The Marble Game: Historia and Ymir

Prologue of the End

A couple hundred people shoved in a white, crisp room is less than comfortable for the pair. The stairs led them to an open area with eye-straining lights and a covered-up bleach smell. As all the footsteps quieted down and everyone stood in their own lifeless corner thinking of what could be, the deafening silence filled the air.
"Blegh-" Ymir started mockingly. "What is that stench? Historia, you smell that too right?"
Historia was too busy scrambling her thoughts. What would happen to her? What would happen to Ymir? What... is this next game?
"Historia, I know you are the last one to be freaking out right now. I mean, you're the strongest person I know!" Ymir said with a slight smile on her spotted face as she picked Historia's chin up. Silence faded back through the air.
Finally, Historia spoke. "Ymir, what would happen if-", and just then, an alarm sounded.

[woman on PA]
"Players, welcome to the fourth game. For this game, you will be playing in teams of two. Please look around and find someone you wish to play with. When two people agree to play together, shake hands to show you have become partners. You will have 10 minutes to find your partner. Let me repeat the instructions.."

As soon as the woman announced teams of two, Historia's face lit up. Turned opposite of her, Ymir's old smile faded into worry. She could already tell what this meant, but she would do it. Even if she might not be around, she would do it for her.
"Historia," Ymir let out her hand and Historia grabbed it with excitement. "You haven't been this happy since we got here!" Ymir surprisingly claimed, masking the harsh sensation of nausea.
"I know we can do this! We're a power duo! Do you know how fun this is gonna be? I can't believe I was worried! If the rest of the games are like this, we'll be sure to win!" Historia proudly stated.
"We?" Ymir uttered, darkening the mood and causing anxiety for players near her. She had been a formidable opponent in the previous games. No one messed with Ymir, so no one messed with Historia. They were each other's second half.

They watched as the others pleaded and women begged. They looked at each other and the white of the room would fade until it was only them staring at the others' dilated eyes. They could stare into one another's soul for days if they could. Somehow, in the back of their mind, they knew this wouldn't last forever. They put on a show for the other out of protection and selfishness.

As the clock reached 0:00, two bright white doors opened to an exact replica of land they used to know, a beautiful city in between Wall Rose and Wall Sina, Trost. The workers in pink masks first entered and were given their instructions. People scrambled in so they wouldn't be left behind or last.

"Trost. I miss it. Don't you remember?" Historia said with slight relief looking around the room. Before Ymir could respond, Historia took her hand and pointed to a worker. The worker with a white triangle mask stood in front of the two briefly and ushered them further on to the very corner of the venue.
"I miss it too," Ymir whispered knowing what might come next.

[woman on PA]
"Players, please take one bag each from the staff member before you."
Historia's curiosity ran wild as she thought of the possibilities of what they were playing. Gganbu? Hm.. she said in her head.
"There should be a set of ten marbles in each bag. Please check to confirm the numbers.
In this game, using your set of ten marbles, you will play the game of your choice with your partner. The player who manages to take all ten marbles from their partner wins. Let me repeat the instructions.."

Ymir's heart skipped a beat. Tears started welling, "I knew it. I fucking knew it. I FUCKING KNEW IT."
As Ymir's anger and anxiety took over her heart, Historia stood staring at a nearby rock. Her thoughts shook the ground beneath her and her legs became weak.
What does it all mean anymore? If I don't have her here with me, how am I going to survive this place? She's the only thing keeping me alive. I can't let them take her away. I can't. I just can't. Not now, not ever. (Historia
This can't be our end. I never got to tell her how much she means to me. I never got to marry her. If she's not here with me, how can I live? She's the only thing keeping me sane. I can't let them hurt her. I need to protect her. She can't go. She just can't. Not now, not ever. (Ymir

"Let the game begin" are the last words half of the participants would hear from that woman. That was the woman who ended their lives. Did she not have any remorse? Do the workers not have hearts? Who would play this sick game?
"Historia," Ymir started. "This is what we're gonna do,"