Final Mission

The Road to Basra

The morning sun was barely a hint on the horizon as Levi, Eren, Jean, and Marco buckled into their respective vehicles---a pair armored numbers meant to endure both the adventures and challenges that lay ahead. Levi took the wheel of one while Jean drove the other, the familiar grumble of the engine igniting a sense of purpose in the four men.

As they pulled out of the military base, the dusty roadway shimmered under the growing sun, the oppressive heat already beginning to enshroud the land. Levi gripped the wheel with the intensity of a solider trained to face any threat; his eyes were sharp and unwavering as he navigated the uneven terrain, the humvee bouncing slightly over the rugged path.

He couldn't afford to let his mind drift; not with the memories of Farlen still weighing heavily on his heart. The thought of losing someone else loomed in the back of his mind like a specter, but he forced it down.

Besides him in the passenger seat, Eren fidgeted nervously, his fingers tapping against the dash. " It's just forty-five minutes, " he said, almost to himself, trying to ease the unease wrapping around his chest.

" Keep your head in the game, Yeager, " Levi replied curtly, his voice gruff but not unkind. " Focus on the mission. "

Eren nodded, settling back into his seat, determination etching itself back into his features. In the vehicle behind them, he could see Marco chatting quietly with Jean, their banter muted but present. Sometimes, their laughter would rise like unexpected flames against the backdrop of their grim realities, a distraction Levi both envied and appreciated.

The convoy rolled on, the scenery shifting from scrubby desert hills to the outskirts of Basra, a city slowly awakening to another day, as they drew closer, stray dogs prowled the streets, the remnants of abandoned vehicles littered against the backdrop of battle--scarred buildings. It was the first glimpse of the strife they were talked to mitigate, and each revelation twisted knots in Eren's stomach.

Five minutes later, the two numbers rumbled to a stop just outside the entrance to Basra. Dust devils danced along the cracked pavement, swirling around the waiting vehicles. Levi cut the engine, and silence fell heavily in the space between them--a collective breath before lounging into the unknown.

" Alright, let's gather up, " Levi commanded, stepping out of the humvee with a purposeful stride, rifle sling over his shoulder. The heat struck him like a fist, but he paid no mind as he surveyed the area around for any signs of life---or danger.

Eren was quick to meet him outside, followed closely by Marco and Jean, who had climbed out of the second humvee. The four of them huddled together, reminiscent of a pack drawing close in trepidation before a hunt.

" Okay, so here's the plan, "  Jean began, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, Marco nodding along with him.

"Eren and I will take the northeast side, while Levi and Marco cover the south. If any hostiles are lurking, we'll signal our radios"

Levi looked intently at Jean. " Stay sharp, any signs of trouble, retreat to the vehicles. This isn't a game. "

" Yeah, of course, " Eren replied, a determined fire igniting in his eyes. "But we also can't just sit back and do nothing if people are in danger "

Marco chimed in, " If we see any civilians, we'll get them to safety. We can handle this; we're prepared for whatever we encounter. "

" Prepared or not, don't let your guard down, " Levi reiterated sharply, his gaze alternating among them. " Stay in pairs. Stay focused. We're not here for sightseeing. "

With the plan confirmed, they broke into their designated pairs. Levi and Marco headed south, cautious steps drawing then closer to the heart of the city, while Eren and Jean ventured towards the northeast.

The streets of Basra unfurled around them, a juxtaposition of human Resilience and the scars of war. The once-vibrant murals adorning the walls had faded, peeling away as the city struggled to survive. The echoes of children's laughter seemed to be replaced by the oppressive silence of a populace caught in the crossfire of conflict.

Levi moved with purpose, his senses tuned to every sound-- the skittering of rats, the faint chatter of unseen voices. Despite the turmoil, his eyes were vigilant, observing the surroundings through a hardened lens. Marco, flanking him, constantly scanned the alleyways and doorways with palpable tension radiating off him.

" They'll be there, " Levi responded curtly, keeping his eyes fixed on a distant corner where several figures crouched low against the wall. " They need protection. It's our job to ensure they can work safely "

As they rounded a corner, the scene unfolded in front of them--a group of men, young and old, gathered around. Several idle trucks, their faces etched with worry as they gestured anxiously. A few children darted around them, the Innocence of youth clashing against the harshness of their reality.

" Looks like we found them, " Marco said, lowering his rifle slightly as a gesture of cautious ease. ", We should--- "

Levi's words cut through the moment. " No, stay alert. We don't know the situation yet. "

His instincts were sharp as ever. He motioned for Marco to stay behind him as they crept closer. The men were deep in discussion, but their tones had the edge of desperation---somthing Levi recognized all to well.

Once they were close enough to hear, Levi leaned slightly, straining to catch mixture of Arabic murmurs and hushed tones. The tension sank deeper in his gut, the weight of duty pressing against his chest.

" We need supplies! If we don't get these trucks operational, we can't support our people! " One of the men shouted, panic rising in his voice.

Levi locked eyes with Marco, their unspoken agreement settling between them like a pact forged under fire.
" Time to get to work, "

He murmured, stepping forward as he lifted his rifle, ready to take control of the situation that unfolded before then.

Once more, war settled in the pit of their stomachs and the heat enveloped them, but this time they walked forward not as soldiers alone but as a shield for the Innocence that lingered, fragile yet hopful. They were here to protect, and protect they would, no matter the cost.

The groups were ready, and stakes had never been higher. Somthing had to change in this ravaged land--starting with a mission that demanded they put everything on the line.