Why can't I see anything?

Why is everything black?

I can't…control myself.

I can hear screaming.

It hurts, it hurts.

Wait…what is this warm feeling?

Is this…blood?

Oh, God, no.

No, no, no, no, no…

When Eren awoke his entire body was sore.

The world spun out of focus for a few moments before he could fully examine his surroundings.

He was confined within the brick walls of the dungeon and was lying on the hard bed. He was dimly aware that his wrists were locked within the cold embrace of shackles.

Eren stared blankly up at the plain ceiling.

What had happened? Judging from the fact that he was imprisoned here again he had to had transformed into a Titan…

He sighed deeply and clenched his eyes shut.

Did I hurt anyone this time? Why am I such a monster? Why, why, why…

"Oh, you're finally awake."

The quiet yet gruff voice caught Eren's attention. The boy snapped open his eyes and turned his head slowly to the side, wincing slightly in pain.

Rivaille was sitting on a chair by the side of the bed, his dark eyes staring down at Eren.

"C-Corporal," Eren stammered. "What…"

He trailed off as he noticed Rivaille's right arm…It was wrapped securely in a cast and sling. And, once Eren looked closer, he realized that the Lance Corporal's face was marred with scars and bruises.

Eren's teal eyes widened.

"Oh my God," he whispered. "I did that, didn't I?"

Rivaille didn't respond.

Eren could feel his eyes stinging with tears. "I-I'm so sorry, Corporal. I-I didn't mean to…I would n-never…"

"It's okay," Rivaille replied immediately. "You didn't mean to do it. It was that…Titan."

"But I am that Titan!" Eren sobbed. "Corporal…I am that monster. But I'm also a human, aren't I? Aren't…I…?" He stared up at Rivaille with trembling, pleading eyes. "Am I a monster or a human? W-What am I-I…?" He paused and broke into racking sobs.

Rivaille watched the younger boy silently for a few moments before standing from his chair. He shuffled to Eren's side and gazed down at the other boy. It was unfortunate that the only time the Corporal was taller than Eren was during moments like this.

"You idiot," Rivaille hissed.

Eren shifted his attention to the man standing above him.

"You're crying now, aren't you?" Rivaille continued.

He reached out to touch Eren's hand. Eren felt his face grow hot.

Corporal's hand is warm…

"Your hand is warm, too," Rivaille commented. He then moved his hand to Eren's chest. "Your heart…is beating, as well."

Rivaille locked eyes with Eren.

"You are human, Eren. That I can be sure of."

Eren nodded through his tears. "Y-Yes…Thank you, Corporal."

"It's nothing," Rivaille replied, removing his hand from Eren's chest.

"Ah, w-wait a moment!" Eren cried.

Rivaille stopped and looked at Eren expectantly.

"Corporal…I…" Eren gulped. "I want to stay human, s-so…if I ever go out of control…Please, promise me if that days comes…you'll kill me. If anyone has to do it, I want it to be you…Because I…I…" He smiled gently. "I trust you, Corporal, I know you'll get it done. Just…you must be the one to do it..."

"Just shut up, brat," Rivaille said, placing his hand on Eren's forehead. He spoke roughly, but his voice still calmed Eren…

"You can trust me, alright?" Rivaille said, smiling lightly.

"I will make sure you remain human."