One Last Salute

Safety Isn't an Option

   After a few hours passed, Akito was still up thinking about how the war felt like it wasn't going to end in his and the rest of the world's favor. He got out of bed and gently covered Levi with some blankets and then walked outside. The sky was dark with stars shining throughout the sky, but a sunrise was starting to appear out in the distance. Akito walked out into an open field and tears started to form in his eyes. "I can't do this anymore. Not when I can't protect the ones I love." He started to cry and soon began to yell. The yelling wasn't to show he needed help. It was to show how broken he has become due to the events of the war.

    "Aki," Levi asked as he walked up from behind Akito. Akito turned around and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry if I woke you up I just needed some fresh air." "I woke up when you left the bed and we really need to discuss what is going on inside your mind." Akito turned, but Levi put his hand on his cheek and caressed it. "I know this is really difficult for you to deal with, but I promise we will get through this together like we always do." Akito leaned into Levi's hand and started to tear up again. He knew that Levi would be by his side through it all, but he was afraid that one of them wouldn't make it out of this war alive. "Levi I-" Suddenly the sky turned completely black and all that stood were thousands of people looking at a glowing tree.

"To all the people who were cursed with the power of the titans, most of you don't know my name and will only hear it from word of mouth. My mission is to protect the people of this island and the walls surrounding our home of Paradise will fall and the titans will trample all of the earth outside of this island until all life existing in the neighboring areas has been exterminated from this world."

  The sky turned back to normal and Akito and Levi stood in utter disbelief. "W...What was that," asked Levi. "We need to get out of here before it's too late," said Akito as he grabbed Levi's hand and darted towards the cabin, but it was too late. The ground began to shake violently and the sky turned a burnt orange color. "No. No! He said he wouldn't do this yet," said Akito as he stopped and looked at fifty-meter titans walking across the earth. Levi looked at the titans then back at Akito confused. "Aki, what do you mean? Who said he wouldn't do this yet," he asked. Akito didn't respond and instead ran into the cabin. Levi quickly followed him still confused. "Aki talk to me. Was this Eren's doing," asked Levi concerned. Akito continued to ignore him and started packing things into their duffle bags. Levi grabbed his arms and made Akito look at him. "Will you answer me-" "Levi do you want to die? I don't think so. So get our gear and supplies." "Okay fine, but what about-"

    Suddenly there was an urgent knock on the door. Levi pulled his sword from under the couch and stood next to the door. He looked at Akito and saw his hand in a drawer where a gun was hidden and gave him a quick nod. Levi opened the door fast and pointed the sword at the person. "H..hey captain it's g...good to see you," stuttered Armin as he drew a sweat. Levi dropped the sword and relaxed. He noticed that the rest of his squad was there along with Hange. "Did you guys get that vision thing too," asked Levi. They all nodded and walked inside.

"Where's Eren," asked Levi. The group stopped. "Eren um... well he...," Armin continued to stutter but felt a hand rest on his shoulder. "Eren started the rumbling which is now killing every life form off of this Island," said Erwin. Levi's expression turned to a heartbroken one, but when he looked at Akito, he saw him in shock and in tears. "Aki are you alright," asked Levi as he walked over to him. Akito dropped to the ground and placed his hands on the floor. Levi rushed over and kneeled down to him. "He did do it... we're all going to die..." Everyone looked down at the floor. "Aki listen I told you that we are going to get through this like we always do," said Levi as he laid his hand on Akito's cheek. Akito looked at him in fear and in sadness. "Daddy? Dad? I had a bad dream," Henry said as he walked out into where everyone was. "Aww Henry it feels like I haven't seen you in ages," said Hange as she kneeled down to him. Henry ran over to Levi and held onto his shirt and hid from her. Hange sighed and stood back up, "Listen we need to make a plan to stop Eren before it's too late." "Hange is right and I think we should start now. Let's all sit down and start discussing," said Erwin. As everyone began sitting down, Levi looked at Akito and pulled him into a hug. "We are going to get through this because we aren't alone." Akito hugged him back and nodded. After the hug, Levi picked Henry up and walked over with Akito to the rest of the group to make out a plan.

  As hours passed, the group finally came up with a plan. They began gathering supplies and grabbing a quick bite to eat before they went off to fight. Levi and Akito grabbed their gear and got changed into their uniforms. "Are you sure we should go," asked Akito. Levi nodded and kissed him on the cheek. "Also one of the soldiers is going to watch Henry so he won't be alone." Akito sighed and finished getting ready.

After they both got their uniforms and gear on, they walked out to everyone. Henry came around the corner of the couch and looked at Levi and Akito. Akito picked Henry up and held him close. "We will be back soon so be on your best behavior when we are gone alright?" Henry nodded and reached over to Levi and gave him a hug. Akito placed Henry on the couch and held Levi's hand. Everyone walked outside and got on their horses. As Levi started to get on a horse, he was pulled down. "I love you more than anything Levi," Akito said as he gently kissed him. Levi returned the kiss and gave him a soft smile. "Come on brat. Humanity needs us to save them." Akito smirked at him, "Understood shorty." He got on the horse and held onto Levi's waist. The couple knew that they would fight together to the end and stay by each other's side, but they just hope that they both make it out alive.