Arc 2 - Chapter 35: Counterattack

(Libertatem 1, 59 / 3:30AM)

A reverb service bell shackled the entirety of his soul. Piercing his heart, all the hair of his back stood up.

“Hope! Get down!”

Grabbing onto her waist, he tackled her to the ground and pinned her. Holding her tight, he made sure his body was on top of her, as the incoming shockwave…

—Shook the entire building.—

From the stone, brick, and concrete, everything that was constructed with density rumbled greatly. Feeling the building roar, many of the drawers collapsed, as some windows shattered from the blast.

And yet, the building remained. Many drawers littering the floor, some cracks were visible throughout the walls.

Letting go of her body, he slowly stood up, and dug his heels onto the unstable wood beneath him. Glancing down at Hope, he extended his hand outward, which caused her to look up at him with reassuring eyes. Grabbing it, he slowly pulled her up, all the while she felt his fingers tremble and quake.

“What is that…” Whispered Hope.

As Hope settled her bare feet on the floor, Luke turned his head toward the shattered window. It was the same window he pressed his hand six years ago, at the same night Luna told her story to him.

“No … not again …”

Beyond the eastern edges of the city, on top of a hill … was death in titan form.

Smoke and ash fluttered, as a giant figure began to stand with burning flames. Slowly walking toward the window, Luke placed both his hands on the broken frame, which bled from his palms. Seeing it stand up with all its might, it had devilish horns that pierced through the heavens.

The monster had breasts, followed by thighs and a curvy body…

“It’s the same as six years ago…”

“Luke!”

The lights from the hallway flickered repeatedly, while four men stood in front of Luke’s doors. Turning his head toward the back, he widened his eyes at Fred, who was the one who yelled with a trembling voice. His cheeks stained with tears, the others had darkened faces.

Stan enclosed his fingers, leading him to ball his fists.

“Hell just came back…”

The six of them had their eyes peeled at the shattered window. With the female giant tucking her arms in, she buckled her knees and balled her fists. Looking out toward the skyline, she spread her legs apart, while the heat of her flaming body scorched Terra.

Opening her mouth, her vocals that were sequenced inside throat … unleashed a roar of a thousand cries. The six of them slowly walked back toward the center of the hallway, as their breathing was riddled with fear.

“What do we do?” Questioned Hope.

“We … I …”

Most of the doors from the hallways swung open, and allowed the rest of The Dark Angels to storm out. And since many of the extra rooms were empty, it allowed the soldiers to lay rest. From normal marines to even agents, everyone had stormed out from their rooms to shiver against their bare feet.

And above them, ceiling lights flickered like the spotlights in a rave.

Feeling their body heat dampen the walls, sweat swished down their foreheads. And because they weren’t fully dressed, half of everyone either wore normal pajamas, simple tank tops, or bras and underwear.

“Your call Luke.” Said Stan.

“But … I don’t—”

The power went off.

Bringing an extra shade of darkness, one that brought despair, it led them to yell and shove each other with no reason. Soon, yelling began to turn rampant.

“You can come up with anything, right Luke?” Questioned Diego.

“But…”

With Luke and the rest of The Dark Angels huddling in the middle, they heard all the shouting. Being tugged, pushed, they all braced each other as some of them narrowly got shoved into the sea of soldiers. Eventually, it reached a breaking point.

“Luke!” Exclaimed Gary.

“Shut up! I’m trying to think—”

A white light appeared at the front.

Everyone, from men to women, all turned their heads toward the source of light. Ceasing their yelling, the scleras of their eyes sparkled the more they saw the freckled woman. Gwen, who was with four other adults, left Luke and the others to squeeze the ends of their stomachs.

“That ought to stop you guys’ from panicking. Instead of acting like kids, how about we plan this out like adults, yeah?”

________________________________________________________________________

(Libertatem 1, 59 / 3:45AM)

“So what’s the plan, freckled woman?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m just a commander.”

Briggs clicked his tongue.

In front of the Dark Angels building, the Dark Angels themselves along with the rest of the marines and agents, all stood firm in front of a military truck. Wearing their uniforms, they were dressed professionally instead of their casual sleepwear.

“Attention!”

Turning their heads away from the fiery beast, they had them pinned at the bowl-cut haired man on top of a truck. Feeling the cold summer wind breeze against their skin, they all were spread out rather than huddled in.

“At ease.”

Speaking in a commanding tone, his posture was straight, and his hands were cusped against his lower back. Getting everyone’s eyes, he turned his attention to the blonde-haired agent near him.

“Take it away, Briggs.”

Keeping his hands in his tuxedo pockets, Briggs gave a nod to Boris before making his way toward the edge of the truck. Straightening his back, and gluing his feet on the metal, he cleared his throat while glaring coldly at everyone.

“You’re all going to fight that thing whether you like it or not! Just because it’s powerful, doesn’t mean it can’t be destroyed!”

“Agent Briggs is right!”

Boris pushed words that mingled with raspiness. Feeling the weight of his body succumbing to gravity, he felt like his knees might buckle upon his weak strength.

“We don’t have a plan, but what we have is hope and faith! Unless you want this city—no, this country to be in ruins, then we all are going to pull our weight!”

Every soldier darkened their face, with a couple of soldiers taking two steps back. Glancing at the fiery beast, they noticed her direction being toward the city.

Most of their palms riddled with sweat, a single man raised his right hand. Having a side bang covering his right eye, he had a face brimming with youth.

“With all due respect sir, but what do you propose we should do?”

Everyone then turned their eyes toward Luke, including Briggs and Boris. For some reason, Briggs glared at him instead of staring at him. Boris placed his hands into his pockets, and pushed both his eyes and cheeks downward.

“We’re going to kill the bitch; that’s what we’re going to do.”

Gasps and murmurs spread across the sea of soldiers. Sucking in the smokish air, they pushed it back out with brittled lungs.

Meanwhile, Luke glanced down at the two weapon holsters he had in stock. Pushing the same air that ballooned his chest, he raised his right arm up to his forehead, and gleamed the sweat out from it.

“But how would we kill it?”

“That’s where you come along. You were there on that day, so did you, Fred, Gary, or Stan see anything out of the ordinary?”

Gwen questioned him, as she had both her hands stationed on her hips.

Luke turned his head toward Stan, Gary, and Fred. Noticing that their bodies trembled, and their breathing slightly fastened, Luke straightened his back.

“Hey uhm … during that day, do you remember anything…?”

“I can’t recall…” Said Stan.

“Me neither … everything was just so quick.” Said Fred.

“This is a long shot but … I have a theory.”

Everyone perked their ears at Gary’s words, with Boris being the most visibly shocked. Having the floor to himself, Gary felt everyone’s stares jab at him, considering he wasn’t used to having the spotlight. Rubbing his chest with one of his hands, he gulped as a bead of sweat rolled down his cheek.

“Speak now Gary.”

“When me, Stan, and Fred were on a lifeboat, escaping Clastine, I managed to catch a glimpse of when it exploded.”

“And where did it explode?”

“N-Near the Clastine water facility.”

Boris nodded while rubbing his fingers against his chin. Along with everyone else, they thought of the correlation between flame and water, and knowing both were opposites it meant one thing.

“So the monster’s weakness is water?”

“But like I said, it’s just a theory.”

“Then how didn’t you go blind? Reports said that anyone who saw the explosion lost the ability to see.”

Remembering the time he ate that old banana seed, Luke remembered the pain that brought to his stomach. Like a hot knife was stabbing into his liver, he was lucky he ate it. For if not, his story would’ve already been long gone.

“My friends and I were long gone from the city. In fact, we were able to see it with the naked eye without complaint.

“How far were you from the monster? Give me an estimate.”

“Probably 30 to 40 miles away…”

Briggs took off his fedora that laid waste to his blonde hair. Having his right hand grip the top of his hat, he had it placed down onto his thigh, while swaying strands of hair from his eyes. Turning his head toward Boris, he tightened his fingers against his fedora, and narrowed his cold eyes upon him.

“Given the speed at which the monster is going, she’s surprisingly taking her sweet time. Where is the Lagefor Water pump facility located?”

“In the northern side of downtown.”

Everyone turned their eyes to the city skyline, a skyline that still kept the orange clouds. Making the city a literal hell, Luke caressed the butt of his uzi with his fingertips, and eyed a particular building.

A building that was the tallest in the city, and even the entire world.

—So we're going to actually do this…

His bottom lip quivered, as he had his left hand tremble against his thigh. On the verge of succumbing to fear, he shook his head, and smacked his cheeks with both his hands.

—Then again, it’s been six years. We’re strong. We’re resilient. We’re elite soldiers. If we all take on certain tasks, tasks that would be taken on by people of talent, then I think … I think we’ll have a chance.

Luke raised his right hand again, and had everyone’s attention be dawned on him. With Boris and Briggs giving him their eyes, Boris gave him a simple nod, while Briggs folded his arms and glared.

As Luke straightened his back, he raised his left hand to caress his chest, although his fingers felt the roughness of his leather.

“I think I figured out a way to tend to all of our strengths.”

“Speak away.”

Letting his right hand drop, he took a couple of steps forward as he was in the front line of the crowd. Turning around, he had everyone’s eyes directed at him. While sweat paled his face.

“All of us should work together, and do separate tasks in regards to how we could beat her. From agents, to marines, to elite soldiers such as myself, we all should pull our worth like you said.”

Everyone began to nod at his words, with Boris and Briggs doing the same in regards to strategy. They all knew that they needed to work together, considering that the stakes are higher than ever. If they fail … failure wasn’t an option.

Gwen had her eyes glued to only Luke, whose head was hunched forward as per given by his timidness.

‘I think his words need to be louder.’

Folding her arms, she took notice of the blob of marines that acted like sardines in a can. Although Luke wasn’t in the blob, it was clear that sardines somewhat acted like sheep, and if she was commanded as the shepherd…

“Come on Luke! Time for you to finally be a leader for once!”

________________________________________________________________________

Having no other choice, he began his walk toward the back of the truck. Feeling his whole body covered in sweat, he gulped down whatever saliva that stalled in his throat, once he placed his hands on the ladder. Climbing up, he didn’t want to glance in back of him, as everyone’s eyes were staring deep into his soul.

Reaching the top, he steadied his feet on the metallic roof, even though it wasn’t moving. Reaching where Gwen stood, he passed through both Boris and Briggs, along with the Lieutenant and Sergeant who blended in the background.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Just tell them about your plan. I know you have good ideas, but try to use that voice more.”

Placing her right hand onto his shoulder, she had her brown eyes glue to his left red eye. Pushing out a large smile, she tilted her head to the right.

—“Because that voice is going to lead to great things.”—

Patting Luke’s shoulder, she walked past him and made her way toward the back of the truck. As she walked, Luke tapped his boot two times on the roof, until he urged his legs to move forward. Reaching the edge of the roof, he had the tip of his boots hovering in the air.

Which meant his heels gripped the roof.

Having everyone’s eyes set upon him, he trembled under the weight of his own body. Fiddling with his fingers, he turned toward Gwen, who gave him a thumbs up.

—I guess I have to pull my weight…

Having his body straight, he lay both of his hands to his sides, while the moon slightly pierced through the clouds. With the dim moonlight raining down onto the soldiers, they dug their feet into the asphalt.

“I may be an ordinary soldier, as well as all of you, there is a way to save this city from the beast!”

Most of the random soldiers blinked randomly. Looking like they were out of the loop, he cleared his throat once more, and felt his fingers wiggle against the air.

“I suggest we make four teams! One team travels toward the water pump facility, while the other holds back the monster. Two other teams would be in charge of evacuating civilians, and exterminating zompires at the same time!”

Everyone nodded, as they slowed their breath the more they stared. Turning her head toward Boris and Briggs, Gwen's smile did not leave upon her face.

“I raised that boy.”

“For the water pump facility, which is located in northern downtown, I and a handful of elite soldiers will enter! No military personnel will be needed!”

While he talked, he stuck out his thumb, and had it pointed to himself similar to how Gwen does it.

Having his eyes scour the crowd, he peered through the many soldiers who had worried looks. Fortunately for him, a blonde-haired woman raised her right hand, followed by a red-haired man with short wavy hair.

“I’ll be accompanying him!” Yelled Hope.

‘I hope this is an easy job,’ thought Jack.

Another hand was raised from the crowd, a palm smoother than any other soldier in the crowd. Looking at a man with silver-hair, along with wearing a miner hat, Luke let out a bead of sweat from his left temple.

“I’m going too!”

A hand in a sea of random soldiers. Having long blonde hair, which is wrapped in a ponytail, he looked to come from a family with a noble lineage.

“My name’s Johnny Zirardge, and I’m part of the reserves! Despite me being the son of Doug Zirardge, I am willing to accompany you Luke Fenix!”

Giving a simple and shy nod to the soldier, Luke began scratching his cheek with his right hand. Pinning his eyes toward the many soldiers below, even they were taken aback by.

—I mean … I guess I’ll allow it.

Keeping those words in mind, he tapped his foot gently against the roof. Sweat still lingering on his cheeks, his temples, and even his forehead, he took a step back.

“As for battling the monster, a few elite soldiers will be needed! But if it’s all right, 50% of the military will be needed!”

Looking through the crowd of soldiers again, he noticed a couple of his friends raising their hands. One of them was a tanned woman with elegant beauty, and the other was a dark-complected man with a strong body.

Many of the male soldiers gawked, as the elegant sight beheld their eyes. Noticing their stares, Luna rolled her eyes and folded her arms below her chest.

“If it’s Luke’s request, then by all means.” Said Luna.

“I’m going to have to put my shielding to the test then.” Said Miles.

Three other hands were raised from the crowd.

Making room for those three, the soldiers along with Luke and his friends stared at the reserves for the Dark Angels. Being none other than Stan, Gary, and Diego, their eyelids were shaded in darkness.

“We’ll plan on dealing with the monster on a smaller scale. Me and Gary have a couple of gadgets that could work on that beast.”

“And I memorized all the streets and shortcuts in Lagefor. I could lead the military and platoons to form ambushes and whatnot.” Said Diego.

Luke noticed the trembling of Diego’s hands, along with Stan and Gary doing the same. Turning his head toward the direction of the beast, the fiery smoke that it unleashed already burdened the sky a reddish glow.

And he felt his hand twitch. Placing his left hand onto his right wrist, he took a small inhale of air into his lungs, before pushing it all out.

—I just hope those three make it out okay. Out of all of us, those three don’t have blessings.

Warming up his vocals, he began to hum. Lifting his head from the tilted angle, he maintained his straight back posture and his glued heels, which made him seem confident. And yet, he was still riddled with nervousness.

“For the two teams that will be evacuating civilians, and mopping of zompires, the rest of the elite soldiers will be used! I also want two agents, and 25% of the military for each team!”

Three hands were raised, which were none other than David, Loraine, and Benn. Many soldiers sucked in air, which left them to drop their jaws at the three sights displayed to them.

First, they noticed a bluish hand that drew from Benn, making them see a shark-human in the flesh. Second, they noticed the hand of a teenage girl, as her pigtails swayed against the warm wind. Lastly, they took in the recognizable face of the middle-aged man, who looked to be hardened from war.

“Me, Loraine, and Benn are willing to rescue any civilians if needed. I trust Benn to watch over Loraine, while I go alone.”

“And I’ll go with the shark-human and little girl.” Said Eren.

“Me too. Who knows what that sharky will do.” Said Ada.

Benn looked down to the ground, as he felt a collection of cold stares. Pushing his fingers into his palms, he felt his legs begin to shake, like the weight of his body was doubled down by his frustration.

“Leave that man alone, would he do something hideous at this hour?”

The blonde-haired man spoke.

The soldiers either glared at Johnny or looked down to the ground. Those that felt embarrassment, thought it was wrong, while those that glared thought they were right.

Eren averted his eyes away, and saw the many cracks that littered the black pavement. But for Ada, she and half the soldiers scoffed at his words, and squinted through her oval-shaped glasses. But to break the silence …

“I’m coming too!”

A woman ran through the crowd with a bandaged stomach.

Having glasses and monolid eyes, she made her way toward the cowboy while passing through the crowd of soldiers. Seeing the woman push her legs to function, everyone noticed her fingers scratching the edge of her white clothed bandage.

His face beading with sweat, he softly swayed his head.

“You’re recovering. I ain’t letting you fight in that condition.”

“I want to fight.”

“Again. You need—”

“I want to fight!”

Dropping her hand from her bandage, she then balled her fingers, and wrinkled her knuckles into fists. Her face sharpened, her eyes glaring, she had them stationed at David, who let out an exhale.

“Ok … but you’re staying behind me.”

A warm smile dawned on her face, replacing the glaring frown that pushed David to resign his stance. Raising her hand up to her stomach again, she resumed her scratching.

Hope looked over toward the two of them, as she groaned angrily. Balling her hands, she made a pout.

‘I healed her from the brink of death!’

“I’ll be going with the man with the cowboy hat.” Said Briggs.

“And I’ll follow along with Briggs~” Said Alexandra.

Two voices spoke out from two different government officials. One of them was an agent, the agent who stood on top of the same truck as Luke. The other was down below, near both agents Eren and Ada.

Briggs saw Alexandra licking her lips, while seductively smiling at him with devilish eyes.

‘God she’s so annoying…’

Everyone was designed for the assigned duties. With all four teams being concluded, and knowing the risks they were in, Luke felt like an anvil of weight had dawned upon him.

“Before we begin, I just want to show you all …”

Placing both of his feet together, Luke kept his back straight while tilting his head up a little. The moonlight, which was now directing itself toward him, made his skin glow against the soft rays. Balling his right fist, he narrowed his eyes at everyone…

—And pounded the left side of his chest twice, and glided it toward the right.—

“Thanks…”

Although many of the soldiers and agents furrowed their brows, the Dark Angels, and even Stan’s group found themselves doing the same salute. Gifting them hope, a chance to settle a score, Luke cleared his throat one more time.

“Now let’s get down to the details…”