Friend or Foe... (AoT Reader Insert)

Chapter 41: What it Takes

Like bashful children, my comrades had chosen to settle their dispute through physical means. With the mission and Annie's life on the line, it was the only way something could be decided fairly. At least, it was the only way they decided would be fair.

A testament to their physical strength that would determine the outcome of the mission.

How primal.

Beneath the 50 meter walls lay Reiner's titan. Defeated and bashed, Zeke's own titan standing victorious.

For the most part, I accepted the outcome of the battle. It was unfair of us, Bertholdt and I, to have Reiner fight on our behalf. I doubted I'd be able to emerge victorious from a battle against Zeke, especially after watching his brutal takedown of Reiner.

'Do you really want to save Annie though?'

Of course, that had all happened hours ago.

Our small group stood 50 meters above the ground, atop the walls. Reiner and Bertholdt stood beside a bowl of stew, staring into the fire.

Pieck, in her titan form, had gone off ahead to scout while Zeke had just left. The three of us didn't care to ask the blonde where he planned on going and even if we did, it wasn't likely he'd tell.

I kept my fingers moving constantly, trying to remove all the moss and grime from small artifacts I found scattered across the ground. The small objects were still in good condition, considering they'd gone untouched in years.

'I wonder if all this heartache would've happened if you weren't a failure. If you would've been able to complete the mission if you didn't bail out like a coward.'

"What do you have there, (Y/n)?" Bertholdt asked, taking a seat beside me, his arm bruising against my own.

"Do you think Bertholdt knows how big of a failure you are? Do you really think he actually cares about you?"

I laid my head on his shoulder, placing a white knight into his hand.

"Chess pieces."

"Where'd you find them?" Bertholdt asked.

"From one of the houses in Shiganshina. I saw the game was still in good shape so I decided to take it. Though, some of the pieces were scattered across the ground," I explained, "it's unfortunate that a few of the pieces are missing."

'Just like the pieces of your heart.'

"Are you sure we have the time to indulge in games like chess right now?" mumbled Bertholdt.

"It's not for leisure."

"What's not for leisure?" Zeke asked, emerging from the darkness.

I could feel Bertholdt stiffen at the sound of the Beast Shifter's voice. I pulled away, sitting up despite immediately missing Berthold's warmth. Zeke took a seat across from Bertholdt and I, looking at the distance between us; a certain glint to his eyes.

Bertholdt handed the knight back to me, his hand lingering in my own.

Despite how it burned, I cherished his warmth.

"I can't agree to your terms Zeke." I stated. Despite being in the dark, I could see his features shift into an irritated expression.

"That's not what we agreed to, (Y/n)," Zeke jeered, "Reiner lost the fight. The three of you are going to put the mission ahead of your own personal wants."