Wings of Freedom -Shingeki no Kyojin-

I remember once, when I was little, I had a dream, and I didn't understand it... I didn't have anyone to talk to about it, so for years it was just me and my thoughts, pondering over that dream. Although it never came back, I still remember his words...

"Oi, kid, don't listen to anyone who treats you like trash. One day, you'll become someone important to humanity, someone many look up to, and those pigs who treated you like shit will regret it because you'll help all of humankind break free of these walls."  

I always thought, 'we will always be stuck within these walls, never to be able to fly free'. As I grew older, I still thought freedom was impossible, even with my skills.

'It's not impossible...' I started to rethink. With Eren's help, humanity was able to fight back. 'But he's only a kid,' I told myself. Don't get attached to him; he could die as easily as any other soldier, even with his power. He's only a kid, don't put all your hope in one child. 

But...I don't know how, but we were able to strike back. Drive the Titans away, killing dozens of them. Taking territory back from the Titans. Inching closer and closer to survival...

But that's when we found it. 

"It's the Beast Titan!" A soldier shouted from one of the tree tops. 

"Continue as planned!" Erwin commanded. We climbed the trees surrounding the Titan, ready for the first group to attack together. With the wave of a hand, Erwin released the first troops. They all attacked vital points first, avoiding the neck. It was too early to go in for the kill. 

The Titan was able to grab many soldiers who were flying through the air, smashing them into tree tops, or simply crushing them. Very few made it out alive, and all were injured...

Erwin waved his hand again, commanding the next group to attack the arms. That, once again, only resulted in many deaths and injuries. 

"Erwin, it would be best to retreat." I said. 

"I have faith in our soldiers. This is it, as soon as this Titan is gone, humanity is free." Erwin replied.

"No matter how many troops you send after that beast, it's only going to kill them! Call this off, Erwin, I know what to do." He looked at me questionably. "Just retreat and leave me and Eren here..."

"You're going to get him kill--"

"No I won't. I swear." I promised. Eren would make it out alive. He and the rest of humanity will be able to see the oceans, fire water, and ice lands. I'll make sure of it, even if it's the last thing I do. 

'What happened after that...?'

I opened my eyes. It was pure white everywhere, not a single person, building, or Titan in sight. I don't remember where or how, but I've been here before...haven't I?

I walked, not knowing where to go. I don't even think there was anywhere to go. After walking seemingly forever, going absolutely no where, I heard it. The quiet sobs of a child. I turned to face the sound, looking down at the child. Shaking, but still standing, tears in his eyes, cuts and bruises covering him, and a knife clutched in his hands. His clothes were torn and dirtied, and he had no shoes. I was looking at myself, from when I was a child. 

"S-Stay back!" He pointed the knife at me, still shaking. I didn't know how to react. 

"I'm not going to hurt you..." I said.

"You're with the Survey Corps.! You'll turn me into the Military Police!"

"I'm not going to do such a thing."