A Wall Of Blue Roses(Un Mur de Roses Bleues)

Message in a Bottle

It was warm outside around the courtyard as Belle wiped beads of sweat from her face. She had just finished tending to the horses, bonding with hers, a dappled grey mare, it felt like they were the best of friends. She petted the mare before leaving the stables, having done her job and decided to take a stroll around the courtyard. Unbeknownst to her, Levi was watching her from his office window.

'Well she's always doing her duty right. Always the good girl among us. That brat is well behaved. Even though she does show concern for her brother.'

As she was walking by the river and sat down on one of the rocks, Belle took a moment to admire the scenic view, the river sparkling in the sunlight like a pool of sapphires as she gazed at the large wall surrounding her, shielding humanity from the titans. As she looked around, something caught her eye. A glass bottle was floating and touched her boot, stopping it in the process. Belle picked it up and found a bit of paper rolled up in a scroll.

"Whatever could this be?" She wondered, getting up and walking back into HQ. Upon arriving to her room, Belle pulled out the cork and pulled out the note before unrolling it flat.

The paper was a little soggy because of its journey down the river and some of the letters almost looked hard to read due to the water smudging and soaking the ink. Belle then took a moment to read it.

'To whoever finds this bottle holding this message

I just wrote this to let my family know that I'm well even though some people may think I'm dead. For my mother, father and grandparents, I don't know whether I'll be home or not but I've always loved you, for I remember how you were choked with pride as I left to join the Survey Corps and do what's right for humanity and someday, I'll come home a hero. And for my dear sister, Belle, I'm so sorry to have you worried sick for me. Please stay strong and brave, not just for me but for our parents and grandparents. I hope I'll see you again soon.

Claudius Boyer.'

Belle's brown eyes were about to fill with tears but looked out of het window at the river, leading to where the message came from. The realisation left her shocked to where he may be.

The titan forest outside the wall.

Belle couldn't have been more shocked. Claudius out there in titan territory? And outside the walls?

Squeezing her eyes shut, tears streamed down her face as she ran to her bed, taking the bottle and note with her, holding them close to her chest so that no one would see what she was hiding. She placed the two objects on her desk before reading the note again.

'My brother..is alive out there...he's not dead like people said he would be. No matter what they say, I'll prove them wrong. I will bring him back, eveb if it means...going outside the wall...'

Closing her window tightly, Belle slumped onto her bed and began to ponder.

(I sit awake alone again)

(Today we nearly lost a friend)

(The clouds hang in the sky, stripping me of life)

(It seems we've all fallen away)

(Seeking the merchants of decay)

(You said we'd never die, now kindly hold my eye and say)

A look of determination crossed her face as she realised what she must do.

(Don't be leaving)

(I'm half of what you made us)

(Let's brave the night another day)

(I'll be leading)

(A torch light in the dark, we'll get out)

(And find another way)

Tying her hair up in a ponytail, Belle rummaged through her wardrobe and found her scouting cloak, before wrapping it around her shoulders and buttoning it up.

(I wander roads and feel the cold)

(The magic gone, I'm feeling old)

(The ghosts of what I've done, are mocking everyone)

(Their voices penetrate the haze)

(It's starting to become me)

Opening her door, Belle poked her head to see if the coast was clear. Luckily no one was in sight, making her sigh in relief, before heading outside, making sure she didn't wake anyone up.

(Don't be leaving)

(I'm half of what you made us)

(Let's brave the night another day)

(I'll be leading)

(A torch light in the dark, we'll get out)

(And find another way)

Outside in the courtyard, Belle entered the stables to mount her horse, taking her blades and 3DMG with her. It was almost starting to rain as she pulled the hood of her cloak up to protect herself.

(It's time to testify)

(The gods above will wait forever to find a soul as pure as you or I)

(I'm leaving when I die)

(The full corrosion of my spirit shapes the person I will give my life)

(It's time to testify or live out the end)

Before leaving, Belle took one last look at Levi's office window, dimly lit by a candle and sighed sadly.

"I'm sorry, Levi..but my brother's out there..and I will bring him back..."

(Don't be leaving)

(I'm half of what you made us)

(Let's brave the night another day)

(I'll be leading)

(A torch light in the dark, we'll get out)

(And find another way)

A single tear falling down her cheek, Belle began riding off as thunder began to rumble from the dark sky as a sign that it was starting to rain. Hooves hitting the ground with every gallop as she started a mission of her own. To save Claudius and bring him back home, no matter what danger could be lurking.

'Don't worry, Claudius...I'm coming..to bring you home...!'