Chapter 36 - Trost Reclamation 2

" So, you are saying that if we manage to reach the bas.e.m.e.nt of your house, which is in Shiganshina District, we will find the answers?" asked Pixis.

" Yes Sir, my father made me into what I am now and he even told me to go there so.....I.....I'm sure there will be answers there," replied Eren with some uncertainty in his voice.

" I see." (Pixis)

" Do you believe me Sir?" asked Eren with some doubt.

" As long as you yourself aren't certain, I'd say I can only keep it in mind at best. However, I believe myself capable of seeing the truth of things. I shall guarantee your safety." (Pixis)

Hearing this Armin, Eren and Mina breath out a sigh of relief. Afterward, Pixis asked Armin if he truly believed what he said or if it was just a vain act of desperation. Armin replied that it was both and presented his strategy about using Eren to seal off the hole in the wall, by blocking it with a large boulder he saw when he retreated. Pixis then turned towards Eren to ask if he can seal it. Eren replied that he don't know if he could and Pixis questioned him again with another question, will he do it or not.

" I'll do it! I'm not sure if I can seal the wall but I'll do it!" replied Eren resolutely.

" Hmm! Well said you are quite the man," said Pixis with a smile. He then turned towards Asriel and his girls.

" You must be cadet Asriel, I've heard of your actions from your fellow cadets and soldiers. So is cadet Mikasa and cadet Annie. You three had done a great job evacuating the civilians and eradicating those titans. I must say....I'm glad we are on the same side," said Pixis with a short laugh.

" You overpraise us, Sir," replied Asriel while his girls had proud smiles on their faces. Hearing his reply, Pixis chuckled and went towards the edge of the wall to call his staff officers to strategize. Armin was surprised that they would seriously consider his plan, questioning himself how they can just go ahead with it. Eren replied saying that the Commander saw something they can't and that the titans aren't their only enemies now. Armin was surprised to hear that and Asriel exaggerated his surprise to tease Eren about how he could think deeply into things unlike usual.

" *gasp* Are you really Eren? Where did the loud-mouthed suicidal idiot that I know go? Where is he!? You imposter!" said Asriel shaking Eren left and right.

" Wha....what the hell! Stop shaking me and what did you just call me!?" (Eren)

" What? It's the truth, a fact, isn't it guys?" replied Asriel, asking the others for confirmation. Mikasa and Annie nodded their heads without hesitation while Christa, Armin, and Mina looked the other way not daring to meet Eren's eyes. They were also trying hard not to laugh.

" You guys...." replied Eren and looked at the rest with a 'You traitors!' look on his face.

" Time is of the essence. We have a role for you to fulfill young soldiers," before Eren could say something back Pixis interrupted him and walked towards the group with his staff officers.

In the meantime, soldiers and cadets alike were gathered near the wall for briefing by their superiors. They were told that they will have to go back in to try and retake Trost. People were scared, frightened and despaired. Most of the soldiers wanted to walk away but were afraid of the consequences that would follow.

Daz, being the greatest coward he is, started screaming about not wanting to die and that their superiors are just trying to throw their lives away. Marco tried his best to stop Daz but he just screamed louder making one of the commanders to come check out what's going on.

The commander threatened him that he would be branded as a traitor and he will be court-martialed if he does not stop. Daz then took out his blade, saying if he is going to die he'd rather die to a blade. Other soldiers took this ruckus as an opportunity to slip away. Soon, one by one people started leaving.

" ATTENTION!!" (Pixis)

Pixis shout managed to get the attention of the soldiers and those who were leaving. He then started to introduce Eren, saying he is a secret weapon developed by the government.

" *sigh* A lot of people might die in this operation." sighed Armin.

" Their death won't be in vain Armin. I'm certain that this operation will be a success....unless some variables pop up that would impede us." (Asriel)

" Do you really think we would succeed?" asked Armin.

" Hmm, no, on a second thought, I have a feeling that we might run into a serious problem," replied Asriel with a serious face.

" What do you..." (Armin)

" Hey! You are the cadet who planned this operation right? Come explain to us the details," said one of the officers.

" Go, Armin, we are counting on you" (Asriel)

" Un!" (Armin)

" Eru.," said Mikasa pulling his sleeves. She was worried about Asriel when she saw how serious he look right now.

" What's wrong? Asriel?" asked Annie.

" Are you alright? Were you hurt?" asked a worried Christa.

" No, I'm fine but I have a feeling that we might meet one of the two titans who destroyed the walls." (Asriel)

Hearing this the girls were shocked and they got serious themselves.

" If.....if things are out of control, I'll change into titan form and bring you all out of here," said Annie resolutely.

" Hmm, well if you are going to transform then I'll have to as well," replied Asriel with a smile. The girls were shocked once again, and before they could say anything Asriel interrupted them.

" It's about time to show the world what I'm capable of, don't you think?" said Asriel as he turned to face the Trost District. His girls were excited but also worried about him, they went up to his left and right, standing shoulder to shoulder, declaring that no matter what happens, they will be with him through it all.

In the meantime, Pixis finished raising the morale of the soldiers and declaring that Eren will be used to take back Trost District.

Pixis made Rico, Ian, and Mitabi in charge of the elite unit that would protect Eren. Asriel, Mikasa, Annie, and Christa were also included in the elite unit. After preparing for a bit, they started the operation.

" You...what are you?" asked Rico towards Asriel while running.

" What do you ever mean, Brzenska senpai?" replied Asriel with a smile.

" You know what I mean! What you did back at the wall, that is not normal! How could a human have such intense bloodl.u.s.t that could make people faint or feel despair?" (Rico)

Mikasa was angry when she heard what Rico said, in her mind, Rico was saying that Asriel is not human. Before she could do anything though Annie stopped her and just gestured to wait and see.

" We have titans that are tall enough that they could destroy walls with just a kick, we have a person that could turn into a titan and we have normal titans that loves to eat people for fun, why are you surprised that I could make people faint with my killing intent?" replied Asriel.

" That's....still, you must have killed a lot of people to have that kind of killing intent!" argued Rico.

" I might or might not have....why? Are you scared of me, senpai?" replied Asriel with a mischievous smile.

" Nonsense! I don't care if you have killed a lot of people but if you dare bring trouble for the rest of us, I'll cut you down right there and them, humph!" replied Rico as she sped up to run beside Eren. After a while, they reached the area of the boulder from the wall and started to use the ODM gear to get closer to it.

" We are here, Eren, we are counting on you!" (Ian)

" Leave it to me!" said Eren and bit his hand midair, transforming into the attack titan.

* ROOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR*

* BOOMMMM*

After Eren crashed into a building another roar was heard from a distance.

* ROOOOOAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*

" Shit! It's the Armored titan!!!" shouted Mitabi.