Armin trudged along through the thick brush in the jungle, his friend close behind him. Constantly looking back to make sure she hadn't passed out from the trip, he stopped and she bumped into him. "Armin, what is it?" Mikasa asked, looking around Armin. "It… It's beautiful…" Awestruck, she could barely contain herself. "The ocean, I've never seen water so clear, or so much of it before."

Armin felt tears spill over. "I can't believe we finally get to see it." His eyes bright, he wiped away the tears.

"I bet Eren would have liked to see it." Mikasa looked down at the key in her hands. The same one Eren had worn to uncover the secret of the basement. The same one he wore when he was killed on that very same mission. "He would go jump in it and play around. We all would."

Armin nodded. "Mikasa, what do you think…" he paused. "What do you think about throwing Eren's key into the ocean?" Mikasa rubbed her eyes that stung with tears.

"I think that's a great idea. It's the closest thing we have to getting him to the ocean after all." She handed Armin the key. "I think he'd like it."

Armin placed his hand, the same one with the key, on Mikasa's palm. They walked closer to the shore and watched the waves crash against the sand, roll back into the ocean and do it again. Armin and Mikasa squinted when they looked on the horizon. They'd never seen the sun emit so many beautiful colors before.

"Eren gave his life so we could have this moment." Wind blowing around his blond hair, Armin improvised a speech about his friend. "He fought until the very end. Without his sacrifice, I don't think…" He felt Mikasa squeeze his hand and knew she was crying. "No, I know we wouldn't be able to stand here today if it wasn't for Eren."

Mikasa sniffed and embraced Armin. "This may sound outrageous, but, I actually would rather never see this ocean than know that Eren can never lay his eyes on it."

"That's not outrageous at all, Mikasa. I think everyone, Captain Levi, Sasha, Connie, Erwin, and Hange would agree." Mikasa hugged him hard. Armin laughed. "Maybe even Jean." They broke apart and Armin stared at the key in his hand. "Come on, let's do it."

Mikasa watched Armin throw the now pointless key into the foaming water. It sank to the bottom like a rock. The two best friends, putting one hand behind their backs and one on their chests, saluted, to their fallen soldier and brother.

I don't even. Whoever reads this… I don't even know why… This… This just better not happen in the anime. Oh Armin. My precious cinnamon bun, you've been through so much.

Well, I hope you guys have a fun Christmas and do well on this 'wonderful' exam week. Remember reviews are always appreciated. Bye guys, hopefully I'll see ya again really soon!