Y/N was among those who first climbed the wall. She looked at the ruined city, realizing what had happened here five years ago. She perfectly remembered the day when the news about the fall of the wall was brought to the Capital. And how scared she was. But now she realized that her fear was worth nothing compared to what the inhabitants of this abandoned city experienced. Those who survived.
According to the plan of the commander, Eren had to close up the outer and inner gates, thereby isolating the city from the titans, which allowed the Survey corps to carry out a sweep, but... The city was empty. Not a single titan. Nobody.
- Eren, let's go according to plan. Are you ready?
- Yes, Captain Levi.
Y/N stopped her thoughts and glanced at Eren, who, along with his friends, were looking at the city that was once their home. Y/N was supposed to help him. She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder, looking into the boy's eyes. He was taller than her, so she had to look up a little.
- Eren, do you remember what we talked about in our training? I understand that right now it's hard for you, like Mikasa and Armin, to see the city that was once your home, but you need to pull yourself together. Do you remember what we practiced?
Mikasa and Armin watched as Y/N adjusted Eren the way a watchmaker adjusts a clock. She knew exactly what to say, how to look. She didn't pressure him, as many senior officers did.
- Concentration on the goal. Turn off emotions, focus on the goal.
- Right. What is our goal?
- Close the breaches in the walls, clear the city, get to the basement.
- Right. If you feel like you're losing control...
- Stop and breathe. Remember the goal.
Eren was grateful to her for helping him deal with his emotions. He resolutely moved to the edge of the wall and disappeared behind it. Flash. Lightning.
- You did a good job with him.
Y/N ignored him. It wasn't about their mission, so she didn't want to talk to him. She still remembered their conversation. She went to Commander Erwin, who was handing out assignments to the officers and their teams.
- It's necessary to inspect the city, and the lands around the breaches. Look for any signs of the presence of other people or titans. The enemy must be somewhere nearby, and we must be ready to fight.
- Yes, Commander Erwin!
The commander was left alone. He studied the city, although Y/N knew that planning and calculations were going on in his head.
- Commander?
- Y/N? What did you want?
- I hope you don't dismiss me now.
- It seems to be late, don't you think?
- Shall I go to the recruits? Or will I head for the city with Levi's and Hange's squad as planned?
- No, you stay here. With me. In the course of events, if anything, join Levi's squad.
- Do you want to send me to the thick of things?
- You mustn't let me down, I know.
But in fact, Erwin thought that Y/N would be the safest place near Eren. He realized that Eren had a habit of protecting his loved ones, and Y/N was clearly no stranger to the boy.
- Commander, we didn't find any signs of the titans! The city is empty!
The gears in Erwin's head started working again.
Y/N understood that something was clearly wrong. She moved away from the commander to the side, deciding to prepare. She dropped her briefcase on the ground, took out her five-knife holster and began attaching it to her leg. She had blades in her ODM, she didn't get thunder spears, which she was glad about. «I don't want to screw them over either» She also tucked a couple of vials of acid and duct tape into the inside pocket of her jacket. «At least it's useful, I hope it'll be effective»
- Do you really think that knives will help in the battle with the titans, Y/N?
She again ignored him.
- Commander, Eren has successfully closed the breach in the inner wall!
Armin, who was exploring the wall nearby, turned his attention to Y/N, who was busy with her equipment. Her hair fell over her face as she secured the holster to her leg. He felt himself blush. But he heard...
- What do you want from me? I still can't understand! You didn't have enough of how you upset me...
- I didn't upset you, you...
- Yes, it's my own fault, classic you.
- You can play baby as much as you like. It won't change the fact that I've only told you the truth, which you still seem unable to deal with.
Y/N straightened up and turned to face Levi.
- «I have nothing to tell you», she turned away and went towards the commander.
«Now that's weird... What kind of relationship do Y/N and Captain have?» Armin could see that Y/N was upset, and apparently her tiredness and frustration during their journey was also caused by Captain Levi. He thought about it as he scanned the walls until he found...
- COMMANDER ERWIN! I think I found something! Not far from here, there are traces of a fire on the wall. Below, under this place, I found some kitchen utensils - a kettle, mugs. I found three mugs: people stopping there were drinking what looked like black tea, but it wasn't tea. The kettle was cold and...
- That means its owners left before we got here. It couldn't cool down that quickly. After all, we left the forest quite recently and arrived here within a couple of minutes. They couldn't leave so quickly.
- «Most likely, there are more than three of them. Someone was following us back in the forest and reported to the others», Armin suggested. «They had a scout, which means we don't know what they have prepared for us. How many and where are they hiding?»
- Arlert! Take as many soldiers as you need! Explore the area, we need to determine the location of the enemy! Soldiers, do whatever Arlert tells you to do!
- Yes, SIR!
At this time, Eren's team headed towards the outer gate to close the second breach as planned. Armin felt his heart pounding. It wasn't easy for him. He wasn't ready for the fact that he would have to give orders. He was nervous. Soldiers crowded around him, waiting for his orders. His eyes fell on Y/N, who was still standing next to the Commander and Captain Levi. She looked at him, and when she saw that he was looking at her, she gave him a thumbs up, encouraging him. Armin sighed.
- WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE WALLS FROM TWO SIDES! LOOK FOR ANY SIGNS OF THE ENEMY BOTH ABOVE THE WALLS AND ON THE GROUND! P-PLEASE!
- Yes, SIR!
Armin, along with the rest, went to look for traces of enemies.
- «Eren and the others have almost reached the opposite side. Is it reasonable to close the escape routes in the current situation when we don't know what the enemy is up to?» Y/N asked the Commander.
- We act according to the plan, even if it limits our possibilities. However, we also have a couple of surprises in store.
Suddenly, they noticed a smoke signal in the direction where Armin's squad was heading. «Apparently, they found something» And then - Armin returned to them again.
- Sir, I think the enemies may be hiding within the walls themselves. Remember, in Stohess, the titans broke through the wall, and there are empty cavities inside. The enemies can't know that we know about it. They can be anywhere, and at the same time they perfectly see where we are and what we're doing.
- «Thank you, Arlert», the commander thanked Armin and immediately sent a red smoke signal into the air, which was addressed to Hange's squad, to stop the operation. «Armin, do whatever you need»
- Yes, sir!
Armin once again exchanged glances with Y/N, and moved towards the group of soldiers who had returned from all directions to issue a new order.
The scouts began to actively search the walls, banging their blades on them, looking for empty cavities where a person could hide. Y/N observed the process. She knew that at any second a battle could begin. Many soldiers still remained on the ground behind the wall Maria, guarding the horses. Newcomers were without action at the moment, while more experienced soldiers helped Armin and carried out the orders of the Commander. Y/N didn't particularly like being idle. She no longer felt tired, as on the way to Shiganshina. She was grateful to Armin for his help. After that brief sleep, she felt refreshed. Her head began to function as it should. She was still worried about everything that was happening, but at least she found the strength to cope with this excitement and think soberly. She noticed that Levi was no longer around. She and Erwin were left alone. Y/N was still mad at Levi, but she couldn't deny the fact that he was right.
Everything happened in a second. The walls shook. Armored Titan appeared. Y/N had never seen him before, she was impressed. From a scientific point of view. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. She turned around.
- Commander...
- Y/N?
On the other side of the wall, pure titans were heading towards them, led by a Beast Titan.
- It was an ambush. They were waiting for us. EVERYONE DIVIDE! WE'LL REFLECT THE ATTACK FROM TWO SIDES!
- Yes, SIR!
- DON'T ENTER THE BATTLE WITH AN ARMORED TITAN! WE'RE GOING AS PLANNED!
Y/N looked at the battlefield on both sides of the wall. The Armored titan was heading their way, while Hange and their squad were heading towards it. The Beast titan and its «puppets» formed a semicircle, blocking any escape routes for the scouts left on the ground. Y/N studied what was happening and noticed something. Or rather, someone.
- Commander Erwin! Look!
Erwin drew attention to Y/N, who was pointing somewhere to the left of the Beast Titan.
- Another titan?
There they saw a titan who was on all fours, and some kind of device, similar to a saddle, was tied to his back.
- «I think this is their scout. It doesn't look like a pure titan. They are the same as Reiner and Bertholdt. There is a person inside. I'm sure», Y/N told him.
- Let's not exclude the possibility that there are even more of them.
Suddenly, a movement began among the titans. The Beast titan let out an eerie roar, which was probably the signal for its «puppets» to act. Pure titans, not participating in the formation, in an instant rushed to run towards the wall.
- Their main goal is to capture Eren, just like before. Now, they're ready to make any sacrifice to achieve this goal.
- They want to leave us without horses, and then...
- «COMMANDER ERWIN! ARMORED TITAN CLOSES TO THE WALL. BUT WE HAVEN'T DISCOVERED WHERE BERTHOLDT IS YET», Armin returned to the wall.
- Levi, send your squad with Arlert to Hange. We need to use thunder spears and stop the Armored Titan.
- You're asking me to stay, am I right?
- Hange and your squad will take down the Armored Titan. Levi, you'll help protect the horses. And... deal with the Beast Titan.
- «I understand you», Levi answered him and jumped off the wall, joining the other scouts protecting the horses.
- Armin, you're heading for Hange. You all have to deal with the Armored Titan with the use of thunder spears. We need to take him to the city center, so that he doesn't get over the wall. Eren should draw his attention to himself. Then, you'll attack.
- Yes, sir!
Armin also left the wall.
- Why don't you give me an order? Why am I staying here?
- «In my condition, being alone isn't practical, don't you think?» Erwin replied.
- You're still a better soldier than me.
- You're a good soldier, you just haven't found your battlefield yet. You'll understand what I mean in due time.
Suddenly their loneliness was disturbed. An Armored Titan appeared on the wall. Y/N instinctively took out one of the blades, while Erwin didn't move. He just looked at Reiner, who looked at him. There was a kind of silent dialogue between them, which was interrupted by a flash of light somewhere in the center of the city.
«Armin got to Hange's team», Y/N thought.
In Reiner's head, a process of reflection was going on: on the one hand, he saw that all the horses of the Survey corps were located in one place, and he could easily get rid of them, cutting off the opportunity for the scouts to retreat. On the other hand, he shouldn't have let Eren escape. He realized that he had mastered crystallization in less than two months. He was afraid that by escaping, Eren would be able to master his other abilities. His gaze fell on Y/N – «This girl must have helped him, otherwise she wouldn't have been guarded by the key persons of the Survey corps» Seeing Eren heading towards the outer walls, Reiner realized that this was most likely a ruse. But the risk was too big. He jumped off the wall and followed Eren.
- Your plan works.
There was a battle on both sides. Y/N didn't know what to expect. Which side will she be on when the time comes. She felt that at some point, the commander would send her away.
- Do you remember when I told you about my father?
- Yes, I remember, uncle.
They stood and studied the battlefield, each in their own thoughts.
- When I was a cadet, I told my comrades about my father's theory. The fact that the royal family, the rulers of the walls made people forget what happened a hundred years ago. That there's a whole world behind the walls. I dreamed of becoming a scout to prove my father's theory. I dreamed of finding out all the things we forgot about. What everyone forgot. But when I became a scout, I realized how far I was from my dream. I stopped talking about it.
- Why?
- All Survey officers fought for a single goal - in the name of saving humanity, while I only wanted to fulfill my dream. I considered it wrong.
- You know, sometimes dreams coincide with goals and...
- In the basement of Eren's house, his father hid something that can reveal this secret.
- We'll manage and get there, uncle.
They watched as explosions took place in the center of the city. It was Hange's and Levi's squad taking down the Armored Titan. Then silence. Then a scream. Reiner screamed heartrendingly, as if giving someone a signal.
«Bertholdt! He signaled to Bertholdt!» And then a barrel flew through the wall, which was sent into the air by the Beast Titan. «He won't dare turn in air, it's... They'll just die...» Y/N was terrified at the realization of what could happen, but... Nothing happened. Bertholdt just landed somewhere in the center of the city, but he used the ODM. Several minutes passed like that. Till...
Bright flash. Heat. Dust. Eyes burned. Y/N turned away, trying to overcome the burning sensation in her eyes. When she reopened them, the city center was destroyed. Nothing left. Only titan, exuding tons of white burning steam. Y/N saw all his muscles. The Colossal titan has revealed itself. Y/N was mesmerized. She has always been fascinated by the unknown. And this... this titan was the focus of everything unknown lurking in this world.
- «Y/N, it's time for you to take part in the battle. Go to Eren. Given the explosion that occurred, many didn't survive. They'll need all the help», Erwin told her.
- «I got it», she almost jumped off the wall, but turned around and ran to Erwin, wrapping him in the tightest hug she could give him. «I love you, Uncle Erwin. We'll be fine», she looked up at him. «We'll know the secret and humanity will find its freedom»
- «Y/N, be careful», he kissed the girl on the forehead, releasing her from his embrace.
Y/N looked at him again and went to her friends.
***
- Erwin, we have destroyed all the titans sent by the Beast Titan, but we won't be able to reach him. He's not going to get close to the walls. But, he started firing stones. The forward line of defense on the other side perished. And what happened on the other side of the wall? I saw smoke and...
Erwin went down to Levi and the scouts guarding the horses.
- A Colossal titan has appeared. I don't know what happened to Hange's people. I directed Y/N towards Eren and the others. They have a funny habit of surviving. She'll be safer with them than with me.
- What did you think?
- «You'll kill Beast titan while I distract his attention. I'll send all the remaining scouts into battle. We'll go straight as long as you», Erwin gestured at the titans standing in a semicircle, «use them to get to Beast titan»
- You don't have to go into battle. They're...
- Nothing will work if I don't lead them. Most of the survivors are recruits. They need a leader. They've never seen anything like it...
- What will happen on the other side of the wall?
- I hope Hange can handle it. Your squad are talented people, they'll find a way out.
- Do you understand that this is a one-way trip? You'll die...
- I have always dreamed only of finding the truth. I... was selfish. While everyone was fighting for the salvation of mankind, I fought only for my dream. And then... I became commander. I had to inspire people. I was supposed to lead them to achieve our goal - the salvation and liberation of mankind, but... It was their goal, not mine. And at some point, I lost the feeling of what's right and what's wrong... Where are my desires, and where are my duties... I... I met a doctor in the Capital, trying to find out the truth about why people forgot their past, I tried to prove that my father didn't die in vain, that he was right. And...
- And you dragged his daughter to her death in an attempt to fulfill your dream.
- You were right in saying that I make a mistake with her. But... now it's too late.
***
Y/N landed close to Eren and the others.
- Mikasa, what happened to you?
- «Y/N? Why are you here? Where is the commander? We wanted to head towards him because...», she glanced at Armin, who was crowded around, «we don't know what to do. How to deal with two titans, and we have no time...»
- The commander went to the other side. Levi and the others confront the Beast Titan and protect our horses. Our task is to cope with Reiner and Bertholdt.
- «Armin... He tried to solve everything with words, but...», she looked at her friend in frustration, who was still confused, «but Bertholdt acted like he was crazy, like he was out of his mind... And Reiner, we used thunder spears, as planned, but... everything went awry and we didn't have time to finish. We only have two spears left - that mightn't be enough. Armin and Jean... They have to decide what to do, I...», she moved even closer to Y/N, «talk to him, he needs you. He... He can't manage now...»
- Doubts himself. As usual. I realized. Thanks, Mikasa. We'll figure something out, we'll get through it. We must cope.
They exchanged a look and Y/N went to Armin. The guys hadn't noticed before that Y/N had joined them.
- Guys... Are you all right?
- Y/N? Are you in our group now?
- We saw the explosion from the wall. Most of your group died. And apparently, there was no one left besides me... What are you going to do?
- «We... Armin took command from Commander Erwin, but...», Jean was clearly annoyed.
- I don't know what to do, Jean. I made a mistake. I...
- «Armin», Y/N sat next to him. He didn't look at her when she approached. He didn't look at anyone, avoiding any contact, trying to cope with stress. Y/N took his hand, «Armin, breathe. You need to calm down. We'll get through this, all together»
He looked up at her. She always knew how to inspire courage in him. And calm his worries. But now that wasn't enough. They were on the verge of failure, they needed to urgently solve something.
- Jean... Take command... I... I'm not ready yet. Once I figure out how to deal with the Colossal Titan, I'll let you know.
They all stood up, waiting to hear some kind of plan.
- «We need to distract Reiner to get closer to him. We only have two thunder spears left, which means we need to act clearly and accurately. So first...», Jean began.
- I'll do it. Tell me where to lure him, I'll do it, Jean.
- Y/N?
- «I don't have spears, but blades», she pulled out all her blades, except for two that were already inserted into carbines, «take them, you'll need them more. I still didn't get along with them. And you... they might come in handy»
- Y/N, this is nonsense, and how are you going to distract him? I will not let...
- You're not my commander, Jean. Erwin has made it clear that I have to do my best, and this... This is what I can do.
- But still - how are you going to distract him?
- I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve, just trust me.
- You know perfectly well how thunder spears work and...
- I know what to do. You'll see when you can approach.
Y/N sheathed her blades and headed towards Reiner.
- «WHAT IS SHE DOING?! SHE REMOVED THE BLADES AND GIVED ALL THE OTHER BLADES TO US! JEAN, WHY DID YOU ALLOW HER?» Sasha yelled at him, «SHE'S NOT A FIGHTER LIKE US, SUDDENLY SHE CAN'T DO IT...»
- She herself has the right to decide what to do, as she said, Sasha... Perhaps she's much braver than she seems...
They watched as Y/N headed towards Reiner, waiting to see what she would do. Armin's heart skipped a beat. «All this is because of me... I made a mistake. And that's why Y/N does it... If she gets hurt, I'll be the only one to blame... I don't want her to suffer, I don't want to. She deserves only the best in this world»
***
Y/N quietly approached Reiner. She spotted a rooftop a block away, where she mentally marked her final destination. She followed the stop: she took out her knives, duct tape and sealed vials of acid. «Let it work. I'm not an idiot. It should do something»
She attached the test tubes to the knives — ordinary throwing knives bought in the Capital. Levi's knife was still on her hip, even though she was angry with him, his gift was dear to her. He was like a good luck charm that kept her life safe.
Finally, she reached the end point. She saw Reiner, and he saw her. They looked at each other. In her head, Y/N thought over the most successful trajectory that was possible at the moment. «I need to get into the cavities between the layers of armor, otherwise the knife will just bounce. And... his neck hasn't recovered from the thunder spears yet, I can try to get there»
Reiner looked at her more with interest than fear. He saw that she didn't even have blades in her hands, and the rest of her comrades were far away. He wondered what she was up to. «Did she decide to try the same negotiation trick her boyfriend tried?»
And suddenly he felt a tingling on the back of his head. It wasn't noticeable at first until...
- YES, I GOT IT.
Y/N successfully hit the back of Reiner's head. At first, nothing happened, until suddenly greenish steam began to pour from the back of his head. And then Reiner screamed. «Oops, that must hurt» Y/N pulled out a second knife and moved a little closer to him. This time, her knife landed behind the knee, causing Reiner to fall to one knee. He screamed in pain. But...
«Damn girl, what have you done...», Reiner abruptly stood up and, with the last of his strength, overcoming terrible pain and burning, grabbed Y/N and threw her somewhere into the ruins of the city.
The last thing she managed to see was his furious face, and then there was only darkness.
***
- They look at each other. Nothing else. It doesn't look like much of a distraction. And what does she do with her knives? They're like toothpicks for titan.
The guys watched from a distance. Suddenly, they saw a green cloud around Reiner and heard a scream of agony.
- What the hell? What did she do to him? What is it all about?
- We'll find out later, it's a signal! Gotta move!
- Jean! Wait, I figured out how we can deal with Bertholdt! Eren and I will do everything, and you'll finish with Reiner!
- Armin, are you sure?
- Yes all...
And then they saw how Reiner threw Y/N in an unknown direction.
- Jean, everything will work out. We... we can handle it.
«I'm sorry, Y/N, I'm so sorry»
***
A/N: Hello, it's already Chapter 30, can't believe that I actually wrote that much. As for me, this chapter is kinda boring, but it's important as you know. It shows new side of Erwin's and Y/N's relationship.
Next two chapters are really angsty so... prepare yourself