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

A faint groan escaped Niikaz's lips as she stirred, her body feeling the weight of exhaustion. The strain of absorbing the Armored Titan's power had taken its toll, amplified by the limitations of her twelve-year-old frame. Slowly, she pushed herself upright against the headboard, her mind immediately instructing her to activate the hologram. Her eyes glowed faintly as files opened, closed, and scrolled rapidly within the unseen interface, all at her silent command. Only she could perceive it.

"Everything seems to be going according to plan," she murmured, her gaze flicking over the glowing data. Then, her hand trembled, and she paused, frowning. "But... absorbing Titan power takes more out of me than I thought. This body can't handle it. I can only use the power once a day, and it takes 24 hours to recharge. Hah..." She sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I need to grow up faster. Once I'm stronger, there'll be no limits to what I can do. For now, though, I'm useless until my energy recharges."

Her eyes darted to the hologram's clock display. "Night already? Ugh, this body is so inconvenient." Frustration etched across her face as she buried her hands in it, trying to come to terms with the reality. Twelve more hours…

The sound of the tent flap sliding open drew her attention. Hanji entered, one hand holding a steaming wooden mug. "Oh, you're awake already," she said with a grin.

"Yeah, but I feel sluggish," Niikaz replied, accepting the mug of hot milk. She took a sip, letting the warmth ease her weariness.

"No surprise there," Hanji said, pulling a chair to sit beside the bed. "Absorbing Titan power isn't exactly a walk in the park. We might have to stay here longer if you're going to keep absorbing them. How's your body holding up? Can you manage this pace?"

Niikaz nodded firmly. "I'm fine. I'm the only one who can do this. We need to collect all the Titan powers, including the Founding Titan, and destroy them for good. It's the only way."

Hanji's expression grew thoughtful as she studied Niikaz. "You really are something else. Your ability surpasses even the Founding Titan's, but I can see the strain. Your body isn't ready to fully wield it yet, is it?"

Niikaz didn't reply immediately, her fingers curling around the mug. "Not yet. But I'll get there."

Changing the subject, she asked, "What's the status of the captives?"

Hanji leaned back, her hands resting on her knees. "The kids are bound and under heavy surveillance. Reiner's been interrogated—Erwin and Levi are handling him. I just hope Levi doesn't go too hard on the kid. We already know most of what's happening thanks to the soul contract, but Erwin mentioned there are gaps in the information. It's like the images only show us one person's point of view, focusing on Eren's timeline as the main thread. There's a lot outside that scope we need to watch for."

Niikaz nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The images I shared center around Eren, but they don't reveal the full picture. Anything outside that focus is where our attention needs to be." She placed the mug down and glanced at Hanji with a serious expression. "Make sure the kids don't pull any tricks. Keep the soldiers on high alert."

Hanji gave a sharp nod. "Already done."

Little did both of them realise that 'something' else is coming towards them that making the plan went shattered.