the sooner we could continue our search.

The sun was already close to setting. It wouldn't be long now before Titans began settling down, but at the same time, it wouldn't be long before our targets would get ready to move. The forest was in view now, its dark green shape just appearing in my field of vision as little more than a dull smudge when red smoke signals started flying up around us all at the same time.

"What?" Erwin muttered, clearly confused by what he saw.

"That's not good," I said.

"Commander," one of the lieutenants called, "we're surrounded!"

"There's a way around," another said. "Should we head towards it?"

"We can't," I said quietly to Erwin. "We don't have that kind of time."

"No," Erwin answered to the other two with us, "any detours and we'll be too late. We'll force our way through. All soldiers, prepare for battle!"

I reached to the sides of my chest as Strider maintained a steady course on Erwin's flank. I grabbed my controller grips and readied my blades.

"Amaya," Erwin said to me, "be ready to fly."

"Sir, yes sir," I replied confidently. If I was our most talented soldier at the moment, then so be it. Our forces seemed to glide across the landscape with ease, and because Erwin told me not to worry myself with the normal Titans following us, I kept my gaze forward.

Onwards we led our soldiers, and soon, the forest was no longer a smudge on the edge of the horizon. It drew nearer, and I was able to make out the shapes of the trees, the thin paths crossing into it, the branches reaching up into the sky, the deep shadows that crept across the grass towards us. We arrived at the forest just as a bright flash of light came from it - a Titan transformation. 

"We're just in time," Erwin said. "Soldiers, disperse!" A swarm of Titans, as if on cue, ran at us from the forest. Their limbs were flailing in their pursuit, and I held back my urge to say something insulting. But goddesses, they were so ugly. "We believe the enemy has already transformed," Erwin continued. "Locate Eren and recover him! Battle is not our objective! Prioritize recovery and retreat!"

I ducked closer to Strider's neck as a Titan reached for me. Not so easily deterred, it began running after me, and when I sat up and looked back at it, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Fuck off," I muttered. "Didn't you hear Erwin? I don't have time for you!" I took a hard turn into the forest, and wasted no time in leaping from my horse's back and switching to the gear. I heard the cries of a Titan, but it wasn't the normal grunt or moan of a regular Titan, but it wasn't the scream of Eren or Reiner, or even the cry of Eren's.

Was it Ymir, then? I hadn't seen her in action yet. Of course, I didn't put it past today to introduce another intelligent Titan to us. Honestly, I'd have been more surprised if it didn't.

I redirected to head towards the sound, still being tailed by a Titan - er, no. Seems I've picked up a couple more of those. Well.

Anyway, I swung through the trees quickly, going as fast as I could and then some, before finally seeing it. And what I saw, I did not like.

"Oh, that's disgusting," I said to myself upon seeing what I assumed was Ymir's Titan. "That's just... ugh."

It was smaller than the others, long claws stabbed into the trunk of a tree, with unruly, stringy dark hair hanging like curtains about its face. It had long claws, and these awful, beady little eyes that completely unnerved me.

I entered the small clearing, seeing that Mikasa, Armin, and several other kids who I assumed to be more recruits from the 104th were there. I was also just in time to see the ugly Titan leap from the tree and... eat Christa. Or Historia, sorry.

I guess Ymir wasn't really on our side then, was she?

"Ally to humanity, my ass," I groaned, taking off just as she did. 

The entire group was hot on her heels, and as a result of my heightened speed and experience, I very quickly took to the front. Ymir was incredibly fast though, leaping from tree to tree with insane speed, agility, and precision. Hell, I hated to admit it, but we'd lose her at this rate, especially if she managed to escape the forest.

"What the hell, kid?" I asked no one in particular. "Dammit... They're going to be the death of me, I swear."

There was, all of a sudden, another explosion and as soon as the thunder struck, thundering footsteps followed. When strong sunlight started permeating through the trees, I knew we would be nearing the edge of the forest, and I cursed under my breath.

And now, I could see the edge of the forest, and just outside of it there was the Armored Titan, with several figures on its back, including Ymir's Titan. If I had to hazard a guess as to the smaller figures, I would go as far to say that they were Bertholdt and Eren.

Before leaving the tree-line, I whistled for my horse, and a familiar whinny alerted me to his presence. Hell, he was already far below me on the forest floor, waiting. I dove down with blinding speed, only slowing to safely set my ass into the saddle. I shoved my feet into the stirrups and allowed myself no time to get comfortable before kicking into Strider's sides. I was determined not to let them get away.

"Don't stop," I heard Hannes (was that his name?) say. "Get on your horse and chase!"

Strider neighed loudly and rather excitedly as he rose into a gallop, and I patted him on the neck. "You're good, boy. We're the best team, right? Let's prove it." I looked back at the group behind me. "You guys gonna let me save him on my own? I'm sure I could, I just don't think you guys want me stealing your thunder, right? Hurry your asses up!"

They made the right decision and did as told. Goodness, I had an odd group going. Our forces consisted of a strange mix of scouts, Garrison soldiers, and Military Policemen, of soldiers young and old, and all to rescue a boy who can turn into a Titan.

But I had to say, everyone had stood their ground well so far. As far as I could tell, there were no soiled pants, not yet, not even from the MPs. I took another look back. There was a horde of normal Titans coming after us, and I toyed with the idea of taking care of some of them quickly to ensure if someone's horse, I don't know, tripped over something, that they wouldn't fall victim to the group.

Before I could begin to react or make the choice, Erwin's voice rang out, loud and clear as a bell. He told us, simply put, to let the Titans give chase, and simple though his words were, I knew immediately what his plan was. It was an odd strategy to be sure, but it would work. If we could lead these Titans right to them, they'd be overwhelmed. It was why they chose to rest in the forest in the first place - to recuperate and regain their energy and stay out of reach of Titans, which didn't seem to care if they were Titans, too.

Oh, this would be fun. There was just the gamble that some would get a lucky swipe or two at our soldiers, but Erwin so loved his gambles.

We started gaining on them. With every passing second, we grew closer to the Armored Titan and I fell to one side, taking in the details of its armor while I was so close. It seemed to be optimized for such high speed, but its nape was still covered - and with Ymir clinging to him, I'm sure she would not allow me to get to it without a fight. With each stride closer, the pounding of its footsteps shook the ground and grew more loud, more unbearable.

I clenched my horse's reins tighter, trying to prepare myself to battle again. My fatigue was forgotten, my desire for sleep pushed aside; now was not the time, and as always, fighting was so exhilarating.

It was hard not to feel alive when your life was at stake.

A few brave soldiers behind me took to the gear, heading towards the Armored Titan only to get swatted down before they could. Well, if I didn't want them dead before, I certainly did now.

But I could only watch as Mikasa swung around them with her usual speed, and if I didn't already know she was a disobedient brat, I would have said something to her. Riding alongside Reiner now, it was a bit difficult to figure out what she was doing, but to me, it looked like she was just going in to kill Ymir but something convinced her to stop. When I saw a head of blonde hair pop up, and let out an involuntary breath of relief, knowing that Christa - Historia, sorry - was still alive.

Was she trying to talk Mikasa out of killing them? Why the hell was Historia protecting the one who had grabbed her?

"Oh, come on," I said as the rest of the 104th kids latched onto Reiner. I stayed on my horse, and I couldn't quite say that I was sure what they were up to. A quick class reunion, perhaps, before we killed the Colossal and Armored brats? They'd better hurry it up.

Erwin had led the charge to attack the Armored head on, and now I could see the large horde of Titans trailing him. The hell did he do, do a full lap of Wall Maria and gather every single Titan here? If so, it was incredibly impressive.

"Crazy son of a bitch," I said, laughing lightly at the spectacle of it all. Life and death situation or not, this was quite the sight.

The kids leapt back to their horses as Reiner tried tackling through the horde of Titans, brute-forcing his way through as best he could. We were fast on our horses, and the Titans were more concerned with the easy bait that was waiting for them on his back and in his hands.

Our plan was simple; recover Eren and retreat, and we hoped to get Historia back as well. In theory, this was easy, but with a million different threats ready to snatch us from our horses at any time... Actually, the Titans were helping run distraction for us, so it'd be a simple matter, I hoped, of waiting for Reiner, Bertholdt, and Ymir to get overwhelmed.

Then we could sweep in as heroes and rescue Eren and Historia. I swerved around and kept Erwin in the corner of my eye as I charged, looking for an opening, any opening.

"Advance," Erwin ordered, but just as he did, a normal Titan leapt for him from out of nowhere, grabbed him by the arm, and yanked him from his horse's back.

I immediately yanked back on my horse's reins, and though Strider neighed in protest and surprise, he did as I wanted. He skidded to a stop and I turned us around, and only after he reared back to turn and had his hooves planted firmly in the dirt again did I kick into his sides to urge him to a gallop again.

Everything else be damned, everyone else be damned, I charged right for the commander. "Erwin," I cried out, rushing to him.

"Advance," he commanded again, his voice betraying none of the shock, fear, or pain he was surely feeling. The Titan began running away with its prize on all fours, but Strider kept pace easily and soon, we started to catch up. "Eren is just ahead! Advance!"

"Advance, my ass," I mumbled, knowing that seeing a commanding officer disobey a direct order wasn't likely the best thing for the main forces to see, but I quite frankly did not give a damn right now. "Who does he think he's kidding? How often do I listen to orders?" Then, louder: "I'm not letting you die, you idiot! Stop telling me to advance!"

I could hear yelling and screams both triumphant and fearful behind me as I took chase after Erwin, but I played deaf to it all. We couldn't win this war without Erwin, just as we couldn't win without Eren. This damn Titan was swerving all over the place, so I couldn't get close on horseback.

Resolving myself to just have to fly to it, I leapt from Strider's back easily, telling him to stay close. I latched onto the Titan's ass to swing around towards its front with a well-timed burst of gas. Not needing to waste more time, I let go of the first grapple and sent another towards its far shoulder from where I was, and as I flew by, sliced its nape out.

Keeping the momentum going, I latched to its face, and swung around by its mouth to catch Erwin before the Titan could face plant into the dirt. With him securely in my arms, I let go of my wires so they wouldn't get caught beneath the Titan and yank us around. 

Perhaps it was a mistake though, because now untethered, we rolled over each other several times before landing on the ground in a heap. Blood from his mangled arm got all over my uniform, but as soon as I was able to detach myself from him, I did, and I undid the tie from my hair to use as a tourniquet instead.

"You idiot," I said as I tied it. "Goddesses preserve you, you're so stupid! Don't pull something like that again."

With it tied and secure, I hefted him rather unceremoniously to his feet by his cloak. He was bleeding a lot, of course, that would have been obvious without needing to even look. The end of his arm was reduced to shreds of skin and torn sinew, and a nicer job of amputating the damaged portion would have to be done only once we were safe. But for now, this was the best we could hope for and it was the best I could do.

"Before you say it, yes, we're advancing," I snarked. At my call, Strider ran up alongside me and I mounted, Erwin hopping up behind me. "Would you like me to yell it now, or have you not lost that much blood yet?"

He did not dignify my frustrated remarks with a response, which was likely for the best. Honestly, I needed to focus on controlling my heart rate for now. Together, we charged ahead, and the added weight did not seem to deter Strider too much. So, we set our course straight towards the Armored Titan.

We were ending this now.

We dodged swatting limbs, giant feet, lost horses, and fellow soldiers as we grew closer and I prepared to deliver the commander to Reiner directly. When close enough, Erwin leapt from Strider's back wordlessly, cutting Eren from Bertholdt with a courageous fire in his eyes.

I slowed my horse, preparing to catch Erwin. Should I have prioritized Eren? Maybe, but he could regenerate; he could surely recover from a fall from that height and besides, Mikasa was there to grab him. Erwin used his gas to slow his descent, but as I approached, so did Erwin's white steed. I reached over, grabbed the panicked horse's reins in hand, then held the steed steady for Erwin once he landed.

"Mikasa has Eren," I confirmed.

"Good," he heaved out as he mounted. "Good." Louder then, he called to all the brave soldiers who were, by now, all but scattered to the winds: "All soldiers, retreat!"

"Music to my ears," I said through a wistful sigh. We all started to make some distance between us and the Armored Titan and those still clinging to it, but when it started to scream, it was hard to resist the urge to look back. Well, turns out, I didn't need to turn back to see what it was doing: a Titan being thrown - literally thrown - into the middle of our formation answered the question for me.

Oh, for fuck's sake – Is this necessary?

The dust and dirt that got picked up from the Titan being thrown was thick and I winced momentarily, covering my eyes, but I kept my guard up, knowing that Titans could potentially land on top of me now, as if I didn't have enough to worry about right now.

A Titan landed just yards ahead from me and I cried aloud. Even Strider, steadfast as he was, neighed with worry and sudden fear, but I held firm, keeping my focus. I waited only long enough for the dirt to clear before dismounting and shooting out a wire into the Titan's leg. I propelled towards it, slicing through its ankle as it started to stand. It fell to its stomach, and from there it was an easy act to slice through its neck.

It was dead before it could even stand.

I was just returning to Strider when I heard screaming, and I turned towards the sound. Without stopping to think I dropped back down from the saddle and flew towards it. When more dirt and dust cleared, I saw that a Titan had just landed by a soldier - no, actually, it landed on him.

"Shit," I hissed. "Hold on! I'm coming!"

The soldier was lying on his stomach just under that of the Titan's, so his legs were probably crushed already, but I couldn't let him die like this. The Titan started to sit up, and it seemed to notice the soldier it was on top of. It started reaching for him, but I redirected and sliced its fingers off before it could reach him.

"Captain! Don't!"

Oh, I know that voice. It was Jeremy, there was no denying it. Well, no matter who it was, I wasn't about to let anyone die. With movements more instinctual than deliberate by now, I ran up the Titan's arm and jumped off, zipping through the air to cut its nape.

I landed back on the ground in a crouch, but pushed myself to stand and break into a run right away. As the Titan started to evaporate away, my sight was temporarily hindered, but it was all too easy to pick out Jeremy's hand amidst it all and I took hold of it.

"You're alright," I said surely, grabbing Jeremy. "You're alright, you'll be fine, don't worry. I've got you, kiddo." 

I pulled him towards me, just to get him away from the evaporating body, then I threw one of his arms around my shoulder and hoisted him up. And - yep, his legs were crushed. He might not be able to walk again, but I couldn't let him stay here.

He started babbling nonsense, telling me to forget about him and let him go. "Oh, shut up," I told him. "You're getting on a horse, and you're gonna get out of here. You're staying alive, and you'll be able to go see your family once this is all over. Got it?"

"What? Captain..." When Jeremy looked at me, his blue eyes were teary. He wasn't my soldier; he wasn't even in my squad - I didn't have one left. But more importantly, he was still a member of this army, and I was still a captain. And even more importantly than that, he was still human, and so was I.

"I don't want to hear you spout such nonsense again," I said seriously, looking at him as I approached my horse. It was slow going, for he was completely dead weight, but I wasn't giving up on him. "And that's an order."

"Yes ma'am," he said weakly. I shifted so that Jeremy was on my back piggy-back style, and set a foot in the stirrup, preparing to pull us up into the saddle. Just as I secured my hands on the saddle and mustered the energy to do so, I noticed a Titan coming our way.

"Shit," I muttered, about to toss him into the saddle so I could take care of it.

"Captain, just drop me," he said. "If I'm in the way, just go and save yourself-"

"What the hell did I just say to you? You have a life to live, Jeremy. I don't care if you give up on it, because I won't."

I had Jeremy in my arms and was about to lift him to the saddle, but the Titan took care of itself. The beast, while it had just been hellbent on reaching us, turned suddenly and... It walked away from us. I slowed in my movements, watching it go. "What the hell?"

"It lost interest," Jeremy said hesitantly. "But why?"

"Whatever it saw," I said unsurely, "it wants it much more than it wants us." 

The Titan broke into a sprint, and hell, all the other Titans in the area were doing the same. They were all running in the same direction. Huh.

"Whatever's going on," I said, "it's our cue to get going. I'm not wasting this chance." With Jeremy on my back once more, I pulled us up into the saddle, and took his reins into my hands. "Hold on tight," I said to him.

Jeremy wrapped his arms around my midsection and when secure, I kicked into Strider's sides. I only slowed Strider as we approached the swarm they now made around... another Titan? It wasn't Reiner, it wasn't Ymir, it was just, as far as I could tell, a normal Titan.

"Why are they... They're killing that other titan." Jeremy said.

"Yeah," I said, unable to think of anything else to say. "I don't... I don't know."

We were well out of their way when the Titans, now done killing their friend, began running off after the Armored Titan. I could only watch for a moment at the scene far behind us. I couldn't even find words to say at the sight, but I didn't have to say a thing; Erwin yelled out an order for a full retreat, and I was brought back into reality. I joined the formation, not daring to look back anymore.

I was too damn tired for this.