The Guardian's Tale (AOT fanfiction)

-Brave Volunteers-

I silently made my way through the graveyard, the wind tangling itself in my hair as the dark sky made the weight on my heart heavier by the moment. Excruciating pain shot through my body with every step but I didn't pay it any mind as I made my way to my friend's resting place. Tears gently flowed down my face, carrying all of the apologies I wanted to yell out and all the pain I had been carrying for years.

As I got to the gravestone that served as a grim reminder of her death, I felt strong arms wrap around me, speaking for us all through this heavy silence. My glassy eyes simply locked on the stone and uncertainty settled in my heart, forcing me to doubt whether what we were doing was really the right thing. The burns and bruises seemed like nothing compared to the pain I felt, the pain that came with the realization that the world wasn't done taking away people I loved.

"Hey you." Niccolo's shaking voice called out from below me. "You're the Guardian Titan aren't you ? The one that's supposed to protect us all ? So tell me...why didn't you die to protect her ?"

At that moment, it felt like all the air had been drained from my lungs and my head lowered to face the ground as my hair fell onto my face, shadows covering my eyes that had now been filled with horror and shock. My whole body felt like it was being weighed down by the fallen soldiers resting on this field, blaming me for not being able to protect them. 

"Why didn't I die to protect her...?" I repeated. "I've been wondering the same thing for years as I watched my comrades die and the answer is simple. This world is a merciless place...it takes away everyone you love until you have nothing left to live for, until your will to live is completely drained. But please...if you think you can uphold the title of Guardian then go ahead, take it. You better not cry like a little bitch when you realize how many deaths you're responsible for."

When I looked back up at him, the rage that had been portrayed in his voice was replaced with a shocked expression, almost as if he had just realized how deep his words struck. After a moment of silence, footsteps could be heard crushing the grass and, when we turned around, we found ourselves face to face with Sasha's family.

"Y'all knew my daughter, did ya ?" Her father asked as he removed his hat.

We all stepped away from the grave to let them mourn and I turned around, ready to leave when, all of a sudden, Mikasa's arms found their way around my fragile frame. I didn't fight her, I simply turned around and wrapped my arms around her tightly as if to prevent her from flying away. I hadn't seen her in 4 years yet the air between us still felt the same, the silence being a place of comfort and expression for both of us.

After a few moments, she let go and I walked over to one of the biggest gravestones before kneeling down and brushing away the dust, revealing the words 'Erwin Smith'. Unsure of what to say, I simply stared at the only part of him I could to back to, a mere stone which held no life.

"It's been quite awhile...hasn't it father ?" I finally spoke up. "Well in my defense...kneeling on your dead body isn't exactly the place I like to be in my free time. I just wish...that you were here. I know it's selfish but I just..." I clenched my fist as tears came crashing down onto the grass. "I just miss you so much. I'm lost without you...why...WHY COULDN'T YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISE DAMNIT ?! Do you know how it felt...to lose my father all over again ?"

"Miss Uchiha ?" A voice spoke up. "I'm sorry but Eren Yeager would like to see you."

I quickly wiped my tears and got up, brushing the dust off of my bare knees as I tried to compose myself in order to regain the mask I wore in front of everyone. The mask of a cold blooded killer.

-----

I quietly stood in front of the cell as I watched Eren dry his hair, never taking his eyes off of the mirror in front of him, his hair glistening with pearls of water. Finally, he turned to me with the same emotionless look in his eyes but I didn't waver for a second, knowing all too well that those eyes reflected mine.

"I see your regenerative ability hasn't come back yet." He pointed out. 

"Maybe I'd still have it if you didn't drag all of us to Marley." I growled. "When they interrogated me, I lied and told them that I came with you of my own free will. But you and I both know it wasn't the case. Now cut to the chase, what do you want ?"

"I want to put my plan into motion and only you can help me." He bluntly replied, extending his arm to me though the bars."So what do you say, will you help me end this war once and for all ?"

"I'm sorry Eren..." I apologized, my gaze turning to the ground. "I can't...not like this."

After a moment of silence, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to the bars before placing his other hand on the back of my head. Before I could say another word, he gently kissed my forehead and my cold facade immediately fell apart at the warm yet nostalgic feeling. 

"It's alright Yuki." He reassured as I could feel his lips moving against my skin. "I know how hard it is...but you have to be strong. You have to fight."

Fight...How can I fight if I'm so damn weak ? Why can't I just die already ?

Why won't you let me...

TO BE CONTINUED !
(Listen, listen, listen, you know I love you guys BUT if I see one comment about how Eren and Yuki would make a good couple...NAH. I mean I see where you could get it but NO WAY !)