reincarnated strings of red.

Blood splattered onto the soft sand as heavy footsteps moved towards the foreign area in front of them. It started to drizzle slightly, however not overpowering the cries of victories from the men who had killed every last of the titans in the intimidating woods. The ocean had never looked so beautiful in the rain, the waves crashed, roaring their welcome to the humans- the soldiers who had made their way through in the end, at the same time, mourning to those who had died trying.

Armin ran towards the blue sea, taking off his shoes and tears rolling down, joining the raindrops on his face as he gave out a desperate yell, and the others joined in vigor. The battle was over, and humanity was saved.

“FREEDOM!”

 

All the titans were destroyed; the fact was therefore confirmed and cannot be denied.

…

“Do you believe in reincarnation, corporal?”

 

“What bullshit are you muttering now, mutt?”

 

Eren laughed sheepishly, and waved his hands frantically. They were enjoying each other’s company on a comfortable morning with a cup of coffee by their hands. They were never quite best friends, but they were also very far apart from being enemies.

 

“It’s nothing, just a stupid question!”

 

There was silence.

 

“I don’t believe in them,” Rivialle then stated, “only people who are too involved in their lovey-dovey world would believe that. At this time, this era-,” Eren was staring at him with something in his eyes, Rivaille couldn’t tell, “it’s definitely not a time for love or some bullshit like that.”

 

“That is true,” Eren mused, twiddling his coffee with his spoon, “But it would be nice to meet you and everyone else in another life. Eh?”

 

“Hm.”

 

…

Everyone was still enjoying their lives by the ocean, overjoyed to a point where it had seemed impossible. After years and decades of fighting, not giving up- it was a relief that the world would be safe from the titans. Mikasa and Eren stayed by the side, watching. Eren leaned on a rock, as he finally stumbled down. All that pressure on his shoulder was finally lifted, Mikasa squatted beside him in worry. She then noticed the wide gash in his side and his back, her eyes widened and grabbed Eren by his shoulders.

“Eren! You-,” She was cut off by Eren’s tired smile, the blood continued to ooze out like water. Eren pulled her arms off his shoulders and pressed on his wounds, wincing slightly at the pain. He had been exhausted to a point where he couldn’t regenerate any further. He gestured her to help him to remove his 3D maneuver gear, his weapons were already discarded aside. No one had noticed them, Eren had already chose their spot carefully so nobody would disturb him.