You're Not Alone

•93•

I stand on top of the wall beside my brother, Mikasa and Armin. We're looking out into the horizon. In a few minutes we'll be embarking on a mission to retake Wall Maria and finding out whatever is in the cellar dad kept hidden from us.

As much as I want to focus on my activities last night with Jean, I can't be distracted. This mission is dangerous and I'm sure people will die. Maybe even me.

"Hey," Kaia walks up to me. "This is my first mission, how do you calms your nerves?"

I stare at the small girl who looks like she's about to pass out. Her shoulders are slouched forward and her eyes are narrowed slightly.

"You just have to know you're taking one more step towards humanity's future," I look back at the city below me. "It keeps you motivated."

They're cheering for us. This is the first time I've ever seen the citizens actually encouraging us. They seem to believe in the Scouts.

"The future of mankind is up to you!" I hear a man yell from below.

This hits me. It really is in our hands. If we can't retake Maria, this mission will all be for nothing. All the lives that are about to be lost will be in vain. We must succeed.

"Yeah! You can count on us!" I look ahead of me and see Sasha, Connie, and Jean waving their hands down at the people. If only I could be as cheerful.

Erwin raises his arm over his head and lets out a raging shout, causing everyone below to do the same. I take Erens hand in mine, squeezing it for comfort.

"This is it," I whisper. "It's up to you now."

He doesn't say anything back, just applies some pressure to my hand and looks at our commander. I'm sure he must be feeling like everyone is relying on him, but he's not truly alone.

"We'll back you up," I smile at Eren. "Don't worry too much."

I drop his hand and he brings his arm up and around my shoulder, pulling me into his side. Our gear hits each other, making a metallic clanging sound. I relax into his embrace, worried it will be the last one I get.

"The operation to retake Wall Maria begins now!" Erwin takes out his blades and points it in the air.

We take the lifts down to the ground and mount our horses. I made sure Bodt got a good breakfast and tons of water, because I'm counting on her to get me through this. Her intuition is just as good as mine and it will help me out a lot.

"Sophie," Jean comes up beside me, joining my row. "Are you ready?"

"Not exactly," I laugh lightly. "But we'll be fine. I know it."

I don't actually know that. I'm just trying to convince myself everything will be okay. If I don't, then I'll fall apart. I can't afford to do that. Not now.

"Scouts! Move out!"

On Erwins command, I kick Bodts side and start galloping over the grassy terrain with Jean on my left. I grip the reigns harder, trying to keep calm as we set off towards either a successful mission or the death out hundreds.

Ahead of me, I spot Levi. He's beside Hange and Erwin. All around me I can see my friends. With each face I recognize I can't help but think I may never see them again.

I want to wish Vic, Reece, Kaia, and Marlo luck, but they're all in the rear. It's the safest spot for them, so I'm happy they're there. It's best they're not up here with us in the front.

~

We rode for about three hours and then the sun had set, leaving us in total darkness other than the lanterns and flashlights we brought with us.