hi lovies, we have reached the end of book 1! thank you for staying with me for so long :)
i will be going back into this book and making some heavy edits (fixing plot holes, pacing, etc). i am also working on the first few chapters of book 2 which will be released soon (maybe I'll post a little teaser chapter here as well)
as always, thank you for reading along. your interactions truly do brighten my day.
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Life continued on after Shiganshina was retaken. You began to mend your relationship with Historia, who let you return to your duties within reasonable time. Levi continued to be a pillar of support, but you two decided to take things slow, in order to prevent any more heartache. The others continued to check in on you as well, and you became closer with them than you had ever imagined, often spending your free time training and conversing with them. And although it took many long nights learning how to forgive, you had managed to mend the better part of your friendship with Hange.
Finally, months after the Scouts returned from Wall Maria, when the snow started melting, the military formally announced that Wall Maria had been cleansed of titans at last. By the time the elevators on Trost's wall were freed for use, and work had begun on paving the main road, there were flowers in bloom, and butterflies dancing between them. Maria's refugees were finally permitted to return to their homes, roughly a year after what had been called humanity's first victory in Trost. And so, six years after the Colossal Titan's first devastating attack, the Scouts resumed their expeditions, exploring the world beyond the walls once again.
As you ride across the vast plains outside the walls, the landscape stretches out before you in a breathtaking expanse of untamed beauty. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills and endless fields of green.
There is a silence among the Scouts, each of you lost in your own thoughts as you journey towards the unknown. But for you, there's a growing sense of anticipation bubbling beneath the surface. The Scouts had embarked on an expedition to reach the sea about a day or so ago, which alone sparks feelings of suspense and excitement. However, behind the scenes, you had managed to bargain with Hange on extending your trip one more day to stop by your home along the way.
The wind whipped through your hair as you rode ahead, the only sound that to be heard was the rhythmic thumping of horse hooves. The rest of the Scouts follow behind you in a silent procession, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and wonder at the unexplored and unfamiliar land stretching out before them.
But for you, every tree, every landmark, every stone feels like an old friend greeting you after a long absence. The familiarity of the landscape fills you with a sense of anticipation, each sight igniting a spark of excitement deep within your chest. It's as if the land itself is welcoming you home, embracing you with a sense of belonging that you haven't felt in years.
As you lead the way, your heart races with the prospect of returning home, of revisiting the place where your journey began. Memories flood your mind, each one a piece of the puzzle that led you to this moment.
The wind whispers through the trees, carrying with it the scent of nostalgia, and you can't help but smile as you draw closer. This isn't just a journey to the sea; it's a journey back to your roots, back to the place where everything began.
You lead the scouts through the small collection of woods, inhaling the scent of pine and flowers. As you emerge from the clearing and your eyes adjust to the light, you come to a halt, and the others follow suit.
In the valley below stood a lone stone house, unassuming and quaint, with vines and ivy growing thick over its concaved roof. But you knew how it looked all those years ago. You recognized every brick in its walls, even remembering the ones that were no longer there, having gotten lost in time and disrepair.
"This is it. I'm home." You said breathlessly, announcing to the others that you had arrived.
You took in the area slowly as you walked your horse down the hill towards the crumbled ruins. The path to your front door was overgrown, but you didn't need it to guide you as you followed the steps with muscle memory. The sturdy oak tree that had given shade to you and your brother when you played outside before dinner as kids still stood strong, its ancient branches swaying heavily in the wind.
You tied your horse to a stray piece of fence still standing, before making your way to the wooden door that stood crooked, falling off of its hinges. Your fingers traced the rusted handle as you pushed it aside, stepping through the doorway.
The memories came flooding back as you took in the interior of your home, nowhere near as cozy as its former glory. Ghosts of echos played in your mind as you meandered further. Everything was covered in a thick layer of dust which filled the air as you ran your fingers along your family's old furniture.
Everything was in the same place it was all those years ago, frozen in time from when you watched your father choke out his last breath. You never told anyone, but you almost gave up then and there. You had never forgiven yourself for not being there when they needed you the most. You sat lifeless for days afterwards, only eating what you needed to live so you could prolong your own selfish suffering. But by the grace of whatever higher power existed, you eventually vowed over your parents grave that you would save your brother and set out on your journey.
That was years ago. Now, you don't even know if your brother wants to be saved.
Your fists clenched as you stared at the spot your parents had died. Flowers and weeds had begun to grow through the floorboards, and a little light peaking through the decaying roof shone down on the spot. How poetic, you bitterly mused.
You walked over towards the spot, the wooden floor creaking under each step as you bent down to pick up the small batch of flowers. You made your way from the living area through your parent's bedroom to your bedroom that you had shared with Oliver.
It was an eerie sight, seeing your bed frame that you used since you were a child in such bad shape. Your fingers ran over the wood, which was a little soggy from years of moisture and decay seeping throughout the house. The flowers that you had carved into the wood were still there, which framed the initials of your family.
H.A. ❀ G.A. ❀ O.A. ❀ A.A.
You traced the names of your loved ones, a smile playing on your face as you recounted the memory of how furious your mother was when she caught you carving into the furniture even though deep down, you knew that she learned to appreciate it.
The memory was soon soured, though, as you turned your attention to your brother's side of the room, which sat in the furthest corner. The two of you used to read bedtime stories that your father or grandfather brought back from their trips to Shiganshina. He was such a beacon of strength and courage, but now, if what Zeke said was right, then he's no longer the brother you used to know.
You sighed, pushing the thoughts you've been battling these last months from your mind. You turned towards the back door that was connected to your room, stepping once more back into the bright sunlight.
There, in the midst of weeds and wildflowers, sat two gravestones, nameless and alone. You weren't able to carve their names into them when you buried your parents, but you knew which each belonged to. Your father laid on the left, and your mother on the right.
You kneeled in a silent reverence, placing a bundle of flowers on each of their graves.
"So this is where you buried them, then." You heard Levi's voice speak up from behind you, soft and understanding.
"It's not much. But I thought they deserved somewhat of a proper burial." You replied, not looking away from the grave.
He made his way to your side, remaining solemn as he silently paid his respects. "You've done a wonderful job. They would be proud." He said, trying to offer comfort.
"I hope so." You whispered.
He gazed at you from the corner of his eye as he tried to read through your expression. Over these last months, he has gotten pretty good at reading you when you try covering up your feelings. "You're not responsible for your brother's betrayal, you know. Don't let Zeke's words poison your head. Oliver is his own person, and you cannot change the things he chooses to do."
You scoffed, "Well, that's sure easier said than done."
"I know." He replied, placing a hand on your shoulder, "But we don't even know if Zeke is telling the truth. We will get to your brother soon, try not to overthink it until then."
You laid your head against his hand, leaning into his presence. "Thank you, Levi."
A moment had passed before more footsteps approached you from behind. "It's getting late." Hange said, "We can camp here tonight if you like."
You turned to look at the brunette, pushing yourself to your feet. Her face was set into an emotionless expression accompanied by the eyepatch she now wore. Her good eye met yours, and you could see a ghost of sadness hiding beneath her otherwise calm exterior.
So much had changed since then, including Hange. She rarely spoke with her former youth and excitement. It seemed she, along with everyone else, was finally growing weary from this fight. Although sometimes the thought of her betrayal still stung you, you chose to forgive her, trying to mend the friendship you once shared.
You shook your head, brushing off the dirt from your knees. "I'd rather not. I can handle being here in the daylight, but I'm not quite ready to face this place in the dark just yet. Too many memories."
She nodded in understanding. "I'll tell the others, then. Meet me when you're ready." Hange finished, turning on her heel and leaving.
"I'll let you have some more alone time with them," Levi said, breaking the silence. "It is getting dark though. We still have another day to ride until we reach the sea, so we should set up camp somewhere soon."
You nodded, turning back towards Levi as he began to walk away. "I know, I know." You said, waving him off. "I'll be done soon."
Alone with your thoughts again, you turned back towards your parents and sighed, crossing your arms in a silent embrace. You took in the scene before you, making sure to remember every last detail of where they lay.
"I'll bring Oliver home soon, I promise." You whispered, renewing your vow you made years ago. "I miss you." Your voice cracked as you spoke the words you've been waiting to say.
The wind blew through the forest, reaching out to you in a gentle hug. You're not one to assume spiritual meanings from events like this, but as you closed your eyes and breathed in the warm breeze, it was almost as if you were feeling mothers embrace around you once more.