Gradually, I began to feel my strength giving out.
I was still a child, and no amount of resolve could change that. My body had its limits, and I was reaching them fast. Compared to grown youths who were already used to fighting, I was at a severe disadvantage. My movements were slowing, my breathing growing uneven, and every strike felt heavier than the last.
For every attack they launched, I had to block repeatedly just to keep Mikasa safe. Even then, some blows slipped through.
When I swung my staff to drive one of them back, the blond youth seized the opening and slammed his weapon hard into my left shoulder. Pain shot through me, and I let out a low groan, but I refused to step back. Gritting my teeth, I swung back and struck his right arm, forcing him to stagger away.
My grip trembled.
The staff in my hands was nearing its limit. My arms burned from strain, my muscles locked tight as sweat dripped steadily onto the dirt beneath my feet. Dizziness crept in at the edges of my vision.
Another blow landed, this time crashing into my right arm. I countered instinctively, driving the staff into his nose. Blood burst free, and he cried out, clutching his face as he stumbled aside.
Before I could recover, something jabbed violently into my stomach.
It was the freckled youth.
He had recovered enough to return, and the satisfaction on his face was unmistakable. Seeing my pain only fueled his confidence. He raised his staff high and brought it down toward my head.
"Still trying to act tough?" he sneered.
I barely managed to lift my staff in time. A sharp crack rang out as a fracture split across the wood.
"Go on, keep pretending!" he shouted.
I said nothing.
My eyes locked onto him as I turned and blocked another strike from the blond youth. Another crack spread through the staff, the damage worsening with every collision.
Then it happened.
When my staff clashed with the freckled youth's again, it snapped cleanly in two.
For a split second, he froze in shock.
I did not hesitate.
I kicked him hard in the stomach, knocking him down, and lunged for his weapon. He clung to it desperately, refusing to let go. The others were already charging again, leaving me no choice.
I released the staff and turned, pulling Mikasa into my arms. I wrapped one arm around her and raised the other to shield my head.
The beating came all at once.
Wood, fists, and boots struck me over and over. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to stay upright as a metallic taste filled my mouth. My vision blurred.
If this continued, I would die.
I could still escape alone if I wanted to. That option existed.
But I would not take it.
Mikasa was trapped here because of me. I knew exactly what would happen to her if I abandoned her now. I would never forgive myself, and I would never be able to face her parents or my own conscience.
Gasping for air, I looked down at her.
She trembled in my arms, clutching my clothes tightly. When she looked up at me, fear filled her eyes. I forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her.
The taste in my throat became unbearable.
I spat out a mouthful of blood.
Bright red drops stained her cream colored dress, standing out painfully against the fabric.
"He cannot hold on anymore!" the blond youth shouted. "Kill him!"
My body swayed, but I forced myself to stand straight again.
"Do not worry," I whispered. "I will not die."
"Hit him!" the freckled youth yelled.
Bang!
A gunshot echoed through the alley.
The blond youth screamed as he collapsed, clutching his shoulder.
At the last moment, Hank and Yato had arrived, accompanied by the Military Police.
"Mi… Military Police!" someone shouted. "Run!"
The freckled youth hesitated for only a second before bolting toward the alley's exit.
Bang!
He dropped to the ground, howling as he grabbed his wounded leg.
Three Military Police officers stepped forward, blocking the way, with Mikasa's parents standing behind them.
The remaining two youths immediately threw down their weapons and dropped flat to the ground.
Behind them stood me, battered and bloodied, still holding Mikasa in my arms as tears streamed down her face.
___
Would you like it in 1st POV or 3rd POV??