Chapter Text
A titan stared into a deep lake inside of wall Maria. It's reflection cast beneath the tall forest canopy onto the rippling waters. Its features were less than pretty. A hooked nose hung between two bright emeralds. Its eyes were accented by dark circles, instead of eyelashes, and a browless gaze. Its long chiseled face gave a lipless grimace, which was hidden beneath long dark brown hair, as though it were angry with the world. It frowned at its features, completely displeased with how terrifying it looked. As gentle as the creature was its face kept many at bay all except for the animals it enjoyed watching. It looked up and sighed, steam billowing through its serrated teeth and into the fall air. Through the autumn colored leaves orange sunlight dappled down to the forest floor signaling that it will be dark soon. The titan stretched then stood to its full fifteen meter height, muscles rippling beneath its leathery tanned skin. Wind blew rustling leaves and carrying the scent of leaf fall. But something else hung in the air. A tainted perfume and stuck to the beast's nostrils.
Blood... human blood...
There was no discerning the pungent odor that was all too familiar to the titan. Almost every time humans ventured into titan's forest the smell of blood always wafted through the trees. Did they not know coming here was dangerous?
The titan usually kept to itself and out of the way of humans from fear of being captured or killed. This time was no different. But, just as the titan was about to wander off a screech pierced the air. It froze and peered over its taunt shoulder. Its elfish ears twisted forward straining to listen. Another agonizing cry split the tranquil atmosphere and caused the titan to cringe. That was no animal in pain the scream was distinctly human. The titan shook its head trying to not let curiosity get the better of it. One more cry hit the beast's ears and it couldn't help itself. The titan turned and began to follow the sounds of pain and the scent of blood.
-POV Swap-
A young girl struggled against the ties that bound her hands together and held them around her back. Her jet-black hair matted with blood and grey eyes puffy and red. A man held her over his shoulder but was obviously having trouble holding the wriggling female. She knocked her head against his and he dropped her with a grunt. Another man walked up to the now fallen girl and began to kick her repeatedly. She cried out in pain but soon fell to quiet sobs. The other man picked himself up, "Dammit! How're we supposed to get to the wall if she won't stay still?" He exclaimed. "Relax Urs..." The man who had finished abusing the girl cooed, "I don't think she'll be much of a problem now." Urs looked at the damage done to the girl and frowned. "Hey c'mon now Amal don't go bruising her up. If she's too beat up then no one'll buy her." Urs spoke exasperated. Amal snorted then spat on the bloody face of the whimpering child then said; "Personally I'd rather just kill her and get it over with. She's only half Japanese y'know." Urs glared at the taller man, "Well, if you hadn't killed her mother-" He stopped upon seeing his partner glaring daggers at him. Urs sighed and picked himself up. Looking up, the stout man could see nightfall approaching fast, "We need to get going." Urs stated bluntly. He reached for the girl but she kicked his hand away. With a growl Urs kicked her over and hauled her over his shoulder. "C'mon." He said. Almal nodded and followed his comrade deeper into titan territory.
-POV SWAP-
The titan continued to follow the scent of salty copper. It had become stronger since the titan had first started following the smell. Then, through the thick trees and darkness the titan spotted a tiny glow. It was insignificant compared to the surrounding blackness but it glowed brighter than anything. The titan could also scent the smell of blood closet to the light so it decided to follow it. Keeping low to the ground the titan crept slowly towards the light. The massive being made it to the edge of the trees that bordered a clearing. In the clearing two human men moved quickly. One was holding the bright light the other held what the titan assumed was a small child. The child was struggling and obviously didn't want to go with the men. The titan tilted its head at this. Why didn't the men just let the child go? Where were they going? Through the swarming thoughts in its mind the titan continued to observe as the man dropped the squirming child. The man let out a string of curses as he attempted to pick up the child again but the attempts were futile. Annoyed, the man with the light out it down then stomped over to the girl. The next thing he did made the titan's stomach flip.
He kicked the child over and over again.
The titan couldn't even begin to comprehend why the man would do this; something so cruel to something so innocent. It wasn't right! And it hurt so much to watch. To listen to that small bloody bundle cry out like that.
The titan felt something well up in his chest. Wait... when did it start calling itself a 'he'. Well, that didn't matter to him now. Right now he had to help that child. Newfound resolve pushed him forward to act. One thought ran through his mind. He had to save her!