The war with the titans was over. They eradicated every last one of them. Historia was securely on the throne with a protective Ymir at her side.
No longer would the monarchy erase the people's memories. There was no need for the walls anymore but still, people had not ventured outside them yet. The Scouting Legion's last mission was to find places humans could inhabit and start to build new communities so mankind could expand and rule the Earth again.
Levi felt slightly nostalgic. Once the Scouting Legion disbanded he wouldn't have an excuse to see her anymore. He knew full well that she would be accompanying Eren and Armin to find the ocean they had always so desperately wanted to see.
Levi sighed, he saddled his horse. Erwin had kept their usual squads intact for exploration. There was no more need for the Spec Op squad but they would be together while they explored the outside world.
They had already found several places to build small communities, right now Legion members and Garrison members both were helping to build shelters so man could comfortably move outside the cage they had been trapped in for far too long.
Erwin said the time for disbandment was drawing close, this would likely be their last official expedition.
Levi rode out beyond the walls, his squad following behind. They rode past the rapidly growing buildings that were being finished everyday. Erwin had said that they had enough communities for the population inside the wall by now. As the human race rebuilt, people would be able to expand and explore on their own. It was the last time Squad Levi would ride together under the wings of freedom.
Armin was by far the most adept at recognizing the signs of a livable area. Sasha's valuable hunting and tracking skills kept their food supply stable. Levi dreaded the time when Armin would call out and Levi would send up the flare and Squad Levi would be officially disbanded. Mikasa, Armin, and Eren had already planned ahead, they had traveling packs slung across their saddles, they would not be returning to the walls.
Levi heard Armin say, "Flare," and Levi reluctantly fired the column of smoke into the air.
Tears were shed as Sasha and Connie bid farewell to their friends. Jean held up better with his stoic face, but Levi saw tears glistening in the corner of his eyes. Levi reluctantly led his horse over to the departing members of his former squad.
"Well brats, it looks like this is goodbye," he said, a sinking feeling weighing heavily on his stomach. Armin's eyes were wet and so were Eren's. Levi had long known about Eren's hero worship and was sad to see him go. He had grown more attached to them than he cared to admit. Especially her. Her beautiful face betrayed none of her emotions.
Eren and Armin were eager to be gone, however and they mounted their horses, ready to depart. Levi couldn't. He just couldn't let go of her quite yet. "Ackerman," he called, "a moment please." Mikasa nodded walking with him a little ways, away from the curious ears of their former squad mates.
Levi groaned internally. He didn't know what the hell he was doing. He had never felt like this before.
Mikasa eyed Levi carefully. Despite her best efforts he had crept into her heart. She had known it was stupid and foolish to fall in love so she had kept her feelings hidden. She had been afraid of rejection, anticipating Levi's reaction would be something like you stupid brat, how could you do something so stupid that could never be. But the war was over now. They had their happy ending.
She decided that for once that she would make the first move. "Come with us," she said abruptly. Levi looked surprised. It easy almost comical to see him have an expression on his face for once. "What?" he asked hoarsely. "Come with us," Mikasa repeated, "Our work here is done. We can have the happiness that has been denied to us for so long."
Levi stood still, deliberating for a moment. Honestly, he had been at a loss or what to do after the war. Humanity's strongest soldier would no longer be necessary. It was seriously a no brainer. He had vague notions about opening a tea shop, but more time with Mikasa was too appealing to refuse. "Alright," he said. "Alright," Mikasa repeated, " That's good, because I already packed an extra bag for you." A smirk played across her lips for a moment and then she turned away and walked back towards Eren and Armin. "He's coming," she called out. Eren waved excitedly and Armin's grin was visible to Levi even from far away.
"Tch," he muttered, "Shitty brats." And Levi mounted his horse, catching the traveling pack Mikasa threw at him. She planned this, didn't she Levi thought to himself. But Levi couldn't seem to find it in him to care that he had been manipulated. He hid his smile as he followed Mikasa into the unknown.
