XX. Loss

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As Roku bolted out of his room in response to the piercing scream, his heart raced with urgency. With swift movements, he burst into Anna's room, fueled by a sudden surge of adrenaline. But the sight that greeted him froze his every movement.

Before him, an unfathomable horror unfolded. Anna was ensnared in the colossal grip of a Titan, her screams tearing through the air, pleading for Roku's help.

"Roku Help meee!! Please!!" she said while trying to escape the grip of the titan.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl, the world around him grinding to a halt, yet Roku found himself immobilized, his body refusing to respond to his desperate commands.

Every detail etched into his mind—the terror in Anna's eyes, her frantic cries for assistance, and the looming figure of the Titan.

Despite his best efforts, Roku felt an inexplicable paralysis grip him, rendering him incapable of saving his dear friend.

In a fraction of a moment, the monstrous Titan seized Anna in its grasp, and Roku was helplessly forced to witness the horrifying scene unfolding before him. His eyes widened in disbelief, his mind struggling to comprehend the cruel reality unfolding right in front of him.

Time seemed to stretch agonizingly as the scene played out, each passing second etched into Roku's memory as he watched the Titan's brutal act.

Anna's cries echoed hauntingly in his ears, and a feeling of helplessness gnawed at his core.

Roku's mind reeled, grappling with the sheer brutality of the sight. The realization of his inability to save Anna sank in, leaving him in a state of shock and disbelief. His world shattered in that single moment, the agony of losing a friend etched into his soul, leaving a deep, gaping wound.

Roku's mind swirled with a torrent of emotions, caught between the wrenching grief over Anna's demise and the surge of furious determination to avenge her.

As Marcel and Gerrard shouted downstairs to wake up the recruits, because of the emergency.

Roku felt his body finally respond to the urgency of the situation. His eyes, clouded with rage and grief, reflected a storm of conflicting emotions.

Hurried movements filled the room as Marcel and Dirk strapped on their ODM gear, hastily attempting to escape the encirclement of Titans that had surrounded the house.

Gerrard met Roku's gaze, unaware of the devastating news that awaited him. Yet, Roku's voice cracked with sorrow as he revealed the grim truth about Anna's fate.

Shock flickered across Gerrard's face, but amidst the chaos, he steeled himself, understanding the necessity to prioritize survival over mourning.

However, Roku's mind was consumed by a blaze of anger and regret. Determination clashed with grief, turning his resolve into a relentless pursuit for vengeance.

While the others agreed to exit through the backdoor, Roku remained resolute, his mind fixated on confronting the Titan that had claimed Anna's life.

Unwilling to let her death go unanswered, Roku made a bold, solitary decision. Ignoring the others' pleas, he propelled himself out of the window, shattering the glass with his ODM gear.

Launching himself into action, Roku soared over the rooftop, fueled by a whirlwind of emotions.

As he locked eyes with the Titan responsible for Anna's demise, an explosion of fury coursed through him. Without hesitation, Roku lunged towards the Titan, his blades gleaming as he struck with searing intensity.

In a flash, Roku's attack brought down the monstrous Titan, but victory was overshadowed by the crushing weight of grief that still gripped his heart.

Frozen in the aftermath, Roku stood motionless, the memory of Anna tormenting his thoughts.

As another Titan emerged suddenly out of nowhere, It lunged at him with gaping jaws, threatening to consume him whole.

As despair clouded his vision, Roku felt an impending doom wash over him.

"Is this how my life ends? quite pathetic" he thought to himself

But just as the Titan closed in, a valiant sacrifice intervened. Marcel, with unwavering courage, pushed Roku aside, the last act of his brave defiance against the impending horror.

In a heartbreaking moment, Marcel was devoured, leaving behind only a fleeting trace of his hand, the final testament to his selfless heroism.

Roku was paralyzed, engulfed by emotions—fear, sorrow, shock, and an unshakable sense of loss.

The harrowing scene unfolding before his eyes etched itself deep within his soul, leaving him stranded in a heart-rending state of despair.

Gerrard hurriedly approached him, grabbing his shoulders. "We have to move, Roku! We can't stay here; more titans are coming!!!" he exclaimed urgently.

Despite Gerrard's efforts to shake Roku out of his daze, Roku remained stunned. Gerrard slapped Roku, trying to bring him back to reality.

"Come on, there is no time for mourning for their deaths, don't you dare let Marcel's sacrifice be in vain" Gerrard shouted at Roku

Roku gathered some strength and stood up again.

With their ODM gear, they maneuvered through a nearby forest.

Suddenly, a towering titan, an abnormal, appeared behind them, moving swiftly. Roku turned to face it, but Gerrard cautioned him to hold back.

Nevertheless, Roku attempted to engage the titan, but his strike missed its mark. The titan dashed with incredible speed, striking Gerrard before Roku could react.

Roku immediately attacked the titan, but his swift response couldn't reverse the damage.

Approaching Gerrard, who had settled under a nearby tree, Roku assured him that he would be okay.

Gerrard looked at Roku "Go! I am injured, Dirk went to report, go before other Titans come"

"It's going to be ok don't worry" Roku replied

"I've lost too much, Roku. I won't make it," Gerrard murmured pointing down at his chest which was pierced by a giant branch.

Shocked and unwilling to accept the situation, Roku fervently insisted he would rescue Gerrard and save him.

Gerrard looked at Roku with a smile "Come on don't be stubborn for one time" Gerrard was on the brink of death

"You said you were going to be a formidable soldier Gerrard!!"

"It seems fate didn't side with me" These were Gerrard's last words, as he closed his eyes and his breath faded away.

"Gerrard?" Filled with immense sorrow, Roku embraced Gerrard, shedding tears over the loss of his friend.

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End of the Chapter