You're Not Alone

•100•

Quick note: Thank you to everyone who has read up to this chapter. I can't believe it's already chapter 100. I'm so honored to have gotten here with all your support <3

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My hesitant eyes scan over Reiners armored Titan approaching Eren, an anxiety riddled pit growing in my stomach. My brother has his defensive stance up early, which is a good sign. It means he's serious about this and is preparing for whatever Reiner will throw at him. He's actually thinking first.

However...in the back of my mind I keep replaying the moment just moments before this where Reiner had saved my life. He still thinks I still hold half of the Titan, so why would he try to protect me from rocks that I can just regenerate from?

Is it possible he actually cares?

Just as Eren hardens his knuckles with the crystallized cover, Reiner charged forward with his fist held back. The moment he swings at Eren, I can see the force of it take out parts of the building nearby just from how powerful he is.

"It'll be fine," Connie comments, his face not reflecting his confident words. In fact, he looks just as worried under his sarcastic personality.

Reiner goes in for a low blow, but Eren moves out of the way, jabbing his palm into Reiner side, pushing him away. Reiner lands on his knees with a hand supporting him on the ground and then quickly recovers, sprinting towards Eren again.

This time, Reiner gets closer to Eren's face, but my brother reflexes have improved. In fact, it's almost like he's been training without any of us knowing. He easily moves his head to the side to dodge the punch, then sends his own fist into the right side of Reiners head, cracking the armored plate.

Reiner falls flat on his stomach, his hands stretched out to his sides, probably recovering from that attack. Erens gotten stronger since the last time those two fought and he's proving it right now.

Eren let's out a menacing roar and I seem to feel it in my bones. He, just like me, is feeling the effects of being back home. This is where it all began, where Reiner and Bertholdt had destroyed everything. Now it's all come full circle and we're here again, but maybe this time we can stop them before anyone else has to die or this war has to go on any longer.

Jean nudges my shoulder while he holds his thunder Spears, giving me a reassuring smile. It helps, because if Jean is putting his faith into Eren, then it gives me hope that I can put all my trust into my brother to finish this for all of us.

Reiner and Bertholdt are the reason our family is gone and we can't ignore that. Yet...back on that day, the day before my birthday, Reiner had said some things that seem to be coming back to me.

"Because... it's going to help. It's the right thing to do. If I'm not here, it means I've failed and I can't fail. Sophie... You always seem to understand. I hope that you will always try your best to see every side of something. Don't change."

Was that his way of admitting his secret to me in a way. Is it possible that he has been wanting my forgiveness? Has he wanted me to notice what's eating away at him?

Maybe he doesn't want to keep killing...

My mind begins to drift to where Kaia and Reece are right now, if they're scared or worried? I'm sure they're fine, but for how long? I've seen so many people perish at the hands of Titans and I know how easy it is to fall prey to them. One mistake or wrong move and your blood is the only thing left of you, scattered on the ground.

The only thing keeping me from worrying is that Levi is over there with them. That little bit of hope is what's settling the nervous feeling in my stomach.