Attack On Titan: Hope

The captain of the Garrison Regiment stood tall, his voice booming across the assembled troops. The air was heavy with tension, the weight of their mission settling upon them like a physical burden.

"I want everyone to split into 4 squadrons. Each squadron is responsible for supply running, message relaying and enemy combat under the command of the Garrison Regiment. The Intercept squadron will take the vanguard, Cadets will take the Middle Guard led by the Support Squad, the Rear Guard will go to the Elite. I hope you all man up your post, knowing that the Advanced Team has been wiped out. That's right, they're history. And there's also a chance that the Armored Titan is about to reappear and breach Wall Rose."

His words hung in the air like a specter, casting a chill down the spines of the listeners. While Eren didn't even bother replying back. The wind picked up, rustling the flags and banners, as if echoing the captain's ominous tone.

"It's only an exception if the Armoured appears but if he does it's our responsibility to take him down. The Humanity's Strongest Soldier is also nearby and, by now, might also have started advancing towards Trost. But don't get your hopes up; it'll take them time to reach here. Till then, protect Wall Rose at all costs. Anyone who tries to flee from the battle will be executed. Hold off the titans till the evacuation is complete. Dismissed!"

The captain's voice cracked through the air, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake. The troops exchanged grim glances, their faces set with fear and agony. Eren just sighed and walked away.

The sound of armor creaking, swords being drawn, and the distant rumble of thunder underscored the gravity of their situation.

As the soldiers dispersed to their assigned posts, the darkening sky seemed to mirror their mood. Clouds gathered, their thick, grey folds threatening to unleash a storm. The very fate of Trost hung in the balance.

"The wall's breached! It's only a matter of time before we're devoured whole..." The cadet's voice trembled, his eyes wide with terror as the weight of impending doom settled over the group.

Fear hung in the air like a palpable mist, choking the breath from their lungs. Some cadets retched, their stomachs rebelling against the horror unfolding before them. Jean's face was ashen, his eyes brimming with tears as he puked.

"Why... Why is this happening to me..." Jean muttered, his voice trembling as he slumped against the wall. His ash-brown hair clung to his damp forehead, his tear-stricken gaze lifting to meet Eren's cold turquoise eyes. An eerie shadow cast over him as Eren approached, his expression unreadable.

"I... I wanted to join the MPs... Why... Why is this happening today?" Jean's voice cracked, his despair pouring out in waves.

Eren paused, his tone almost detached as he spoke. "If you're not ready to fight for what you want, then don't cry for what you're about to lose, Kristen."

Jean's eyes widened, then narrowed with anger. He clenched his teeth, his fists trembling as he shot back, "You're enjoying this, aren't you, asshole? Scouts, my ass. All of this death and destruction—loved ones getting eaten, hearts turning to stone—is exactly what you wanted."

Rain began to pour, mingling with the streaks of tears on Jean's face as he turned his head to meet Eren's icy stare.

"Don't be so quick to judge me," Eren replied, his voice calm but laced with an edge that sent shivers down Jean's spine. "After all, you only see what I let you see, kid."

Jean scoffed, his voice low and bitter as he stormed up to Eren, grabbing him by the collar. "Yeah, a damn suicidal maniac ready to drag everyone else to their deaths."

Eren let out a slow sigh, his turquoise eyes devoid of emotion. Without hesitation, he grabbed Jean by the wrist, his grip like iron. Jean winced, a yelp escaping his throat as his own hold faltered.

Eren leaned in, his voice calm but cutting, each word a deliberate strike. "Instead of wasting your time on love."

Jean's eyes widened, his breath hitching as Eren's words sank in. Eren continued, his tone colder, sharper. "You ignored self worth Kristein."

Jean's teeth clenched, his jaw tightening as he yanked his arm free from Eren's grasp. But Eren didn't back away. Instead, he stepped closer, his fist resting lightly over Jean's chest, directly above his heart. His voice dropped even further, a chilling edge slicing through the air.

"Show your father what he has created, Kirstein."

Eren turned without another word, his steps measured and deliberate as he walked away, leaving Jean rooted to the spot.

Jean's fists trembled at his sides, his knuckles white as he gripped his ODM gear. His voice cracked with anger as he shouted after Eren. "I've given up on her, you hear me, Lenz? She is just a slave to her past—nothing else!"

Eren paused, glancing back at him. A faint flicker of something unreadable passed across his face before he looked away, his thoughts sharp and deliberate. Jean Kirstein... an impulsive, easily swayed fool. But perhaps... a tool worth sharpening.

Jean stormed off, his figure tense against the gray, looming sky.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Mikasa and Christa approached, Ymir trailing behind them.

"Eren!" Both voices called out in unison, trembling with urgency.

Eren turned toward them, his cold turquoise eyes locking with theirs, concern flickering beneath the surface of his usual stoic demeanor. The two girls clung to his hands, their voices a mixture of desperation and resolve.

"Ereh! Come with me—I'll protect you!" Mikasa declared firmly, her grip tightening as if she could shield him with sheer willpower.

Eren sighed, a faint trace of amusement crossing his face.

"No, Eren! Stay with me!" Christa chimed in, her tone no less fervent. "Even if I'm weaker, I'll still keep you safe!"

Eren's gaze shifted between the two, as he let them bicker for a moment longer before a commanding voice cut through the tension.

"Lenz! You're with us!" the captain of the Garrison Regiment barked, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Eren's bored expression lifted slightly as he met the captain's eyes, his response curt. "Fine... I'll be right there."

The captain didn't linger, turning and walking off without another word. Eren's attention returned to the two girls, his grip on their hands tightening just enough for them to notice. His voice softened but remained firm.

"Ackerman, Christa... Once the mission starts, the formations will break apart. Find me in the rear. I'll protect you." His gaze shifted briefly to Mikasa. "And Ackerman, bring Arlet with you."

His grip relaxed, his hands rising to rest gently on their heads. His touch was soft, reassuring, as he added, "Don't die on me, you two. Take care of each other out there."

For a brief moment, his icy demeanor melted, his expression softening as he saw the glint of unshed tears in their eyes.

Before he could react further, both girls lunged forward, wrapping their arms tightly around him.

"Um... You too... Take care..." Mikasa whispered some tears spilling down her eyes.

But Christa frowned seeing Eren patt or hug Mikasa back, making her envy Mikasa even more.

Eren hesitated, his hands hovering awkwardly before settling on their heads once more, patting their hair gently. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips, though it vanished as quickly as it came.

Still, he couldn't ignore the piercing death glare Ymir was throwing his way, especially every time his hand lingered on Christa's golden locks.

When the two finally pulled away, their faces were flushed crimson. Without another word, they turned and ran in opposite directions, leaving Eren standing there.

His gaze hardened as he turned toward the elite squad, the weight of his next steps pressing heavily on his shoulders. The inevitable awaited him, and he walked forward, ready to face it head-on.