Sacrifice For You (Hange Zoe x Female Reader)

3: Vengeance (1)

By the time Hange's new invention was deemed exceptional, the sun was beginning to rise. We had worked on the net all night, crossing and stitching thick ropes in a lattice pattern. My fingers felt like they might fall off, and I assumed the bags under my eyes were practically screaming to be looked at. Despite my exhaustion, I actually didn't mind much. It was more than worth it to see the prideful, beaming expression on their face when we were done.

"Look at that, [Y/N]! Moblits gonna love it!" They had exclaimed, their hands making wild gestures in the air. I recalled only meeting their glee with a smile, far too enraptured in the task of trying to ingrain the memory of their face into my mind.

I barely had any good memories left.

Pulling myself over the side of the tub, water was dripping down and off of my body. It had been days since our encounter with the Female Titan and my ribs were still sore, causing me to wince somewhat when I reached for my towel across the floor. I couldn't even remember how I had gotten hurt - my last memory of that day being Will's crushed body.

I peered over at the mirror as I wrapped the tattered cloth around my torso, my head tilting to the side in question. Have I always looked like this? I wondered. My face looked almost indistinguishable, like I was staring back at someone I had met long ago - but couldn't seem to recognize. I can't remember the last time I saw myself in something other than the reflection of a spoon or a pair of glasses.

After staring at myself for far too long, I made my way to the pile of clothes I had set out. The mission to capture Annie was taking place today, and Levi specifically had made it more than clear that I was to keep myself in check. "If you let your emotions get in the way, I'll make sure you're eating horseshit for a week, [Y/N]." His threat had been playing over and over in my mind, knowing full well that he'd fulfill his words if he had to.

I began situating my uniform, feeling tingles all over out of nervousness and dreadful anticipation. We had been instructed to hold off on equipping our gear until we were at the scene to avoid the risk of alarming Leonhardt, so I shoved it in a bag, for now, to carry with me. Today we were destined to end up in another bloodbath with the Female Titan.

A knock on my door alerted me that we were heading out in five minutes, and I yelled back a quick "thank you" before sitting down on the lousy cots that were provided for us.

"Will?" I whispered, looking ahead with a blank stare. I tugged at the hem of my shirt dubiously when I spoke, "I don't know if I'll be able to avenge you today." The small confession dug into my skin, feeling like a million tiny needles.

"I just want to make your death mean something because that's how I'd want mine to be," I looked down finally and slowly shut my eyes, "and if... I get the chance, I'm taking it - no matter how opposed Levi is to my actions," I declared. I know I'd never forgive myself if I had the chance to get reprisal for his death and did not take it.

More harshly than intended, I grabbed my bag and made my way down the corridor, meeting up with a shorter blonde boy. "Armin?" I spoke, causing him to turn around with an apprehensive smile. "Are you ready?" he questioned, glancing at my bag. With a quick nod, the two of us fell into stride next to each other and made our way to an old and unstable-looking carriage outside.

"Do you really think it's Annie?" I prompted suddenly. I had been so set on it for days, despite not even knowing her. But now that the mission was starting, and I was prepared to sacrifice it all in the name of retribution, I felt an overwhelming sense of desperation. I'm desperate to know that I'm not fueling my hatred toward an innocent girl.

Armin, without missing a beat, nodded his head, causing his blonde locks to sway slightly, "Unless it's a complete outsider, I truly do believe that the identity of the Female Titan is possessed by Annie Leonhardt." He had never been too confident in his ability to make decisions, in fact, he required more reassurance than most. However, his unwavering and definite tone sounded like he'd never been more sure of anything in his life.