Complications Throughout Generations

Chapter 106

Eren's POV:

Today was Bertolt's funeral. There were many tears and grim faces. It felt dark. There was a blackness in some of our hearts that was uninviting yet unfortunately familiar. Although it was familiar, it didn't feel the same. This was supposed to be a new life. A life of second chances and a new world. But sometimes your past doesn't always escape you. I still blame myself. But Reiner has been reminding me that I'm not the one who made him do it. He's right. I had never intended on this. If anything, I just never wanted Armin to remember. So it was one of those 'when pigs fly' scenarios. Turns out, pigs can fly. I didn't doubt Armin's strength. But I knew that in this new life, he would be free of any baggage or trauma he had once felt. That's why I didn't give the rest of them their memories. I didn't want Sasha to remember her death, I didn't want Connie to see that he died alone, I didn't want Jean to witness Marco's body in his mind, and I didn't want Hange to see that she was killed by my army of Colossal Titans. They were my main concern. By along those lines, things got messy. I didn't forget any details. I was simply dead. There was only so much I could do with the limited amount of power I had left. I thought of everything I could. Some had more effort than others. But unfortunately, not all efforts paid off.

Levi squeezed my hand tightly. He was angry. I didn't understand why. I had been paying attention to the closed casket. I looked at him and noticed his eyes were straight ahead. I exhaled through my nose and rubbed the top of his hand with my thumb.

I leaned over and whispered, "Levi, not here." He didn't reply but I knew he understood.

Zeke was here. Right across from us. I've tried my best to keep them apart. But I'm not surprised Zeke showed up with the Galliard's along with Pieck Finger and Colt Grice. I looked back over and saw him frantically scanning for someone, or someone's. The bitch who killed Sasha and Falco Grice, the Jaw Titan after Porco Galliard. I still hold my grudge against Gabi, but I know how much they did for him after I died and when he became unable to take care of myself. They weren't there. He didn't show the disappointment in his face, but it was noticeable in his eyes. That was most likely one of the newer memories that swarmed in once he regained it all back.

It was time we all sat down and listened to anyone who would've liked to speak. Of course, his parents went first. They said their goodbyes and it was heartbreaking to witness. Afterward, Reiner, of course, went and stood in front of everyone. He looked tired and beaten. He most likely hadn't slept for days, or eaten for that matter.

"I'd like to thank everyone for being here today," Reiner first stated, "Bertolt Hoover was and always will be my best friend. He was loved by many. My myself, by his friends, and by his family. What most of you know as a shy, but intelligent young man. I knew a wise soldier. Whenever I needed someone, he was there. Whenever anyone, in fact, needed someone, Bertolt was there. Through everything we've been through together, I called him my brother. He never gave up on me. He always encouraged me to do my best. He always supported me when I felt like no one else did. Someone once said 'behind every great man is a good brother'. I promise to be a great man every day from here on out for my brother. Bertolt, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your patience, and thank you for your understanding. I know you'll be watching us, so I promise to always make you proud. Thank you." At this point, everyone was drowning in some sort of misery. Levi had his stone cold face while I had to wipe my tears. Kuchel was in between Mikasa and Levi as she held Levi's hand and rubbed Mikasa's shoulder who had her head on her mother's shoulder. My mother was next to me and had my father's arm around her, comforting her.

The service had finally ended and we all dispersed. More condolences were given to his family.

When I had my back turned, there was a tap on my shoulder. I knew who it was so I ignored it.

"Eren, please."

Finally, I had turned around. "Zeke, you know now isn't the time for this."

"I just wanna talk."

I quickly spotted Levi. He was talking to Connie and Armin.

"Come on." Zeke and I rushed away from the small groups scattered and made sure we weren't seen. "What, Zeke? What could you possibly want at Bertolt's fucking funeral?"

"Did you have something to do with this?" He asked.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I was appalled. How could someone ask a question like that at a time like this?

I heard footsteps behind me.

"You might wanna walk away before I lose my temper." I figured I wasn't slick enough for Levi.

"Oh, I'm assuming he remembers?" Zeke looked in my direction, ignoring Levi's presence. Being that we were outside, Levi pushed onto Zeke's stomach with his foot into the back of a tree.

"Come near me or Eren again, and I won't care where the fuck we are. I hope you get that through your pathetic skull because I don't like repeating myself." He put his foot down and grabbed my hand to lead us away. "Are you okay?" He moved my chin down and checked my face to see if I got any type of hit.

"I'm okay, he won't touch me," I moved the hair out of my eye and he rolled his eyes. He spun me around and pushed my shoulders down so the back of my head was at his eye level.

"I keep these on me just in case." He clearly had something in his mouth with the way he was talking. He combed my hair back with his fingers and held it together. He tied it together and spun me back around.

"Do I look okay?" He reached up and pulled a few extra strands out to create a messier look.

"Yeah, back to your brat self I'd say." I smiled and kissed his forehead.

"Thank you." He took my hand and led us to another tree outside. This one had cherry blossoms blooming. It was April so they were almost there. But enough to tell what they were. I sat down first and he joined as he laid in between my legs with his back against my chest. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go for it." He sighed. I could tell he was tired. I looked down at him and saw that his eyes were closed.

"Why did you pick Armin instead of Erwin?" I felt him shift around in my arms. I hope it wasn't a touchy subject. After all, Erwin was his hero. I was shocked to see him closer with Hange though. I never asked him about that either. I didn't even get to witness anything in my spirit state because she was already gone.

"Few reasons. I was choosing Erwin. But then he used what strength he had left to reject the idea. On top of that, Mikasa being a brat and then seeing you fight with every fiber of your being was convincing. You both made good points."

"Did you ever regret it at any point?"

"No," he shook his head, "not for a single second. Armin was a leader. He led well till the very end."