In Love with a Devil

Chapter 19 - Reclaim

You felt at peace in your sleep. Despite the upcoming mission that would either save humanity, or bring its downfall, you savored this moment for as long as you could. All of the training, all of the preparations, and most of all, the moments you shared with Levi. Things couldn't be the ideal relationship you both deserved, but both of you understood that the cause and humanity's survival had to come first.

You woke up to an empty bed, the rising sun peeking through the window as it warms your face. As you stretch your arms and start to get up, the door opens softly with Levi holding a teacup.

"Good, you're up" he said as comfortingly as he could.

"Good morning to you too, Captain" you reply sarcastically, your voice still half asleep. You take the cup from him and sip it.

"Keep it up and I'll sideline you from the mission, Lieutenant." he says with a raised eyebrow.

You chuckle softly as you finish your drink. You get dressed in your uniform and walk out with Levi, meeting with Hange and Commander Erwin to finalize the scout's departure at sunset. Wall Rose was uncharacteristically buzzing with life with people watching as the scout regiment loaded the horses and supplies up the wall. This send off was different... compared to the usual pessimistic and foreboding feelings the regiment once shared as they departed for their missions, the air felt lighter. It felt... hopeful. There were cheers for the scouts' success in retaking Wall Maria, and the commander even shouted in optimism as he led everyone down the opposite side of the wall.

You reached a forest by nightfall, switching to walking and guiding horses by ore-light as you trenched through deep titan country. You were ordered to keep your hoods up to hide Eren's position, and to walk in as much silence as possible as to not draw attention. Thankfully, Armin thought of a brilliant plan to reach Wall Maria under the cover of the new moon so that the titans would not be a threat under the moonlight. Though it's not to say you were completely safe, when Jean spotted a titan just mere feet away from the path.

Dawn was upon the horizon, and just as you were about to say something, Eren and Mikasa spoke up and said that they recognized the area, meaning they were close. When everyone was accounted for, the regiment was split into two, half on the ground with the horses, and the other switching to ODM gear to the top of the wall.

You gasp softly as you look down upon the destruction that took place 5 years ago. You hardly imagined it was this devastating... The first experience you had in Trost was nothing compared to this. You look beside you and see Eren, Mikasa, and Arimin looking down as well, remembering that this was their old home.

"Don't stop moving!! Get to the outer wall, quickly!" Levi shouts as he runs across the wall.

You shake your head and press on, following close to Levi as you reach the gate. You halt and stand behind Hange, checking your surroundings for anything suspicious.

"Everything looks clear..." you say with a concerned tone.

"Then we should continue. The armored and colossal haven't shown up yet." Levi adds.

"You're right. There's no reason we have to halt the mission." Hange says as they fire off a smoke signal.

Something doesn't feel right... We made it here in one piece, and everything is going smoothly. Almost too smoothly... I can't explain why, but it feels like something is simmering right beneath our feet, something that could erupt at any moment.

You pull out of your thoughts as a bright flash appears behind the wall, Eren's titan quickly hardening and sealing the hole shut. Mikasa retrieves him and sets him down while a few scouts check the sealed hole.