Unwanted Power: An Armin Arlert Love Story

45. Frienemies

Jean, Mikasa and Connie went to a close village, there was a festival going on, apparently, everyone was celebrating the Rumbling. The team tried to blend in and got a pie for them. They sat in a bench to eat.

"I can't believe they are celebrating." Connie said.

"I kind of do. They feel protected, like someone is caring about them. I don't think they realize all the chaos it has actually caused." Jean said.

"I guess, like Ymir, they were angry about the outside world's treatment." Mikasa commented.

"I can't blame them, I don't like the outside world's people either, but that doesn't mean they have to die." Connie said.

"That's why we have to stop it. Lexie said she needed all nine titans and I'm sure she already convinced the ones from Marley." Jean said.

"Yes, she is good with words, just like Armin, they make a great team." Mikasa said and took a bite from her pie.

"We just need to find Annie so she can help too." When Jean said that, a girl next to them chocked on her food, when she turned, they noticed it was Annie wearing a cape with the hood up.

"Annie?!" Connie asked and then laughed at her. "You chocked on your food! Hahahaha!"

"Well, she hasn't eaten in four years." Mikasa pointed out. Finally, Annie swallowed and talked.

"Explain to me that about stopping the Rumbling." Annie said.

"Well... Lexie thinks the power of the nine titans can lock up Ymir and force her to stop the Rumbling." Mikasa explained.

"Why Lexie?" Annie asked.

"She's... kind of... the reincarnation of goddess Ymir." Jean explained. Annie scoffed.

"Of course she is. She went from princess to duchess to goddess. Who would have thought?" Annie said. "And is this certain, have the others agreed too?"

"Well, Lexie thinks Eren will help. She's very sure." Connie said, Mikasa looked away uncomfortable, she still didn't like that Eren trusted Lexie more than her. This was, of course, noticed by the others on the table, but they tried to ignore it.

"What about Reiner?" Annie asked.

"Lexie was on her way to convince him, Porco and Pieck. I am very sure they will help." Jean said.

"That only leaves Zeke." Annie said, everyone stayed in a tense silence.

"We have no idea how we're going to get through him, but... if it comes to it, I guess any of us could... take his power." Connie said. Annie looked at them all, they looked right back, waiting for her answer.

"Lexie said to give you a message." Mikasa said. "She said to ask if you're really going to let a princess do the job of a warrior." Mikasa smirked at Annie's glare. Annie scoffed and stood up from the table.

"Okay, I'm in."

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Hange had found an extremely wounded Levi. On his fight trying to keep the Beast Titan from reaching Shinganshina, Levi had to kill the other Scouts guarding Zeke, he had tied him into t thunder spear, but didn't think Zeke would activate it and blow them both up.

Hange cared for Levi's wounds, stitched him up and made a camp to keep them warm, staying away from the Rumbling. When she saw horses coming from afar, she took out the fire and hid, thinking it could be the jaegerists, but she felt relief when she saw Commander Pixis.

"Commander Pixis!" Hange called and signaled him to reach her. He and other 8 soldiers did.

"Hange. I am glad to see you ok. Where's Captain Levi?" Commander Pixis asked.