"Why are you suddenly being so sentimental?" Reiner pulled his hand away awkwardly, his face flushing red. "Do I look like I need your protection? I'm the Armored Titan—invincible. There isn't a weapon in the world that can pierce my armor. You should be protecting yourself, especially since you're so… small."
He meant it as a jab, but his voice cracked halfway through. His pride was fragile, like glass rattling in its frame.
Marcel only smiled. He reached out and ruffled Reiner's hair as if he were an older brother.
"Cheer up, Reiner. You'll make it home. I'm sure of it."
"...Yeah." Reiner's voice softened, almost ashamed. With Marcel's encouragement, a flicker of spirit returned to his eyes.
…
Four hours later, the shift change came.
The group gathered in silence, expectant. The night air was heavy, filled with steam and the lingering smell of blood where Reiner had bitten his palms raw.
Zeke's gaze was sharp. "Transform. Now."
Reiner's teeth sank into his flesh again and again. Blood dripped freely, his hands shaking. Nothing happened. No lightning. No fire. No Titan. Only the sound of tearing skin and his own frantic breathing.
His voice broke. "I'm sorry, Warrior Captain. I—I don't know what's wrong." He lifted his hands, mangled and bleeding, a boy on the verge of tears.
Zeke clenched his jaw. He was a breath away from exploding when the Jaw Titan stepped forward. Marcel—ever the shield—placed himself between Reiner and his commander.
Of course. This kid had been a squad leader once. If not for the current chain of command, it would have been him calling the shots. Protecting his teammate came as naturally as breathing.
Zeke let the anger drain from his shoulders. Scolding wouldn't get them closer to their goal. Time mattered more than discipline. He had already advanced three days earlier than in his previous life. By moving without pause, he had bought precious hours.
As long as he reached the Walls in time, he could still meet his father—still change everything.
"Annie, rest," Zeke ordered. His gaze swept over Marcel and Reiner, stern but not wrathful. "I'll take over. Reiner, adjust yourself. Find your resolve. You'll transform in four hours, or you'll answer to me."
Reiner's voice was hoarse. "Yes…" His shoulders slumped. He looked ready to cry.
Marcel frowned and muttered, "It's the Captain's fault for asking those questions. If you hadn't shaken him, Reiner wouldn't be like this. He was the Empire's most steadfast warrior before all this."
Zeke sneered. "Most steadfast? Are you sure about that?" His gaze shifted to Reiner, ignoring Marcel's words. "I see nothing but blindness. Blind loyalty won't make you a warrior. Especially not a Titan warrior." His voice sharpened. "Reiner Braun—I don't know how you were ever chosen. Blind. Insolent. Disobedient. And now—incapable of even transforming."
"I—" Reiner's throat closed. He had no defense.
Marcel looked stricken, more shaken than Reiner himself, as though he were hiding something unspoken.
Zeke stepped closer, towering in presence even in his human form. His voice was final. "You have four hours.
If you fail again, I'll strip the power of the Armored Titan from you. The Empire has no use for dead weight."
Reiner sucked in a breath, his chest seizing with panic. His first thought was not of himself—but of the wall. His mother.
Zeke tossed a small timepiece to Marcel. "You keep watch. Four hours. No more."
"Yes, sir!" Marcel snapped to attention, clutching the clock.
Without another word, Zeke bit into his palm.
Lightning tore the air, and the Beast Titan erupted into existence, towering, shaggy, monstrous. He crouched, lowering his massive hand for the others to climb on. The children scrambled onto his back, clutching to his fur as he rose.
Night had fEren. The Pure Titans' vision dimmed in darkness—this was the golden hour for travel
But Reiner's failure had already derailed them.
The Beast Titan lurched into motion. His strides shook the ground, ten meters per step. Running was dangerous—he was not built for speed, his lanky frame prone to stumbling. But even his walking pace devoured distance faster than humans could dream.
Four hours crawled by beneath the stars.
At last, Zeke halted, steam rolling from his body as he returned to human form. His boots touched the earth, and he looked immediately to Reiner. The boy was pale, exhausted, hollow-eyed.
Zeke didn't need to ask. He already knew.
Still, under the eyes of everyone, Reiner raised his hand, bit down with all his strength—
Nothing.
Silence fell. Only the sound of crickets, and the faint hiss of fading steam.
Zeke closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath, steadying the fury that clawed at his chest.
"Captain!" Marcel stepped forward, blocking his line of sight. "Reiner must be hungry. That's why! He can't transform on an empty stomach. If we rest here until morning—he'll succeed. I'm sure of it!"
Zeke's eyes snapped open, blazing. His patience was at its limit. He fixed Marcel with a cold glare. "Have you already forgotten my words? The Pure Titans can't see well at night. This is our time to move. And you suggest we waste it?"
"I…" Marcel faltered, his fists trembling. Then he raised his head, defiant for once. "I want to rest here, Captain!"
The declaration cut the night air like a blade.