~ Gone ~ Red
*
Screams.......
Protesting...........
Panicking of lives that were vulnerable to the enemy........
Flying towards the boats past the rea wall of Shiganshina, I saw many people crowding near the boats. So many civilians crying out, shoving and frantically wanting to get on board. Landing on the ground my eyes scan the crowds, my eyes snapping in every direction trying to find my little sister.
"Mei!!!!"
Rushing towards the crowd of people I shove past to find a Garrison soldier, if they have seen her. "Hey, you can't sh--" they pause recognising who I am.
My eyes narrow, feeling my palms become clammy.
"Have you seen a little girl with raven hair and hazel eyes, get on board?" I question them sternly.
They look at me like they haven't seen a child with the description, "I-I don't think so......the boat is too full capacity," She replies, as my eyes fall upon the boat. Shaking my head, she gave me a look of concern in her eyes. "Wait aren't yo--"
Cutting her off bluntly, I had to keep moving.
I step away from the people allowing myself to search over the boat, activating my ODM I land on top of the roof of the boat. Searching around frantically, I notice a small blonde. "Armin!" I call, as his head perks up turning to meet eye to eye. "Have you seen my sister? Did she climb aboard?"
He shook his head in response, feeling my heart sink.
"Haven't seen her climb onboard!"
Piercing cries echoe nearby the wall growling in response, I run before jumping off activating my ODM gear. Regarding with how little gas I have to conserve, the endless chaos kept occuring.
The grappling hooks embed into the wall before arriving back at the gate, landing on the ground harshly while running through. The air in my lungs were starting to burst, with how my body was running by adrenaline.
"Mei!!!!" I call out, finally making it inside Shiganshina district.
The rubble beneath my feet tumble down, making me dodge it before stumbling over another rock. Thundering footsteps wander around aimlessly, hearing painful cries all around knowing many have been injured where death awaited them.
"Mei!!!!!"
My eyes frantically dart around, trying to find her. The boat was about to leave, and I couldn't risk her being left behind. Blood tainted the streets, painting the buildings with the metallic stench.
"Big Sister!!!!!! Akira!!!!!!!"
Her voice, I swear I heard her voice....but where?
"Akira!!!!!!"
My breath hitches in my throat finally following her painful cries, until I hear blood curdling cries pierce the thick air. Running in the direction I turn the corner only to see her legs thrashing and kicking, in the hands of a ten metre titan.
"Mei!!!"
Drawing my blades out I roar in anger activating my ODM gear, digging the hooks into it's thick flesh. Pushing forward seeing the giant's mouth opens around her torso, I turn sharply raising my arms.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry father for being a disappointment!!!! Please?!" She cries out. "I'll try to be better I'll--"
Swinging my blades, they slice right through the thick and stubborn flesh. The sounds of the blades meet together, ring in the air sending a lingering chime.
The colour of blood coax my vision, only to hear a bone crushing sound.
My body falters for a moment feeling exhaustion catching up on me, but as the body of the titan crumbles to the ground............no sound was made from her. Landing on the ground I felt my knees almost give way, before running towards the head of the beast towards Mei.
"Mei, Mei!"
Soon everything felt like my whole world crashes down, my eyes wide with doubt clouding them. Blood pools beneath her body, seeing her innards spilling out through her middle. Stepping closer before letting my knees buckle to the ground, my hands slowly tremble while grasping her tainted skin. Her eyes wide, pupils showing no sign of life within them.
My body grew numb in response, as my fingertips trail across a discoloured bruise against her cheek.
"Hey....M-Mei....y-you can stop pretending....." my voice slowly broken with a light painful chuckle, my heart slowly beating til I try swallowing thickly. Mustering all my being, the connection soon snaps. ".....h-hey Mei.....a-a boat is ready........Armin....Eren and Mikasa.....they're waiting......f-for you..."
The screams and cries were muffled by the blood pounding heavily against my ears, my mind focusing on the lifeless body before me.
"O-oh god, y-you're too young...........why......?"
Memories soon begin to flash into my mind, with little time we spent but how much my love for her is. Mei loved drawing, she absolutely loved drawing nature. Curious beyond the walls, like Armin. She always had many questions, none we could answer properly.
A mind that could've become greater, if I was here on time.
Knowing her body can't be retrieved, like mothers and many others. Stray tears rolls down my cheeks, before dripping upon her own chubby cheeks. Blurring my vision, I wipe them with my sleeve before closing her eyes gently. Pulling her away from the giant corpse to a building, I pull her inside a rickety old house.
Soon a trail of her blood heavily stains the earth, as I place her gently inside.
Tightening my fists a shadow casts over my eyes, before stepping towards the door. Taking one more glance, my lips soon quiver slowly.
"Please, say hello to mother......will you?"
With those few words I walk out the building, blinking away the tears before seeing the beasts towering before me. Sheathing my blades, the steel rings softly but yet vehemently.
My eyes bore into the souls of the titans, realising reality is cruel
Seeing her die before me so easily made me feel so pathetic, having lived a short life with no meaning. Her life was never perfect, her life reflected my own with father too. How I wished for a better life for her, but why on god's earth did she had to leave me so quickly?
Yelling in anger I push up embedding the grappling hooks, bypassing their needy hands. My grip tightens around the handle raising my two blades, before spiraling down towards the two titans slicing through their napes in an instant. Steam soon emits from my attack, seeing their bodies disappearing slowly.
Flying back over to aid the Garrison, I noticed Hannes yelling something out which causes my head to be on full alert.
Their aimless canon fire missed their targets, only destroying the buildings on the sides.
Their frantic behaviour makes their moves shaky, as I dove in swinging my blades sideways in sync before slicing another titan's nape. Watching it's body collide into the ground heavily, I could hear the earth trembling.
The abrupt attack left us at a disadvantage, with so many lives already taken......
I past by a few garrison soldier's with immense speed passing by, leaning my body forward. Raising my blades I spiral towards the titan, slicing it's nape instantly before making another move upon them.
"I-It's her!!!!"
"It's Captain Akira!!!!"
Passing by another titan i slice through it's nape cleanly, flicking my hair to the side. Soon I hear the inner gate closing, but suddenly heavier footsteps started to approach. My eyes soon trail to my left side, only to see a titan. Body full of hardened armour skin, standing at least fifteen metres tall. It's body intimidates the soldier's instantly, even making me slightly quiver beneath his beady golden eyes.
"W-What is that?"
It's body was like it had a mind of it's own seeing it get into a stance, about to charge head on. My eyes widen gathering by appearance and stance, danger was all to come. Turning sharply, I fly towards the garrison's.
"Run! Run everyone!!!!!!" I scream out, but they began firing towards the titan. "GET OUT THE WAY!!!!!!"
Nothing took it down, our attacks.......their useless!
"Idiots, retreat!!!!!!!!!!" I yell out, but I was too late as it's large body smashes right through the weakest part of the wall. My body got caught up with the immense wind, along with the impact. I cry out as my body flies right through the air, before colliding into the ground with a heavy grunt.
My body tumbles in a heap, pain shooting through my body.
The dust slowly clears while lying on my side in intense agony, my body slightly trembling pain. Warm blood rolls down my forehead covering one eye, while I try pushing myself up slowly. Shallow breaths leave my lips, finding it hard to gather the air I lost from my lungs.
Coughing harshly I raise my arm smearing the blood allowing me to see, before seeing a large crowd of titans making their way through the larger hole.
"Shit.....Shit......" cursing in anger, my eyes flicker towards the boat that started making their way towards the next district. The remaining people scream out in complete fear, feeling the vibration through the earth of the beasts feet.
"Akira!!!!"
My head perks up recognising that old man's voice, before seeing Hannes. Rushing over he helps me up from my feet, but I grimace in pain.
The heavy footsteps grew more closer, when I felt blood rolling heavily against my forehead again.
Smearing it lightly my eyes squint seeing the large beasts walking towards us, while my hands shook. My home, my family, my people...............I must protect what's left.
"Akira.........what do we do?" He questions. "We've never been fully prepared for this, what do--"
My eyes downcast with a heavy shadow, this feeling of overwhelming hate begins to overflow my pathetic emotions.
"Akira....hey, you alright?"
The pain gnawing me to the bone, as it subsides.
Drawing my last fresh pair of blades from the scabbards, I inhale sharply. It reminded me when I saw Levi the moment he lost everything, that moment he had nothing to lose anymore. Closing my eyes, "Hannes........we must stall them so the remaining civilians can head by trail to Wall Rose," turning to him, as his eyes widen.
"W-What, but that's...?"
"Suicide? I know......but it's all we can do.......for now at least," my voice oppressive, and firm. My eyes never leaving the beasts that slowly made their way towards us, as the people near the river began to make a run for it to the next wall. "We need all remaining soldier's to stall, and some to aid the people to the wall.......we must save the people who made this village become.......Shiganshina...."
"A-Akira......" soon he salutes, understanding our priority right now. "Right! O-On it......."
Even though he wavered he abided by my orders, and began to order a few men with the villagers. Tapping my tanks I could feel how empty it was almost getting, making me inhale and exhale calmly.
Rolling my shoulders to ease the tension, my eyes soon glare dangerously to the hungry eyes of the beasts.
Charging in, this conscious of myself began to creep in being clouded pure anger. This pent up fury starts to spark at the tips of fingers metaphorically, flying towards a titan. Sharply doing turns I dodge their hands reach towards me.
Blood sprays, my blades grazing against each other.
My eyes glazed over with blood lust, roaring in anger while I spiral up an arm of a twenty metre titan. It's limb soon drops before I slicing it's nape sharply, as the bodies drop one by one. The garrison soldiers that remained alive and around, began to try and help me out. Light tears roll down my cheeks subconsciously, my body running with a spike up adrenaline.
Blood pounding against my ears, my heart beats rapidly with every titan that falls beneath my blades.
*
MEANWHILE AT SURVEY CORPS HQ - (LEVI's POV)
After training hard beside Renji, things have been rather quiet. The rest of the soldier's should be coming in just about now, I'm assuming. Gathering with intel with Renji and a few others, Akira should be with them.
Wait, why am I concerned for her?
Folding my arms I rest on the bench outside, when I felt his presence beside me.
"Sorry......must be annoying you by now," Renji apologises.
"Tch, no need........"
All he does is chuckle in response, "Did she mention we have a little sister?"
"Huh?"
He leans back placing his arms around the back of the bench, "She must've quickly said hello while going past Shiganshina, which I'm assuming,"
"Why you telling me this?" I question, raising an eyebrow. "What if I don't care?"
He laughs scratching the back of his neck, "I know you probably don't care, don't have anyone around to speak to at the moment," he sheepishly admits, while my eyes drift away from his face to the ground.
Ever since I joined the scouts, Akira has been putting up with my shit. Always taking in my blunt attitude, and even admitted she never knew about what happened last year. She was always a laid back person, but tends to overexert herself.
I don't think I've ever seen her sleep once, and she always takes the blame with everything.
"Akira has always been a solitary type of person," Renji breaks the heavy silence, hearing the sadness in his voice. "She may seem rather open, but really there are things she never tells me."
Hiking an eyebrow I bluntly look at him, "Maybe because she would rather have her privacy?"
Making him embarrassed he instantly averts his eyes from my own, when my ears perk up on the sounds of heavy footsteps and the sound of wagons coming this way. Standing up I slowly make my way over before seeing the Commander looking rather spaced out, while seeing the rest of everyone else.
Many casualties were brought back, when suddenly I notice a certain woman wasn't amongst them. My heart pounded in sudden fear, not realising my small reaction.
"What happened?" I hear Renji question, walking up beside me while the Commander pauses for a moment. "Where's Captain Akira?"
He kept quiet for a moment, as a few of the men parted ways to recuperate. Erwin walks up to us, "What's going on here?"
Renji's eyes narrow in anger, "Where the hell is my Captain?!"
Voice more demanding, and yet still threatening.
The Commander looks up, "She's in Shiganshina district, I asked for her to remain there to keep track on the Garrisons.....and to see her family,"
Discreetly breathing out in relief, I hear Renji breathe out more exasperatingly.
"Phew........okay, don't keep quiet if you know she's safe," Renji warns the Commander, but soon he walks by us continuing on. "Don't scare me like that."
My eyes settle upon him for a moment, narrowing towards him.
"He's looking more distant every expedition we take," Erwin comments bluntly, observant much. Soon he walks away leaving us standing there, whilst my eyes drift in the direction our men came from.
"Well at least she's alright........right?" Renji questions.
Glancing up to the taller male, I gave him a deadpanned look. He looks back down before looking clueless, before turning around heading to the barracks to make myself some tea. Akira has been an annoyance sometimes, but she was the only one I comfortable felt needed.
Knowing she's seeing her family was enough to ease my mind, hating express it to others.
****************
Walking down the corridor my feet trudge through, pinching the bridge of my nose. Soon my ears perk up at the sound of someone running down, seeing one of the messengers. He rushes down, boots echoing down the hallway without a word to me. Standing there, I notice him reaching Commander Shadis.
Shrugging my shoulders, I head to the Mess Halls.
Collecting my meal and water, I found a spot and began to chew slowly. While biting into my bread slowly, my mind wanders back to the messenger who went straight towards Commander Shadis' office. Furrowing my eyebrows, this sickening feeling settles in my stomach.
Why do I feel so uneasy right now? There's nothing to worry about, right?
"You seem to like being alone,"
Sighing deeply my eyes briefly met with brown eyes, "Maybe because I prefer it that way,"
She chuckles sitting down, "Well with Akira, you enjoy her company.......I wonder why?" She smirks, while my eyes avert from hers.
"Tch, no reason..........anyway.....got a quick question," I glance amongst the hall, before turning back to the brat. "Any news? Warnings?"
Tilting her head in confusion, I shook my head leaning back.
"Don't answer........." I mutter.
She begins to eat her meal quietly giving me at least some peace and quiet, chewing slowly. Sighing deeply she was right, being alone..........trying to distance myself so I wouldn't lose anyone again. The grief with my two friends left a blurry past for me, not wanting to dwell on it all the time in my thoughts.
"Shiganshina District has been breached!!!!!!!!!"
My eyes snap up in response, "What?"
"Shiganshina district has been breached, front and rear of the walls!!!!!!"
Turning to Lena I notice a sudden change within her eyes, when remembering her. Akira. Wasn't she at Shiganshina district just before? Soon everyone stood up in alarm, while my eyes slowly widen.
"Don't worry everyone, Captain Akira has it handled!!!!" someone else assures all of us.
I slam my hands against the table, "Alone? That's suicide!!!!!!"
Taken back from my sudden outburst, a few people gasp in response to the sudden invasion. "Yet......h-how was it breached?!"
"Some say was a titan,"
"No, I've heard a titan that had armour barrelled into the gates..."
"What?"
Standing there with hands burning from the impact against the table, my eyes remain slightly widen. She must be already exhausted, dammit........!
"Levi.......Levi!"
My eyes snap back up to meet with Lena's kind eyes, "Akira will be strong, believe in her,"
Those words weren't enough to make me feel at ease, but I don't know why I'm feeling suddenly protective. Lifting my hands slowly I take a deep breath in, before exhaling calmly.
"We just need to wait for her return,"
*
MEANWHILE AT SHIGANSHINA - (3rd POV:)
***********************
Steam emits everywhere thickening everyone's view upon the enemy, as many of the titans poured in like a disease. Hannes hands were shaking in response knowing they can't defeat them all, but watching the woman doing all she can, he soon felt like a coward. Her speed and strength combined took several titans down in a flash, yet he could hear the spluttering of her gas tanks running out.
Blood drifts down Akira's eye heavily, while her chest heaves with exhaustion. Struggling to stay upright, and focused.
She hasn't settled on the ground at all, her arms burning in response with how long she's been going at it. Her vision was growing more hazy by the second, while the Garrison stood there amazed by the female soldier before them.
Never have they seen such strength in one standing, yet they knew they had no chance.
"Time to retreat and aid the rest of the citizens!!!!!" one of the garrison soldier's yell.
"You're right about that, but what about Captain Akira?!"
"She'll be fine, she's such a demon!!!!!!" One exclaims, in amazement.
Yet that's what they observed except for Hannes, who knew Akira is past her breaking point, only running on fumes. Her movements grew sluggish, causing her actions to falter amidst the attack. Requiring what little strength she had, she slices one more titan as her blades shatter into pieces in response to the thick flesh.
Her tank spluttering in response, signalling Akira that she used the last of the gas tank.
"Dammit......I'm.....all..... out," She drawls out, when a large hand smacks her into the earth. For the first time within twenty minutes she reaches the ground, but felt the pain intensifying in her body. The sound of her ODM gear clattering all together collides, before Hannes lands quickly scooping her body.
"Dammit, we need to retreat," he hisses, before another garrison soldier arrives beside him. "You there........help her onto my back, will ya?"
"Yes sir!" saluting firmly, he begins to lifts Akira upon his back trying to allow room and comfort.
The heavy bellowing of the beasts echoes down the valley, as the soldier's pick up towards their horses and made a break for it. With the help of the same soldier they pull Akira upon the horse with Hannes, as he hoists himself upon the stirrups allowing her to hold onto him. Flicking their reigns, Akira's eyes were blurry and fuzzy unable to focus on anything.
'I'm pathetic, I couldn't.......I didn't even.....' she thoughts in her mind, wanting nothing more than to go back in time and see how it all happened.........
"I-I didn't.......I didn't save....."
"Akira..........don't allow those thoughts in right now," Hannes warns her, knowing that there was nothing they could do about the terrible and appalling situation. With lives on the line, all that mattered was the people gathering to Trost district for refuge and safety.
"But..........I didn't save..........e-everyone....." her voice soon fades, drifting to sleep.
Hannes didn't understand what she meant by that, or what she saw to see her raging like a demon back there. He sensed an aura that was a threatening one, something he couldn't comprehend seeing her movements. Even though she was low on everything, she gave it her all......
'Why couldn't I be courageous and brave like her, when Carla was murdered before Eren? Why did I hesitate?' Hannes thought to himself.
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