~*~
A YEAR LATER - YEAR 854
Everything felt unnerving......
The day we went to the international forum with the 'Subject of Ymir Protection Group, was the day Eren suddenly disappeared from us. It was like he decided this before we even set foot off the island of Paradis, and it didn't give us a heads up by leaving us in the dust. Levi, Hanji and I were rather disappointed by Eren's foolish display by working alone. Or so we thought.
He even left a letter behind for us thankfully, by giving up and informing us that he was going to leave our futures up to Zeke.
This decision didn't clearly add up for us, being that Eren was now siding with his own damn brother. That bastard who took so much from us, and the man who killed our Commander Erwin. The confliction I felt when he left was unfathomable, trying to find a way for to find him at least. Even so, neither of us and even Mikasa would never be able to convince him to let it go.
Yet, something didn't feel right to me..........
~*~
MEETING HALL - HARBOUR OF PARADIS
Ever since our discussion with our alliance with Lady Kiyomi Azumabito, we've kept our distance for a while. Soon later in the year we began to receive letters from Eren, directly sent by the Azumabito we soon realised Eren needed our help. This meant that for us, we had to go all the way back into Marley and back him up in any way possible.
To me this was bullshit which was everyone's response....heck we all we conflicted by the few letters we received.
During all this I tried to be a mother and Section Commander at the same time, balancing the emotional and physical side of it all. Though it was difficult, I maintained my ground and held my head high. The difficulty of keeping my feelings tucked away, wanting every part in restoring peace to our land. Though Kiyomi insisted over and over before to join her, and give up the life in Paradis? I couldn't do what she asked of me, even if she was on her knees.
The meetings happened a few times a week, and weaponry being developed over the course of a year.
Uniforms becoming more profitable and efficient for our needs, new colours and gear was added to the design. So much has changed over time during the past four years, and even our Omni-Directional Maneuvering Gear has changed. It was more built for more firearms, similar to the gear that Kenny Ackerman wore from the Military police's design. We had no more titans to annihilate, knowing our enemy is people.
The thought of murdering people left a sickening feeling in my stomach, especially when everything changed so fast.
With me being Section Commander that also meant either I form a group of soldiers, or sit behind the desk and manage meetings right beside Hanji. Having to make decisions beyond my own control, and my opinions somewhat mattered to some officials of the garrison and Commander Zachary. Especially since we also had to monitor the anti-Marleyan's personnel, the only person I fully trust was either that young Chef boy and Onyankopon.
"Should we move forward with this?"
We finally received a letter by Eren, that confirmed that he's either made contact or has been gathering information. Standing at the head of the table I stood my ground, glancing over the map of Marley that the Azumabito secretly gave us. It gave us the routes, and boundaries of the Liberio. It is a metropolis intersected by some large river near a railway, with three given notable sections.......
* The marleyan area, where the ethnic Marleyan's resided in......
*The Warrior headquarters zone, or known as the internment zone where the Eldian's reside in...
*The industrial zone......
Then towards the edge of the city, there was a large harbour like ours here on Paradis. With all areas sectioned off, I've memorised the map over and over. Though some layouts were similar to us, most of their areas were highly advanced with how far they've progressed over the many years. However this is a retrieval mission, and to add on to this, Zeke wanted in on this plan as he's been speaking with Eren whilst in Marley as well.
All of this sounded rather easy to some degree, but the complexity of what Eren's true intentions were is a mysterious.
Would he come back with us willingly if we come to Marley?
Would he have changed since we last spoke?
Would he be reasonable about this mission at all, or will he beyond our comprehension?
"We have no other choice but to do so," Hanji speaks up, answering my question. She shifts her glasses for a moment, while I glance over a few other of our men. "We've gone over the plan, thanks to Armin's risky kind of plan.......are we clear?"
"Yes Commander Hanji! Section Commander Akira!"
Standing there while watching our soldiers dismiss the room, I turn to Armin who seemed rather nervous and uneasy about his plan. I couldn't tell. His face said it all, but I couldn't blame him despite that he was such an amazing strategist. Heck, it even seemed like Erwin's ghost haunted him while he laid out his suggestion of a plan, which everyone seemed in agreement to.
Placing a warm hand upon his should, I gave it a gentle squeeze, "You did good, Armin......" I smile softly, with a warm voice. "We appreciate your strategic mind, you've always had a good intuition........."
He grows beet red in the face by my compliment, that he stammers over his words, "T-Thank you ma'am! I try my best!"
Chuckling softly I nudge him to the door, "Go on.......go to the mess hall, you must be hungry," I say gently, realising Levi was standing against the wall in silence at the corner of my eye. Armin soon nods before he leaves the room, along with Hanji who collects a few things and races out without another word.
The silence itself was heavy the moment the door closes, with only Levi and I in the room.
"You have that same face, go ahead and say what you have to say" I spoke up, turning back to the scattered mess with the layout of Liberio upon the table. Grabbing a few early reports, I tap them in a pile while memorising the map again whilst multitasking.
"I forbid you to go....."
With a heavy weighted sigh I keep my back facing him, "Listen Levi--"
"I can't allow you to back there, but this time we're not there to sightsee," He cuts me off, hearing his footsteps approaching me. His hands skim across the table, collecting the dust that accumulated upon his fingertips as he flicks his fingers in disgust. "We can't know for sure, what's about to go down.........Eren has been unpredictable since we regained Shiganshina. Heck, I'm not even sure what we're walking into and--"
Clenching my jaw subtly, "Do you think I'm incapable in fulfilling my duties, as a Section Commander?" I interject, glancing to meet his steel gaze.
He clicks his teeth together, "Tch no, that's not what I'm saying," He speaks up more firmly, his brows furrowed.
"Then what are you even implying here?" I argue, arching my brow.
My chest felt tighter trying to understand, with confliction weighing me down.
"Our son needs his mother, more than you need this mission," he steadily spoke, trying to keep himself composed. "You know as well as i do, that you're capable in protecting him and giving him everything a parent can give."
This conversation was becoming more heavier than expected, knowing he was right but my heart was screaming to pursue this mission.
Taking a deep breath I lean against the table with my palms, gripping the table as I didn't want to argue with him. We've had a few arguments, but this one hits harder than any of the pointless quarrels in the past. After everything happened over the many years fighting as a soldier, and ranking higher in the system didn't change who I am. I've been doing this everyday, fighting and surviving and deciding what should come first. Decisions that I regret, and some I don't..........and some that we didn't have a choice......
It was all for the sake of the walls, but now we've broken through only to find the biggest wall. A world of war and constant bloodshed, and racial discrimination.........
"I'm going whether you like it or not," I firmly claim, my breath grew shaky. My throat tightens a little, "Of course I know I'm a mother, and Luka is 'our' priority.....you're his father too. I haven't even objected for you to quit, to stay behind.....no! I haven't at all, because I have full faith that you'll return......so what does that say about me?!"
He growls beneath his breath hotly, with his brows furrowed with a steeling glare.
"That's not the point, because I don't want to lose you!!!!" He snaps angrily, as my eyes widen slightly flinching. His hand balls into a tightening fist, til his knuckles become white, "Just because we have the weaponry, the gear to be far advanced and a few steps ahead to them.....it doesn't change the fact that you're irreplaceable!!! Your my wife! Fuck!......I.....I just cannot love another, if I lose you..........I just....."
His breath grew uncontrolled for a moment, his face slightly red from his anger that finally surfaced from his usual calm facade.
".........going in will lead to two results," He pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. "First:......you come out scathed..........second:....you die at the hand of the enemy. So please, as your husband and a Captain.......please stay back and watch over our son. Because it's sounding like you don't have fait---"
"Don't........" holding my hand up, taking his hands into my own and massages them. ".....don't even dare finish that sentence, because I have every bit of faith in you. I don't want to argue or yell at you, after all the shit we've been through. Arguing will only cause bitterness, and I don't need it when we already have the enemy hating us. So please, take a moment and breath...........and let me explain, m'kay?"
He was hesitant despite how his face softens, reluctantly giving him before he takes hands and interlaces them giving them a squeeze.
"Alright......"
With a warm weak smile I inhale deeply, before exhaling while I lean against the desk comfortably.
"My whole life I've known war, and even Hanji.....and you have too," I began softly, glancing over to the painting that was placed decoratively upon the beige wall. "I've watched many annihilated since I was only young at thirteen to those titans, devoured and torn apart. Their screams still echo.........not letting me rest easy. I've grown up training, gone up ranks and now look at how far I've come.......heck, even you have raised the ranks and we're the best of these walls. We're the protectors, of Paradis and I'm damn proud of us. Of you....."
His eyes widen slightly, taken back from my admittance as if those words were foreign to him.
"......I didn't bear your child to make him a soldier, because I know we're gonna get through this and stop this ongoing titan war," I continue firmly, with determination welling inside my heart. "The future we will make, will be the future for our son to settle and work a normal job without worry.......because he wasn't born to be a weapon like I was. So, my first priority is to send him somewhere safe whilst we raid Liberio.........you remember Ingrid Becker? Little Klara? They'll be taking care of him in Karanes district, and before you say it.....yes, Ingrid is happy to watch over him. He is practically like Ingrid's nephew to her, due to our small visits once a month......"
He was slowly considering judging by how heavily he was focused on our hands, intertwined together and his grip tightening. Soon it loosens, with a small exhale of defeat.
"I see...........guess I assumed too soon," He breaths out, before pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. "What about Lena? Will she coming on the mission, or....?"
"She'll be coming with us this time," I reply softly, as our voices have become warm and tranquil from the compromise we're sharing. "I've made her babysit too many times, that I felt bad even though she enjoys her time with Luka. So, will......you allow me on this mission, or will you be the stubborn husband?" chuckling at the end, easing the tension within the room.
For a moment he closes his eyes a little longer in consideration, before he grunts in response and nods.
"Tch, Fine........just remember, to stay alive for our son," He reluctantly gives in, before he suddenly ruffles my hair like a child. "Seriously, you're one stubborn woman yourself, but that's what I love about you..........dammit," bringing me close, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "Tch, just please......be safe."
"I will........" I muse gently, leaning into him.
Though there was more to say in the moment, I didn't want to add any more fuel to the fire we almost created.
~*~
KARANES DISTRICT
"Ah......hasn't he grown a little since we last saw him,"
Chuckling softly I had Luka tucked in my arms, while he seems quite aloof but adorable at the same time. His raven hair hung over his azure eyes cutely, showing how much he looks just like his father in many ways. Luka began waving his arms around recognising Ingrid, as I step down the carriage on the step and made my way down the stone path.
"He sure has, and he's speaking a lot more," I agree, finally approaching her.
White flour dusts across her cheeks with her blonde hair tangled, and pulled back with a bandana holding the rets of her hair back. "So, how long will this take?" She asks, smearing the flour across her cheeks. "Does he need a bath.......or does he need anything...?"
With a heavy sigh, "I would say about a couple of days or a little more at most," I reply, with uncertainty. We didn't really set a time or place when we return, but I know from here to the docks would take at least two days or more at most. The train would shorten the travel a little bit, but at the moment everything has lengthened when traveling was involved. "I would say a week or more, but I will pay you........as usual."
"Huh?" She was taken back, before waving her hands around. "No, no! Please, we can't ask of you for money! I mean, you've saved the walls many times.....that's enough repayment after everything you've done. Just spreading word of our bakery is enough for us, I'm just honoured to be looking after your son......"
Klara walks out and was surprised to see me and rushes over to me, embracing me tightly feeling her excitement.
"Hey kiddo, you've grown up too," I rub her arm, seeing her maturing and growing up into a very beautiful young lady.
"You changed your hair too!" She smiles ear to ear, as she reaches up to play with my short cut hair that Levi did last night. "It suits you so much!"
"Awe thank you, it's just much easier on the field," I ran my fingers through my soft locks, before turning to Ingrid and my son.
I softly smile, pressing a soft kiss to Luka's chubby cheek, "Well, I owe you something........so thank you Ingrid," before passing her Luka, as he seemed eager to be in her arms as well. He comfortably holds onto Ingrid's collar, turning to me as he gives me his most charming smile. "It's just that this mission is far more dangerous, than what I've hoped. It's confidential at this point, but that's all I can say...."
"Hey....listen Akira," Ingrid places a gentle hand upon my shoulder. "No need to come up with excuses, when you none. You're doing your part, your trying so hard to make this world easier for us and it's a big job.......I mean you brought Klara to me. You've given me something, I never thought I could have.......and it's a blessing......" her soft ocean eyes meets mine, with understanding swimming in them.
Her words meant everything, as I clung onto each word that gave me more confidence for our mission......
"I appreciate it very much Ingrid," placing a hand over hers, upon my shoulder. "Balancing your personal life and a military position is challenging, but I'm trying and I'm glad someone sees which i don't deserve such praise....."
She chuckles and nods in agreement, "You deserve it,"
Turning to little Luka who has his thumb in between his lips, he innocently gazes back to my own eyes and gives me that cheeky smile. His eyes disappear from how chubby his cheeks are, as I can't believe he's three years old now. He's grown up so fast, that I forget that time changes and we only get one life.
"You be good for Aunty Ingrid, m'kay?"
He takes his thumb out, "Owtay Mama!"
Patting his soft hair, "That's my boy........mama won't be long," passing Klara his bag, with his belongings. Though it hurts me to leave him alone without me being there, I knew it was best to keep him safe. Trying to make light of it all, he was being kept safe inside a sweet and warm bakery with baked goods.
With that I head back to the carriage, leaving Karanes district back to the train is stationed at Trost. Hopefully during the years from now on, we can have the train go in different points to each district to save the time that drags the days on.
~*~
TWO DAYS LATER - HARBOUR OF PARADIS
"Must've been hard......"
Strapping my gear on over my black suit, I found it quite cozy and warm against the cold air in the night. Adjusting the straps comfortably over my chest and waist, I place the metal breastplate over my chest after binding them back for it to sit comfortably. Placing the supporting rods for the gas canisters on my lower back, I roll my arms and hips to make sure it's flexible for me to move.
"As long as he's safe, I'm at ease," I reply, with a slight grunt when slipping on my long tall black boots. Placing the second one one, Lena holds my waist and arm to support my balance before I got them on following with more metal canisters on either side of my hips. "This feels funny now........seen this uniform is new......or maybe it's my new figure,"
Lena chuckles as she taps my canisters to make sure they're not empty, "Well, can I say it suits you......."
"I'll take any compliment right now," I reply, jokingly while standing there in deep thought.
"I'm gonna check on the rest of the scouts," She informs me, as her footsteps echoes through before dispersing.
It felt rather different now that we weren't even carrying any blades, but firearms instead. I debated whether I should just revert to just blades, but judging how the Marleyan's would resolve to their firearms; it was a difficult choice to pick which weapon to fight against. I knew Levi will use his blades in battle, but for me?
"Everything alright, Section Commander?"
"Wow, the uniform suit ya!"
Blinking a few times I was met with Sasha and Jean, with Connie hopping on one foot whilst trying to get his boots on. Cursing under his breath him bumps against jean, who grips his shoulder to steady him, "Geez Connie, be a normal person and sit down to do that," he sighs in irritation, before meeting my eyes. "Section Commander.........we just, need to understand something here......"
For a moment I noticed their troubled expressions, knowing exactly what they're about to discuss with me.
"......don't expect him to be the same cadet all those years back," I reply sharply, folding my arms feeling the cold metal soak into my warm skin. Furrowing my brows with a heavy expression, I sigh deeply, "Just follow orders, focus on the mission.......get both the Yeager brothers and get the hell out of Liberio. That's all I can say.......sorry...."
Sasha remains quiet in response, while Connie glances away for a moment.
"We'll kick those dumbasses," Jean grits his teeth, seeing his anger directed towards Eren's sudden disappearance. He was definitely referring to Eren. I couldn't blame him.
When you're on a team or a squad, communication was key and talking it out was the best way to reach everyone. However Eren didn't say a damn thing, and it tore Armin and Mikasa apart which I know the bridge between them is slowly deteriorating as it goes. I've watched over these kids since they started their cadets days, and some way before then, and you can definitely see how much of impact Eren has made with the relationship that was shared amongst the corps.
It wasn't fair to the others being left behind, in the dark without any communication....
......or even a warning.......
Clasping my hands together I began walking to them closer, "Now I want you all to double check on your gear, make sure that you have enough gas and your firearms aren't rigged......." I began instructing, as I wanted to change the topic not wanting to focus on the negative side of it all. "........Jean, how are the new recruits going? Are they settled in okay?"
He stood taller with a nod, "Yes ma'am, they're all been accounted for," he replies firmly; giving me a look of confirmation. "Anything you would like us to do, or you're alright Section Commander?"
"Hmm...........should I choose blades, or firearms?" I question; scratching beneath my chin in thought. "I'm used to using blades on the titans, but.....tonight we're also dealing with soldiers that only use rifles.......so which shall be beneficial?"
This is where I hate deciding when going into territory, we know little of.
Sasha gasps, "I know....I know!!!!" she raises her hand, excitedly with her cheeks warming up with excitement. "Why not use both, I mean I've seen you fight and your coordination is off the charts!!!!"
"Both?" I chuckle in response, arching a brow with a sheepish smile.
"Alright!!!!! Every gather around!!!!" Hanji announces, her voice echoing down from the hallway. "Let's start preparing to the airship immediately! We shall set off in a few minutes, so no slacking and get moving!!!!"
With my folded arms I turn to the three surrounding, "Go on, we must make haste if we make this mission succeed," ushering the three, before making my way towards the large wooden doors of the main cargo bay near the harbour bay. Leaving the station room, I saw Levi looking up at the massive airship that we've never seen before.
"That's one big ass airship," he comments blatantly, beneath his breath.
Seeing a few of our soldiers collecting boxes of extra gas, replacement blades and thunder spears, they all flew up on board of the airship. Making sure that we had everything distributed amongst everyone, with nothing rigged or tampered with; we were all set and secure.
"At least it's useful," I remark with a chuckle, before acting my ODM and locked my grappling hook into the entrance of the airship. "See you up there......" giving him a confident wink, I flew up.
What was even more important about tonight, was that there was a festival being held in Liberio with all people attending. It was a day to remember, and the walks of life and how it came about of the first king. Ambassadors from different nations from all around the world will be also attending, that even my motherland, the Azumabito, will be there obviously. They weren't labeled at threats to Marley just yet, which gave us the slip.
Though my nerves were shaking on the inside, all the way to the tips of my fingers; all I could do was hope this doesn't end too bloody......
But I know that it will end in a massacre, it always does.......