AOT: I’m Not Okay with How This Ends: Let’s Change That

The Shiganshina District was alive with activity as soldiers hustled to pack supplies and prepare for their move to the Scout Regiment Headquarters. The looming storm made the atmosphere even more tense, with dark clouds swirling above and the occasional low rumble of thunder.

In the middle of the camp, Annie and Bertholdt sat restrained and helpless—or so it seemed. Their torsos, arms, and legs were bound tightly with thick ropes, and their hands were wrapped to prevent even the slightest movement. Cloth gags covered their mouths, silencing any attempt at communication. A few soldiers stood nearby, double-checking the bindings with the kind of nervous energy that came from being in close proximity to two of the most dangerous people alive.

Niikaz stood off to the side, watching the scene with mild amusement. She had her hood up, shielding her face from the first drops of rain. Her crimson eyes flickered to the restrained shifters, then back to the soldiers tightening the knots for what must have been the third time.

"Seriously," she muttered to herself, crossing her arms. "Those ropes are so tight, they'd probably hold a Titan itself. No way they're breaking free." She smirked, shaking her head. "If they do, I'll eat my own boot."

Levi, standing a few feet away, gave her a sideways glance. "What are you mumbling about over there?"

"Nothing," Niikaz replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Just admiring our foolproof security system."

Levi raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. He turned to the soldiers. "Hurry it up. We're running out of time."

Nearby, Hanji crouched in front of Annie, her eyes practically sparkling with curiosity as she adjusted her glasses. "Look at that glare. Even tied up like a gift basket, she still has that 'I'll kill you' vibe. Isn't it fascinating?"

"Hanji," Erwin called out, his voice sharp. "Enough. We're leaving now. You can gawk later."

Hanji pouted but stood up reluctantly, brushing the dirt off her knees. "Fine, fine. I'm coming."

Niikaz gave one last glance at Annie and Bertholdt as she turned to follow Levi, Erwin, and Mike. The storm was picking up, and the air carried the promise of chaos.

But as the group began to walk away, something shifted.

Annie sat motionless, her eyes fixed forward. Beneath the ropes, her fingers worked with precision. She rubbed her middle finger against her index finger, the friction causing a small but deliberate wound. Blood pooled from the cut, the sensation sparking the transformation she had been waiting for.

Niikaz paused mid-step, her instincts kicking in just as the ground trembled beneath her feet.

"Oh, come on," she muttered, whipping around just in time to see a blinding light erupt from the center of the camp. "You've got to be kidding me."

A deafening roar shattered the uneasy quiet, and the camp exploded into chaos. Soldiers scrambled in every direction as Annie's towering Female Titan emerged, her body steaming in the pouring rain.

Levi sighed heavily, drawing his blades as he glanced at Niikaz. "What was that about foolproof, Niikaz?"

Niikaz opened her mouth, then closed it, her hand twitching slightly as if she wanted to point at something but couldn't find the words.

Finally, she just stared at Levi, lips pressed into a thin line, her expression an unreadable mix of disbelief and frustration.

Levi raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, before turning back toward the now fully-formed Female Titan. "Thought so."

Niikaz, still stunned, exhaled sharply. "You know what? Forget it."