Beyond the Horizon

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|Leigh's POV|

What would you do if, for just one day, you could live totally— unapologetically— free. Never fearing capture, incapacitation, resentment, or hate. The world lays in the palm of your hands and the only thing stopping you from taking it is—well—you. Often times the thought crosses my mind, the true definition of freedom, and whether after all this time— all the loss and the fighting, we've truly acquired it.

What is freedom? Is it freedom from bondage? Is it the literal ability to move as you wish? Or is it something more? Something that requires more critical thought and retention. Is it something complicated? Or is it as simple as it sounds?

I can say first hand... nothing is as simple as it sounds. Not even freedom.

The right to express. The right to move and think and act without restraint. The right to live in peace and security... the right to love who you love with no fear of reprimand. All simple things that fall under the wide umbrella of freedom. So many hope to have it all— and yet there are so few who hardly have enough.

My people are among the few who hardly have enough.

So what would I do... if I had the world in my hands? What could I do with this cruel, wretched world in my hands?

I could watch everything burn.

But then there is him. The ray of light pulling me from the darkness. My freedom to act— my freedom to love; he is the sole reminder that within this hell you can create something beautiful. Within this hell you can create a home... and I'll be damned if any of that is taken from me. If anyone else is taken from me—

"Section Commander?" I look up from my desk, surprised to find a confused Connie that I nearly don't recognize standing in my doorway. I forget how much they've all grown over the years.

"Connie," I lay my pencil down, giving him my full attention. "What's wrong?"

"The Captain is looking for you..." He grits his teeth as I curse under my breath, getting up from my desk. I pause beside him at the doorway, patting him on the shoulder.

"Go eat, Connie, thanks for the message." He smiles a wry smile and then hauls ass to the Mess Hall, his stomach probably growling something horrid after the long day we've had. The long days we've been having.

Ever since the revolution was uncovered that humanity was very much alive and very much against our existence, our little island was thrown up into disarray. Constant visitors from both Marley and the Azumabito countries alike, nagging and prodding our island for resources and opportunity as the ever-growing threat of war hung like a reaper of souls over our nations.

I walk as quickly as possible to Levi's office, cadets careening out of my way with harried salutes and wary looks. Our numbers have grown significantly since the Shiganshina Battle— or rather massacre—the Corps teeming with new, eager soldiers. And yet there's always the lingering feeling that something will never be the same. No more Erwin, no more Miche... no more Cora or Sawyer.

I take a deep breath as I reach Levi's office, squeezing my eyes shut for a few seconds to gather myself. As I'm about to knock I hear his voice through the door, soft yet firm as he says,

"Come in." I smile, opening the door to see him sitting at his desk, a chair set with ink and quills already set across from him. I close the door behind myself before I go to sit down, scowling at all the paperwork awaiting me.

"Connie says you needed me?" I ask, drumming my fingers on his desk. He nods, pressing the pads of his fingers against the bridge of his nose for a long moment before speaking,