"We have to head straight for Liberio!". You watched Annie from the entrance to the ship's wheelhouse, observing the way she struggled in Jean and Mikasa's grasps with a lump in your throat. Hange looked at her saddened.
"We decided with Magath that we'd go to Odiha... rather, it was the only choice left". Hange then took a deep breath, looking troubled. "There was no way to save your hometown, Liberio". Annie immediately stopped her attempt of breaking free from Mikasa, freezing up, standing completely still. You couldn't see her expression, but you were sure it matched the devastated look now present on Reiner's face as he propped his arm against the doorframe beside you in an exhausted manner. You followed his gaze and met the sight of Gabi cuddled up next to Pieck, both utterly crushed by the news.
'This is horrible, their poor families...'
You crossed your arms tightly by your chest, as if the pressure would help keep your heavy heart from sinking to the pit of your stomach.
"Then... Then I don't have any reason left to keep fighting", Annie said quiet, her voice breaking as her figure sunk all the way until she was down on all fours on the floor. "I'm getting off". Hange took a good look at her, trying to figure out what to say.
"Even if the rumbling stopped this very second, we wouldn't be able to stop Liberio and Marley from being annihilated. Even Magath understood that. But he still put his life on the line to clear a path for us. He didn't do it for the sake of Liberio or Marley. He did it so we could save even one more life of a stranger, whose name he'll never know". Everyone in the room stayed quiet after Hange finished. Mikasa had joined Annie on the ground, crouching down on her knees with a supporting hand placed atop Annie's back.
"Then let me ask you again", Annie eventually spoke. "Could you kill Eren?", she asked, sending chills down your spine. You still couldn't even begin to fathom the slight chance you'd have to put an end to him. That fierce, brave and selfless boy you've known for years. You still had no way of knowing why he so suddenly resorted to trampling everyone outside the island, and in no way were you okay with his actions; but even so, to you there had to be another way around this. Another way to end this where Eren would be able to come back to you,- back where he belonged. "If I tried to kill Eren... would you be able to sit back and watch?", she continued, looking up at Mikasa first, before taking a deep breath, the next words leaving her mouth almost sounding like a desperate plead. "I... I don't want to fight anymore". She looked at every single one of you, stopping once she meet your gaze, as well as Connie and Armin's, who limped their way inside the room to join you. Armin's jaw was still steaming, his body desperately trying to repair itself after that devastating shot. "I don't want for us to try and kill each other again". You could swear you saw tears forming at the brim of her eyes, though she didn't let a single one fall. "Not with any of you... not even Eren"
You tightened your crossed arms even more, not really able to prevent that sinking feeling anymore despite your efforts. You didn't want that either. Hell, at this point you didn't even want to fight Reiner. You were tired of all the destruction. Tired of the relentless fighting and the smell of cadavers rotting everywhere you went.
Annie just lost her sole motivation for moving forward, and you could absolutely understand why stopping here was the only choice that seemed worth taking on her part. You would have done that too if it weren't for the fact that you still had goals. Goals only achievable by putting an end to this rumbling. You still had people to fight for and people to protect; one of them being the cause of all this.
No one really said anything, but their looks told you they were all agreeing with the fact that fighting each other at a time like this was not something you wanted. The silence continued for moments more, until you decided to go check up on Levi and Falco, both resting on the deck below.
...
Falco still hadn't woken up, so there was not much else to check up on there. Levi fell back asleep after you helped him get comfortable and gave him a cup of water. It was still hard seeing him so helpless, your mind often replacing the broken image with one of him the way he was before the explosion. You're sure it's going to take a lot getting used to for him, but you were most certainly going to be right there to help him every step of the way.
You still had that sinking, tight feeling in your chest, almost feeling claustrophobic in your own body, as you made your way to the outside deck for some fresh air. You spotted Armin and Annie talking a distance away from you as you stepped outside, quickly making your way to the back of the ship to give them some space. You took deep breaths as you sat down by the railing, looking down at the glimmering sea-blue ocean flowing past as the ship ploughed its way through it.
You stared at it for a while, watching the slight waves formed as a result of the ship and the propellers, crash into the flying boat attached to the back of the boat with audible splashes.
Captivated by the blue, you jumped slightly as you could swear you saw a black figure in the water, red substance seeping out from it. You immediately blinked, even rubbing your eyes slightly, before looking back down. Nothing... It took a while before your connected the dots, immediately starting to sniffle as you finally recognized your suppressed emotions regarding the friends you killed back at the harbour. You hadn't even taken the time to mourn and let yourself feel the sadness in your heart properly, and now your subconsciousness had resorted to start seeing things that wasn't really there as a result of it.
You brought your knees closer to your chest, wrapping your arms around them.
How do you even move on from that? They've trusted you with their lives, today just as much as ever, but you ended them; silenced their voices and stole their lives. You also struggled to grasp and believe the fact that Floch was really dead. It honestly felt too surreal to be true.
"Hey"
You slightly jumped in your seat again as Marco made his presence known. You sniffled, trying to wipe away the few tears that had trickled down your skin before you turned to face him. His face was gentle as he angled his head slightly to the side upon seeing your puffy eyes.
"Talk to me", he said softly, sitting down beside you, wrapping his arms around his knees the same way you do, only difference being that he wasn't clinging onto his legs and pressing them against his chest for dear life as you were. His posture was relaxed, though his gaze was alert as he tried to meet yours.
"Daz and Samuel... We.. We had to—", you couldn't say it, and it irked you beyond belief that you couldn't even own up to it and say it out loud. You killed them. Killed them for caring more about the safety of your island rather than the safety of the people who's been trying to ruin it for 100 years...
Marco's gentle expression sunk as he processed your words. Death and learning about people who've passed on is always sad, but these kinds of news always hurts more if it's someone you know well, that's the sad reality of it.
"Oh", he sniffled, his eyes becoming glossy. You shied away from his gaze, feeling terrible for partially being the reason he felt sad. But he was equally as sad that you and the others were forced to go through with such a thing as he was sad his earliest friends were dead. The tears continued to trickle down his face as he moved closer to you, and you almost winced, startled as you felt his arms snake around your waist, pulling you in closer. "I'm sorry Y/N".
It was such simple words, but it was enough for you to fall into his embrace fully, letting yourself go while soaking his shirt with salty tears. You could feel him shake, the warmth of his tears soaking through the material on your shoulder.
You still felt guilty, but to know he wasn't blaming you at least helped lessen the immense pressure weighing you down.
This was one of those times where Marco couldn't mask up and push aside his own sadness for other people. He instead opted to let it out with you, claiming your support as he gave away his own. You snaked your hands around him as well, stroking your thumb up and down his back while moving your hand up to the back of his head; feeling the softness of his raven locks between your fingers. You calmed your breathing slightly before mustering enough energy to speak your next confession.
"And not just them, I... I killed Henry and Oscar too... up on the rooftop. We- we were in the same snow-exercise squad. They helped me save Mina's life,- they were good people and I killed them!—", you rambled on between gasps for air as you felt yourself unravelling once more, your once calmed breaths acting up again. Years ago during that exercise you looked forward to when you could all work together as soldiers, no matter what branch you chose.... To think you'd be the one to take their lives one day and not the Titans... What had the world become?
"Shh shh", Marco cooed softly, only tightening his hold on you.
...
The sun had set by the time the two of you had calmed completely and gotten up from the ground, your limbs stiff from staying huddled up together for hours.
"We should try to get some rest, it shouldn't be too long until we reach Odiha. We'll need all the energy we can get to prepare everything", Marco said, intertwining his fingers with yours while taking a few steps towards the door leading inside. You nodded weakly and followed his lead.
You felt exhausted, so it was probably wise to find a quiet spot to rest up. Once you get to that harbour there is no time for any breaks. You'd have to continue moving until this whole thing was over.
It looked like the others had the same idea, many of them already asleep once you walked inside. Marco lead you over to a couch in the corner of the hall. There was not enough rooms for everyone, so some of you had to make do with what you could find, which was fine by you, honestly. You've most definitely had to sleep under more uncomfortable conditions before.
Marco lied down first, carefully reeling you in by your hand still linked in his, until you collapsed on top of him. You giggled slightly as he wrapped his arms around you and placed a kiss atop your head.
"Isn't this going to hurt you? I can sleep on the floor if it does. It's no trouble, really", you assured him, your cheek resting against his chest, noticing how the couch was slightly on the smaller side. Marco huffed slightly with a smile.
"No, you're staying right where you are, love", he mumbled against your hair on the top of your head, only tightening his hold around your waist before moving his hand to run his fingers through your hair with repeating motions.
You huffed lightly as well, ending with a soft sight. Of course he'd never let you sleep on the floor, wanting you to be as comfortable as possible. And you really were. Laying directly on top of him wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as you'd imagine, the curves of both your bodies filling each other out in a way the made nuzzling in against his calmly heaving chest feel completely natural, and as comfortable as any bed you've ever rested on.
You hoped he was as comfortable as you though, honestly thinking he was just being chivalrous like always; which he was to be fair, but to Marco, it was more the fact that he felt terrified to let go of you for even a second. He was determined to keep you close, taking in and treasuring every aspect of you in any way he could before you had to embark on what was probably the most dangerous mission you've ever attempted.
He could hear your soft breaths slowing down into a steady rhythm, basking in the feeling of your softness in his arms. He honestly wished dawn would never arrive, wanting to stay right there with you for eternity if he could. But this world is cruel, and never seemed to allow for the good times to last too long at a time...
He shifted slightly to be able to see your relaxed face; soft features not showing a care in the world as you had escaped into your own little world inside your mind there you rested. He sighed softly, feeling his heart flutter in his chest.
Sure, this world is cruel, but also oh so beautiful.
...
Only a few hours after you and Marco fell asleep, a soft hand placed atop your shoulder woke you up.
"Hey, we're here", Moblit said gently with a smile, seemingly feeling bad for waking you up from your much needed sleep. You gave him a smile as to say it was okay, carefully getting off of Marco as soon as Moblit continued on his way to wake up the rest.
Marco groaned slightly upon feeling your absence, and you were reminded of his habit to sleep in. It was so familiar that the thought of something so simple about his character made you feel comforted. He looked so peaceful, and you felt sorry for having to bring him back to the grim reality of your situation.
You leaned down to kiss his cheek, and his eyes fluttered open the slightest bit. He looked up at you through confused and narrowed eyes.
'Must have been a good sleep for him to be this out of it'
You smiled at him teasingly.
"Wake up sleepy head, we're here", you said while standing up to stretch your stiffened limbs. He looked at you for a moment more before he finally seemed to recognize his surroundings. He then eventually got up from the couch, walking alongside you on your way to meet up with the rest.
...
It seems as though the people of Odiha had fled south already, not a sound or a movement to be seen or heard in the dark night.
"One, two, three—pull!", Reiner instructed as the guys along with the Azumabito mechanics yanked the thick rope, reeling the flying boat into the hangar from where it was floating atop the water. They all grunted and made strained noises of discomfort as they pulled the rope; reeling in a giant metal contraption wasn't an easy job at all, especially considering they were already exhausted. You would have helped, but was instructed to rest your injured arm as much as you could before you took off to wherever the hell Eren was at the moment. So you made yourself useful in other ways, currently helping Mikasa carry crates of supplies and gear from the ship over to the hangar, walking back and forth until the two of you were at your last round, carrying the last set of crates.
Annie had been sitting completely silent by the harbour, watching the guys work from a faraway distance. You and Mikasa had passed her repeatedly, and knowing she was in a tough headspace at the moment you didn't try to force her to help with anything. However, in this last trip of you and Mikasa's crate-carrying chore, you both simultaneously stopped once you were about to pass Annie for the umpteenth time. After just one look at each other, you silently walked over to stand beside her. She noticed your presence, but her defeated demeanour and gaze, aimed towards her feet dangling above the water, didn't budge.
"Hey Annie. Go try on your equipment", Mikasa suggested casually.
"Yeah, you're still not used to the new ODM gear, are you? You and Reiner should go test it out somewhere. You know, fly around and get some practice in before we leave—"
"Why?", Annie asked you before you could finish the sentence properly.
"We should do whatever we can now.. so--", Mikasa started carefully.
"I thought I told you I'm done"
"You don't even want to get on the flying boat?". Annie still would look up at any of you.
"Sorry, but no... This saving humanity stuff... I don't really get it. In fact, as Marleyan Eldians, we've been persecuted by this 'humanity' you're trying to save. For my entire life... Even if the rumbling stopped here, Marley has already fallen, so there's no one backing Eldians now. No one will protect us", she said lowly, and you and Mikasa continued to listen intently as she looked over in the direction of the flying boat. "I feel bad. I really do... They're all betting everything on the faint hope that they can still save their homeland. But... I can't fight any longer. At least give me my final moments to live in peace". She finished her sentence, and you couldn't help but notice the way she was looking directly at Armin, standing by the flying boat.
You looked over at Mikasa, who seemed to have noticed the same thing. Annie peeked up at the two of you, seemingly catching on to the fact that you noticed her lingering gaze, immediately blushing upon meeting your baffled expressions. She looked away, shy.
You truly wondered what initiated this budding crush of hers, but you suppose you were aware of the fact that Armin has been visiting her for years. She might have been able to hear him through the crystal after all...
'Cute'
"When'd this start?", Mikasa asked confused.
"What?", Annie retorted immediately, playing dumb. Mikasa looked at her for a moment, before sighing.
"No... okay, I get it"
"When'd what start?!", Annie insisted on knowing, still violently blushing.
"It's fine. You don't need to keep suffering. But Armin's coming with us on the flying boat. We're all heading to where Eren is". Annie finally looked up at her again as she mentioned Armin, eventually returning to her initial, sunken demeanour.
"I know...", she said defeated. "So... What is it you guys want to do? Are you going to kill Eren in order to save humanity?"
"We're not killing him", you said plain and simple.
"Eren's somewhere far away from us now... All we're doing... All I'm doing... is bringing him back", Mikasa said and motioned for you to follow her as she started walking again. You started following her without a word, only looking back at Annie for a second as she suddenly spoke.
"By the way- Do you not wear that scarf any longer?"
"I have it. But I'm not wearing it now", Mikasa answered without sparing her another glance.
...
You had gone back to the ship once more, wanting to check up on Levi to make sure he was still resting.
"Levi!", you exclaimed once you rounded the corner leading to the corridor of his room. "What are you doing out of bed?!", you asked as you rushed to his side. He was holding on to the railing fastened to the walls, taking determined but struggling steps forwards. He didn't answer you as you took a hold of him, trying to stop him from walking further away from his bed. "Levi, you're being reckless". You desperately tried to seek out his gaze.
"You still want me asleep in bed? You're going to forget I even exist if I rest any longer", he said with a sigh, his hard gaze still aimed ahead as he took another step. You furrowed your brows at him. He always had trouble staying on the side-lines, not able to just observe and stay still. He's easily restless like that. "Anyway, that damned bearded lady who laid out with a fever from her broken bones seems to be conscious again", he finally looked at you.
"Yelena? Oh, okay, then we'll go talk to her and make her tell us where Eren is", you said, now taking a proper supporting hold of him, turning him around to walk back down the corridor.
"I'll join", Pieck made an appearance. "I don't have anything else to do". Her words were straightforward, but her expression was asking for permission.
"Of course, it would be great if you could go get Hange and the others", you said with a weak smile as you helped Levi move towards Yelena's room. She nodded and went to fetch them straight away.
...
"—That will most likely be Eren's second target for attack", Yelena concluded after telling you about the time she explained the various threats of Marley to Eren. You crouched down by Levi's chair, handing him a bottle of water.
Pieck had returned with Hange, Moblit, Kiyomi and Armin, all intently listening to what Yelena had to say.
"Fort Salta...", Pieck said. "Right, if he know about the existence of a weapon that has a chance, however small, of successfully attacking the founding titan—"
"—it's where he'll go after port Acirfa. To destroy the flying boats", Yelena finished her sentence.
"You're awfully willing to provide answers", Levi said suspicious, and you understood the reason for his hesitant approach. It's not like this would be the first time she played you for fools. But you also suppose she doesn't have any reason to lie anymore.
"I have a request for you. Please admit it; Zeke was defeated, but... he was right. His euthanization plan was the only way to solve the two-thousand-year-old Eldian problem. Isn't that obvious from the wretched state of things now?", she asked with her head low.
"Sure", Hange answered after a while. "I'll admit it. That Eren had no solutions, no hope, and no future for us, and that I'm powerless", Hange said, with her head just as low. You looked up at her from your seat beside Levi, feeling your heart sink upon seeing how tired she looked.
'We have to get this over with so that she can rest. She's been carrying too heavy of a responsibility for way to long, she deserves a break and the chance to reinvent her previous spark. There's so much left for all of us to experience together. It's not over yet!'
...
The rest of the night had passed in a whim, everyone doing all they could to help the mechanics prepare the flying boat and preparing for your eventual take off. The morning sun had started shining as a new day arose, the soft pink sky turning blue, not a cloud in sight. Seemed to be good conditions in regard to soaring through the skies, looking for Eren.
"Hange! We'll be preparing for take-off in an hour!", Onyankopon yelled from atop the boat.
"Got it!", she replied loudly, before turning back to face the rest of you, everyone, including Levi, all geared up. "You heard him. Everyone start inspecting your equipment".
You did as she said at once, making sure your extra blades were fully restocked. You seemed to be missing one, making a mental note to go grab an extra one right after. You then moved on to check the gas cannisters as well as the various triggers of the handles. That all seemed to be in order.
You all silently looked over at Levi however, who shakingly lifted one of the handles in his right hand; the one missing two fingers. He seemed to notice your concerned looks. "Two fingers is all I need. It's fine", he said quickly, brushing it off. You suppose that's true, considering he usually held that handle the other way around already anyway.
Looking over at Reiner, Pieck and Annie, it seemed they had said their goodbyes, Annie waving a carful hand in your direction as she started walking towards the ship. All except Levi, Mikasa and Armin waved back immediately, Connie yelling out a goodbye and Hange smiling a wide, grateful smile. You smiled too, the incident at the harbour on Paradis had opened your eyes slightly as to what those three must have gone through all those years ago. Jean was really the only one not looking at her as he waved, still conflicted.
Right before Annie turned her head, Armin raised his hand, reciprocating her gesture with a melancholy expression.
"Hey Armin...", you took a step forward after exchanging a knowing look with Mikasa. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"W-with what?!", he asked, still staring after her.
"To be honest, I was counting on her...", Connie answered instead. "But Annie's done more than enough fighting", he concluded with a content expression.
"I'm glad", Armin then said after lowering his hand now that Annie was completely out of sight. "Annie... should just keep on being Annie". You gently placed your hand atop his shoulder as he lowered his gaze.
"Are you all fine with this yourselves?", Hange then asked. "Even if we do stop the rumbling... just think of how Eldians will be treated after that..."
"I hate to say it... But you're right. General Magath left us with one final order, though... He said to work together,- do what must be done", Pieck said as her and Reiner joined your little group. Hange smiled.
"Pieck... In that case, I'll gladly ride on the cart titan's back and feel the heat of its body as we—"
"Stop", Pieck said abruptly. The rest of you smirked slightly, Hange's strange and bubbly personality shining through giving you a sense of security and happiness in this stressful situation. "Why are you acting so creepy all of a sudden?", she asked, taking a few steps towards Reiner. As on cue, the rest kind of split up to grab a few bottles of water and talk amongst themselves.
"I'm just going to grab an extra set of blades", you told Marco, before walking past Hange with a reassuring smile. "She'll come around", you winked, to which she smiled grateful.
"Hey Onyankopon, did you move the crates with the blades?", you asked once inside the hangar. Onyankopon wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as he looked away from the mechanic he was helping.
"Oh, yeah, they should be over there", he pointed towards the wall. You gave him a thumbs up and went to grab what you needed.
"Let's start fuelling", the mechanic told Onyankopon as you crouched down by the supplies.
"Alright, perfect! I think we can make it before the rumbling arrives—". Onyankopon abruptly stopping his sentence had you turn around, and that just in time to spot a familiar figure crawl in through the back door of the hangar.
"Floch!", you screamed as he aimed his pistol at the flying boat, but it was too late, your scream silenced by the ear ringing sound of bullets being fired. You could hear the gasps and panicked yelps of the mechanics, hurriedly getting off the boat.
Before you could even register that you did it, your hand found the handles of your gear, the hook and wire charging Floch's way, piercing straight through his neck. You ran towards him as he collapsed to the ground with a gurgling noise leaving his throat.
Not even two second after, Mikasa, Jean, Marco and Hange were stood right by your side, Jean and Hange crouching down beside Floch. You retracked your hook, the gaping hole now starting to bleed heavily.
"Did he really cling onto the boat all the way here?", Hange asked herself baffled. You couldn't do anything but to stare at him in silence.
"Hange! He shot holes in the fuel tank!!", Onyankopon exclaimed panicked, everyone turning to look at him dumbfounded. What were you supposed to do now?! "We can't fly like this!"
"No", the mechanic from before said strained. "We can still manage if we close them", he said convinced. "Set up to wield! Anyone free, check the engines!", he called out for the rest, who got to work straight away.
"How long will it take?", Hange asked him stressed.
"If we use tin, then... an hour top—", the mechanic reached out for his tools, but froze in his movement. It was as if none of you had noticed the slight shaking in the ground during your panic, the quiet rumbling noise becoming more prominent by the second...
You looked over at Marco and the rest, all sharing the same horrified expression. "That sound", Marco whispered. Reiner ran outside, looking in the direction of the mountains.
"The rumbling! It's here!", he exclaimed terrified.
"Quick, check the engines!"
Hurry!"
"Make sure we're able to start fuelling asap!", the mechanics frantically yelled between themselves. You looked around with a hopeless expression, swiftly turning around upon hearing Floch weak whimpers.
"No. Please... don't go. Everyone... the island... will be killed", he croaked out, barely audible. "Our devil is our only hope". Every weak breath he took was tainted by the gurgling noise of the blood in his throat, but suddenly that noise just stopped.
"Floch!", Jean called out loudly.
"He's dead", Hange declared before sighing. "Yes... You're right Floch. But, we still can't give up. It might not work out today, but maybe someday it will". Jean reluctantly got up to his feet, and after one last look at Floch, you all hurried outside where the others stood eyeing the rumbling closing in. Your eyes widened, and your mouth went agape as your gaze met the devastating sight of the horde of colossal titans stomping their way towards you, leaving behind nothing but destruction and trampled, flat lands. Their steps sent violent vibrations through the grounds, booming noise becoming louder.
"Armin... Is there anything we can do?", Mikasa asked him in a whisper, and you were surprised you even heard her through the ruckus.
"No... this is it", he replied, just as airy. You felt Marco's hand take a hold of yours.. "I'll stay behind and slow them—", with this you tore your eyes away from the titans, staring at him. No way in hell you'd let him do that.
"No, not you!", Reiner exclaimed determined. "You're the only chance we have of stopping Eren! I'll do this!". Your stern gaze moved from Armin over to Reiner. Not even Armin's titan form could stand a chance against all of them, so how could Reiner's fifteen metre titan do any damage? He'd just get himself killed for nothing. Your best bet would be to hurry it up with the repairs and hope that you'd miraculously manage to get away last second- all of you.
"You really think I'd let you?!", Hange said stern as she and Moblit joined you. "We can't use up any more of our titans' powers!". You all turned to look at her.
'Hange. She's probably figured something out,- she always does'
"I led us all to this point. I kept moving forward, even if it meant killing so many of my comrades... It's time I take responsibility for that". You furrowed your brows at her words. What did she mean by that? You saw Moblit peek over at her with a knowing look, giving you a bad feeling.
"Armin Arlert". Hange placed herself directly in front of him with a brave smile plastered on her face. "I hereby appoint you 15th commander of the Survey Corps. The quality required of a Survey Corps commander is the unyielding desire for understanding. There are none more suited for this duty than you. I'm leaving them in your hands". You just stared at her, blinking confused, like the words she was saying didn't make any sense. She shrugged, looking at all of you. "And that's that. See you guys later", she said taking a step away from you, Moblit following her like a shadow. It was like you snapped out of whatever trance you were trapped in, hurriedly walking up to her, grabbing her arm.
"Hange—", you managed to croak out. She placed a hand atop yours, giving you a sympathetic smile before pulling you in for a short but warm hug.
"Don't worry, mama Hange's gonna fix this", she said to you all, pulling away from you. You felt the tears press on your eyes as your brain caught on more and more for each second that passed.
"Moblit?", Marco asked unsure, and you steered your gaze in his direction. He looked at you guiltily.
"Moblit, you know you don't have to—", Hange started saying with a low voice.
"I know, but my place is by your side, as always", he answered just as quietly, but the determination and sincerity in his tone was not to be mistaken. She smiled at him, placing a hand atop his shoulder. You continued aiming your despaired eyes at him, causing him to take you into his embrace just as Hange did, and you failed to notice him slip something into your pouch.
"I know you guys can do this. Never doubted any of you ever since I met you. We'll see each other again someday", he whispered, before pulling away from you. None of you could do anything but stare at them, completely and utterly in shock, struggling to grasp what they were about to do.
"Oh, right. Levi's your subordinate now, Armin. Make sure to work him to the bone, okay?", Hange said, putting on that carefree, playful tone of hers that usually made you feel so safe. Now, however, it felt like getting punched in your gut.
As you watched them reach Levi through glossy eyes, it finally felt like you could breathe again as you had subconsciously convinced yourself there was no way they'd get to sacrifice themselves like that on his watch.
'Levi would never let them go just like that, right?'
But your heart sank once again as you watched him place a closed fist against her heart, mumbling words too quiet for you to hear, before placing a firm hand atop Moblit's shoulder. You felt your breath quicken again as you slowly realized they had continued to move towards the titans again, Levi not looking at them; rather staring down towards the ground with a hurt expression.
It was not until the pair activated their gear, and Armin screamed out for them, that you lost your composure.
Before you could think it through, you starting to run, fully prepared to activate your own gear and follow them; but you never got that far. Both Reiner and Marco leaped forward to grab you, holding you back despite your desperate attempt to free yourself from them. Your blurry gaze didn't leave Moblit and Hange's figures for a second as they flew towards the titans.
"Wait, we'll think of something else, please!", you pleaded desperate, though there was no way they could still hear you at this point.
*3rd person POV*
"Titans really are incredible, Moblit", Hange said in awe as they soared above the thousands of scorching titans beneath them. Moblit smiled at her, feeling at ease once seeing her peaceful expression.
"Indeed they are, Hange", he sighed, meeting her eyes for what would be the last time.
*Normal POV*
"N-no-", you whimpered while starting to wriggle in Marco and Reiner's grasp again. It seemed like it took a while before any of you even managed to process what was happening still. Levi had walked over to join the rest of you, all watching the pair send one thunder spear after the other at the titans.
They managed to down one, prompting gasps to spread amongst your crowd.
"It's sealed! Start pouring the fuel!", you heard one of the mechanics scream out.
"We got to go", Armin said strained, forcing himself to turn around. Slowly the groups dispersed, everyone finding it hard to leave Hange and Moblit out of their sights.
"Come on Y/N, we have to go", Marco said with a trembling voice, urging you to move.
"Reiner! Marco, we need your help pushing the flying boat!", Connie yelled out frantic.
"Y/N, come on!", Reiner started pleading too, but you just couldn't move.
"You guys go, I'll get her there", Levi told them, and Marco reluctantly let go of you after receiving a reassuring look from Levi. He could trust you'd be safe with him. With that the pair ran to aid the rest, everyone running back and forth, in complete chaos, trying to complete all the tasks in time.
Levi didn't waste time pleading, simply defying his own body's needs to take it easy by picking you up and rushing over to the flying boat; which propellers had started spinning already, preparing for take-off.
He got both of you inside, the guys pushing the boat down the ramp following right at your heels. You barely even got the doors closed before Onyankopon started dashing forwards, leaving the hangar in the nick of time as the titans now trampled it flat.
You rushed towards the window, everyone else doing the same, desperately trying to spot any of them, with the tiniest spec of hope that they survived, and somehow managed to reach the ship.
"Hange!", Armin continued to scream their names over and over, causing you to sob more violently.
But that tiny spec of hope you obtained disappeared as the flying boat started ascending, and you finally spotted tiny figures amongst the giant titans. Your heart felt like it physically cracked, and your breath got stuck in your throat. The figures were charred, falling limp down until they hit the ground, not to be seen again.
"We're taking off! Hold on!", you could hear Onyankopon cry, and you felt yourself angle more and more to the left as he increased the speed. It honestly felt like you were going to faint, and at this point you hoped you did. Anything to escape this aching feeling now taking a hold of your entire body. It was like Sasha all over again.
You were so out of it, there you sat sobbing, your cries mixing in with the rest. You didn't even react when you felt hands wrap themselves around you, pulling you over to the other side of the boat; holding you securely as the flying boat angled itself more and more upwards, now properly taking off towards the sky.
The person whose arm were around you was also crying, and you could hear it on the sniffles, and feel it in the way he buried his face in your neck that it was in fact Marco. You leaned more to your left, until your forehead met a shoulder; Levi's shoulder. There you stayed, desperately claiming the comfort his and Marco's physical presence gave you.
Although Levi initially stiffened slightly, he quickly snapped out of it, reaching out his hand to place it atop yours as an act of comfort.
"See you Hange... Moblit.... Keep watching us", you heard him whisper to himself, barely audible through the various cries that had spread throughout the room.
It honestly took a long while before the crying stopped, everyone completely silent except for the occasional sniffle.
Your head was still resting atop Levi's shoulder and Marco's arms were still around you, but he was resting his cheek against your shoulder now. You furrowed your brows; you could swear you felt some extra weight in your sketchbook pouch strapped to your leg, now designed to hold not just one, but two books at the same time. Hesitantly, you straightened your posture to reach for it, your breath hitched upon seeing the familiar cover of Moblit's sketchbook in your hands.
'When did he...?'
You opened the book at a random page, your eyes meeting a drawn picture of you and Hange laughing in her office. A small, sad smile appeared on your lips as you turned the page, now looking at a couple of rough, clumsy sketches of you and Moblit engrossed in some books, along with one of the two of you sitting shoulder to shoulder, drawing in each of your sketchbooks. The page was marked in Hange's handwriting: 'Y/N and Moblit having fun, by Hange Zoe'.
You let out a weak chuckle, grabbing the attention of both Levi and Marco, now peering down at the book in your hands. Flipping a good amount of pages back you saw a picture that Moblit must have drawn of you and Hange surprising Levi for his last birthday. He's not one for a vast celebration, so you and Hange usually planned some intimate event consisting of different selections of tea accompanied with various pastries that goes well with them. He looked rather annoyed, but Moblit's little comment on the bottom of the page made you chuckle once again: 'Y/N and Hange making sure Levi enjoys his day... -Tried to at least. I think he was happy; )'
"You're hard to please sometimes Levi", you muttered, knowing he read that too. Marco chuckled lightly and Levi actually smiled just a little, reminiscing on those times in the past, before the corners of his mouth dropped back down. You knew he always appreciated you and Hange going out of your way to celebrate him, even though he never properly expressed it. If he was truly opposed to it he wouldn't even have let you in past the doorframe to his office.
Skipping all the way over to the last couple of pages, you stopped once you came across your name atop a page with a long paragraph of words written below it. You sucked in your breath as you started reading Moblit's handwriting...
Y/N,
Though I have thanked you times before for saving me that day in Shiganshina, I've never really expressed it further than a sincere 'thank you' and a hug. I figured you deserved to know just how much I appreciate it, and the only way I know how to, is through these pages...
You see, much like Hange, I've always yearned to learn more about the world we live in. To expand our knowledge and seek out understanding. I've spent years doing just that, dedicating my time and effort to aid Hange in the process. Although I would've sacrificed my life for her and you, gladly, I'm so very grateful you brought me back so that I could stay by her side. Not many knows just how in over her head she is most times, and how she needs to share her burdens with someone, even though she's not aware of it herself. I know she'd keep it all suppressed within herself until she was just a shell of the person she used to be, had I or any person willing to share the responsibilities perished that day. So I thank you, not just for me, but for Hange's sake. I'm so very grateful I got to experience the outside world and its wonders together with all of you, though it appeared to have a lot more ugly than we once though was even possible...
The way things are currently progressing, I'm aware of the possibility that a day where a sacrifice is required for the greater good might come, or just a day where I'm not able to fight my way out alive. And if I've given you this book or letter without you knowing, it must mean my time is up... I just want you to know that I'm okay with that outcome if it meant any of you were able to go on. So I hope with my reassurance, you'll be able to move on more easily. It's okay to grieve for a while, but please don't put your entire life on hold because of it. Life, and the time with your friends that you share it with, is too precious for that.
I'm content knowing you kids I've watched grow up into responsible and caring young adults can have a shot at a better life. I've loved seeing your art and skills evolve as you do too, and I've truly appreciated your relentless interest in my craft as well as your persistent goal to help those around you. It's inspiring, so please continue doing so. I'm so very proud of you, and I have been from the very first weeks of knowing you.
Oh, and also, if you're able, please feel free to take my previous notebooks in Hange's office, they're all yours:)
Now, do whatever you can to keep yourself moving forwards and don't lose your courage.
~Moblit Berner
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A/N:
Sorry for sparing Moblit only to kill him later on, hehe... But it felt right for him and Hange to go together :')
Man, my heart is actually aching, pls, this is just so damned sad and so hard to write! Like who does Isayama think he is, killing everyone like that🤨 ahhhh😩I would've included some photos I referenced in the story as usual, but since the pictures I talk about includes the reader, I'm not able to do it the way I usually do it.
So instead, let's just enjoy some Moblit and Hange fanart as we continue on without them😢
Thanks for reading! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go jam out to the first opening song to make me feel better
~Jen