My Hero

Chapter 19

Zachary Dhalis and Erwin Smith were having a conversation about the events from earlier that day.

"Good work, Erwin. Your mission was successful after all."

"Thank you. We had some small issues, but in the end everything worked out."

"About those issues, I do have my concerns. If I understand correctly, Eren Yaeger attacked Mikasa Ackerman and almost killed Desi right after he turned into a titan. That is very serious, Erwin. How can we even trust him after such actions?"

"I understand where you're coming from, but thanks to Levi, he managed to regain his senses and complete the task."

"Even so, he endangered his fellow soldiers and almost became a serious threat. I think it's about time we settle this matter in court."

"Please, reconsider. I am certain Eren will learn to control his ability with just a bit more time."

"I apologize, Erwin." Erwin Smith was about to continue his protest, but Zachary Dhalis stopped him with a raised hand. "Even so, I did promise to aid you if you show good results and succeed with your plan, so I will buy you a bit more time."

Erwin looked visibly relieved. "Thank you."

---

After the gate was sealed, we had a big party to celebrate. After all, this was humanity's first big victory against the Titans. Everyone was hopeful and had high expectations for the future.

It was getting a little bit too noisy for me, so I got out of the cabin to get some fresh air. "Ahh, such a peaceful night. A bit chilly, just perfect."

Jean walked out after me. "Hey, Shortie, why are you out here? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."

He smiled at me. "Good. How is your body doing?"

"Much better, actually. This reminds me: I'm sorry I couldn't be with the rest of you until the end of the mission. I wanted to stay, but the Commander wouldn't hear of it."

"It's alright. You don't need to apologize. Besides, he was just looking out for you."

"You think so?"

"Of course, it's not hard to tell. I guess he really does like you, huh?"

"I guess so."

"Well, I know what I said before, but as long as you both are okay with it, just go for what you want. Trust your heart."

"Jean..."

"I'm your best friend after all! If I can't do this much, what kind of friend would I be?" And he gave me a big smile.

"You are the most awesome friend anyone can ask for!"

"Good, I'm glad you realize it."

"It wouldn't kill you to be a bit more modest, though."

"Not happening."

We shared a laugh.

"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting something. I can come back later." It seemed like Mikasa had gone out for some fresh air herself.

"Ah, no, no, it's fine, Mikasa, stay."

"Alright."

"I'll leave you two girls alone. Be nice!"

"Yes, yes, of course." I waved after Jean and turned to Mikasa. "Something on your mind?"

"Actually... I want to thank you."

"Hm? What for?"

"For coming to my rescue today. You had no reason to risk your life for me, but you did, even after I was horrible to you. Why did you do it?"

"I did tell you before that I care for you, and I would never leave a friend in trouble, as long as I could do something for them. When I joined the Survey Corps, I swore to myself to always give it my all. If I don't, I will feel useless, and I can never allow that."

"I guess I was very wrong about you. I apologize for spreading those nasty rumors.

"Oh? It was you? I would have never thought. But it's fine, really. It hurt me at first, but I'm over it." I felt like Mikasa was getting pretty uncomfortable in a situation like this one, so I decided to put an end to it. "Anyway, everything between us is good, so you don't need to worry. And I appreciate the apology. I'll be out here a bit longer. Why don't you join the rest inside and have a nice celebration? You deserve it."

"Yes, I will. Thank you." She went back inside.

"Follow my heart, huh?" My legs had a mind of their own as I walked away from the cabin.

---

"Now is our chance. Go and follow her; find out where she's going."

"Why me? Why can't you follow her?"

"Because she will never suspect you, dummy. She is already suspicious of me."

"Fine! I'll go."

---

Hmm, I could have sworn it felt like someone had been following me for quite a while now. I could hear their faint footsteps on the grass. I stopped in my spot, and the other person seemed to stop as well. Alright, if that's the game we're going to play. I ran as fast as I could. The other person seemed to hesitate for a bit, but soon I heard them again. If I were correct, they were close enough that I could catch them in the act. It was now or never. I immediately turned around, and my eyes began their search. I was lucky the moon was quite full tonight, and I could see most of my surroundings clearly. I saw the figure of someone attempting to quickly hide behind a tree. You're quite tall, aren't you? Got ya.

"I see you, Bert!" The figure didn't move at first, but then, just as I suspected, I saw a very nervous Bertolt make his way towards me. I was trying to catch my breath. "As fun as this game was, why the hell are you following me around like that? It's very, very creepy."

"Ah, I'm sorry, Desi. I didn't mean to scare you. I saw you leave by yourself and got worried, so I followed you."

I wondered if he was telling the truth. "Thank you, Bert, but I'm perfectly fine on my own. You don't need to worry about me."

"Yes, you're probably right, I apologize."

"Have a good night."

"Ah, you, too, Desi."

And I continued on my way.

---

"How could you get caught??"

"Well, I did. I didn't expect her to suddenly run off."

"Damn it, now we both look suspicious. We need to find another approach."

---

'First Reiner, now Bertolt. I swear, they're starting to make me suspicious of my own shadow.' When I reached a certain building, I stopped to look at one of the windows. "He's still up, huh?" I hesitated for a bit, but my heart was hammering in my chest and begging me to just go in. So I obeyed it, like so many times before.