Lost in the Cruel World (Mikasa's Second Chance) (AOT)

22. Memories of That Day

AUTHOR'S POV:

Levi and Eren were at the old Survey Corps headquarters, waiting for Erwin.

"They're late." Levi said, sipping his tea. "Erwin and his damn folk are making me wait. Our Military Police escorts are gonna arrive first." He took a sip of his tea. "Maybe he's constipated again."

"How is Petra now?" Eren asked in a monotonous voice.

Levi took a sip. "She got some days off. I don't know how she is doing."

"I'm sorry, Captain." Eren said and looked down. "I could have saved them all. But I guess that wasn't supposed to happen."

"No one could have foreseen the outcome." Levi said. "So I don't blame you."

"Are you sure, Captain?" Eren asked, looking at Levi.

"Hmm?" Levi asked, looking at Eren weirdly.

Then the door creaked open.

Eren stood up.

"Sorry for being late." Erwin said, coming in.

"Not at all." Eren said.

Then Hange, Armin, Mikasa and Jean came inside along with Erwin.

"We've identified the person likely to be the Female Titan." Erwin said. "This time we will catch her."

Armin, Hange, Mikasa, and Jean stood silently.

"The operation will begin the day after tomorrow." Erwin said.
.

A map of the Walls was open on the table before them.

All of them were sitting around the table.

"The location is Stohess, where we'll be passing en route to the royal court. This is our one and only chance." Erwin explained. "If we can't escape there, you'll inevitably fall into the hands of the authorities." He looked at Eren.

Levi sat there blank faced.

"Then it'll be even harder to pursue those who scheme to destroy the Walls. Humanity's annihilation will become even more imminent." Erwin explained. "We must bet everything we have on this operation."

Eren nodded, face emotionless.

"The plan is as follows: While we're passing through Stohess..." Erwin said, tracing the route with his finger. "Eren, you'll act as bait to lure the target to this tunnel. If you can bring her into its depths, then even if she transforms, she won't have the space to utilize her power. But if by any chance she transforms before then, we'll have to rely on you, Eren."

Eren nodded.

"She's also suspected of killing those two captive Titans. She might be your former fellow trainee from the 104th." Erwin said, looking at Eren with a serious expression. "The name of the woman suspected to be -"

"The Female titan was Annie Leonhart." Eren said, cutting Erwin off, looking down.

"You knew?" Jean asked, surprised.

"Did you just say... was?" Hange asked with a surprised expression.

"That's right." Eren said and looked up at them. "Annie Leonhart is dead."

Jean, Hange and Armin gasped.

Erwin looked at Eren with a serious expression.

"It figures." Levi said, glaring at Eren. "So, tell us, what really happened yesterday?"

"I'm sorry, Captain. Mikasa and I lied to you about the Female titan getting lost." Eren said, looking at Levi.

Jean, Hange and Armin looked at Mikasa with wide eyes.