Plans

"I don't believe this." Rain paced around Historia's room. "This is a total outrage! I can't believe they want to force you to become a titan, eat Zeke, and produce babies like you're some form of… of live stock!" She kicked the wall then stomped back to Historia's bed. "I won't allow it to happen! I won't!"

"Calm down, Rain," Historia said from the window she was staring out. "It's only talks."

Rain snorted. "Those morons will do anything to keep themselves safe. They don't care about you."

Historia hummed.

"I'm sorry." Rain paused and turned to her friend. "I know you know all of this already. I'm probably only making it worse by ranting like this."

"It's fine." Historia faced Rain with a smile. "Nothing is going to happen to me yet."

"Maybe you should come and live with me and Levi for a while. What if your soldiers turn on you?" Rain said.

"That won't happen." Historia patted Rain's shoulder. "It's my choice whether I become a titan or not."

"Unless they get the idea to force it on you." Rain wrinkled her nose. "After all it was forced on me. And Eren."

"That won't happen. I have you, Eren, and the others to help me," Historia said. "If anything like that happens you'll be there to rescue me. And I'm still a soldier despite this dress." She waved her hand over her gown.

Rain's eyes fell to the simple gown Historia often wore when it was just the two of them. It was easy for her to forget that Historia was once a soldier who fought right beside her. Yet, despite the queen being the queen, Historia was still a soldier underneath the fancy dresses and up do hairstyles. Still there would be a time when Historia would have to leave that life completely behind. There would be a time when they all would have to leave that life behind. Though not really by choice. And that would be from possibly dying in the upcoming war.

The thought of war brought another woman to Rain's mind: Kiyomi Azumabito. The woman was an ambassador from the nation of Hizuru, a woman who couldn't stop fawning all over Mikasa because Mikasa was supposedly a descendant of some important people back in their homeland. It might have been childish of her but Rain couldn't stop rolling her eyes whenever the woman fawned over Mikasa.

"How about we get out of the castle for a while?" Historia said. "We could go see the horses."

"Sure." Rain perked up a little bit. Her love for horses remained no matter what was going on around her. The two left the bedroom and headed for the door. Many people greeted and bowed to Historia as they passed. "Do you ever get use to it? All the bowing and stuff?"

"A bit. Sometimes it still gets on my nerves," Historia said. "I'm sure one day I won't even notice them doing it."

"I could never live like this," Rain said. "I'd go insane from all the attention."

"You'd go insane from all the dresses," Historia corrected.

They shared a laugh as they exiting the palace and strolled through the gardens before finally reaching the stables. Rain took a deep breath of horses and hay. Her nerves calmed immediately as they stepped inside. Flame whinnied and shook her head. Rain walked over and stroked her.

"Shouldn't you be getting a new horse soon?" Historia asked as she petted a black stallion.

"Yeah." Rain nodded. "Flame's getting up in years. I'll have to train a new horse soon."

"Have you seen any new horses you'd like to give a try?"

"Not really. Flame is special. I don't think I'll ever find a horse that will actually replace her. Ross has been trying to talk me into this one particular male colt."

"Why's that?"
"The colt's on the wild side."

"Sounds like you." Historia chuckled.

"Maybe. A horse like that will know how to run fast. Running fast is always needed when facing titans." Rain hummed, tapping her chin. "I wonder when more titans will come though. Surely by now Marley knows all the titans have been defeated."

"Well, since we're watching the harbor now I doubt they'll try to bring more titans here," Historia said. "Hey, we're not supposed to be talking about this. Let's go for a ride."

"Won't you get into trouble?" Rain turned to her friend.

Historia shrugged. "I am queen. I have every right to take a break."

"All right then." Rain opened Flame's stall and saddled her up.

Even though Historia was still wearing a dress she easily saddled up her own horse. They walked their horses out of the stable when a couple guards started their way.

"Queen Historia, where are you going?" one asked.

"You know you can't go off on your own," the second one said.

"I'm not on my own. I'm with one of the best soldiers we have." Historia tapped her heels to her horse and took off.

Rain followed with a laugh as the guards screamed for them to come back. "That was so much fun!"

"I know!" Historia smiled. "We should do this more often!"

Rain and Historia continued to out run the guards for an hour before they finally slowed their horses so the guards could follow along behind them. The guards grumbled about their queen taking off for almost another hour before finally going quiet. The girls shared a sneaky grin, tempted to run off again. But they didn't. They decided to enjoy their ride.

Two hours later the sun lowered to four o'clock. Historia said she should be getting back to the palace before it got dark. Rain nodded. Though she didn't want to say goodbye to her friend she did and headed towards her own home.

Halfway there she found Eren sitting on his horse, clearly waiting for her. "Huh?" Rain rode up to him. "What's up, Eren? Something wrong?"

"No, nothings wrong." Eren smiled. "Just felt like seeing you."

Rain took a moment to observe him. His eyes were soft, yet unreadable with a slight twinkle in them. His lips maintained his smile. She blinked and took another look at him. He had changed. A lot. His hair had grown longer. It now brushed his shoulders. His shirt was slightly taut with muscles. And he had put on a few inches. No longer was he the scrawny teenager she use to know. He had grown into a handsome, strong, young man. A sadness settled in her chest. When had they grown up? Did she look as different as he did?

"I thought we could hang out together for a while." Eren's horse shifted. "Just the two of us. I looked for you earlier, at the palace, but a maid said she saw you and Historia take off on horses."

"Yeah." Rain nodded. "We were talking about her becoming a titan, having babies and all that."

"I see." A pause. "How about we get something to eat? Are you hungry?"

Rain's stomach growled.

Eren laughed. "I'll take that as a yes. Let's go."

"Well…" Rain looked up at the sky. The moon hadn't risen yet. Levi wouldn't be home for a few more hours. Whether she went out to eat or at home she'd be eating alone.

"You coming?" Eren turned his horse around.

"Sure." Rain followed him to a small restaurant. They went inside and sat down at a table in the corner. Only two other people were eating at the moment. "You want to eat here? I could make us something back home."

"I know. I thought I'd treat you," Eren said.

"You want to treat me?" Rain looked around. This was something they had never done. So why did he want to do it now? Her eyes came back to him.

Eren smiled. "Of course. If I didn't I wouldn't have brought you here. Now relax and enjoy this."

"Okay. At least let me pay for half." Rain reached into her pocket.

"No. I insist this is on me." Eren wave her off. "Let me do this for you."

Rain nodded slowly, still unsure, and pulled her hand out of her pocket. It didn't take long for their waitress to come and take their order. While they waited Eren spoke about the things they did when they were kids, mostly about what was beyond the walls. She smiled and indulged in the reminiscing despite still finding the whole thing bizarre.

After eating they headed back outside where their horses waited patiently for them. They took the reins and walked side by side. "Thanks for the meal, Eren. Next time I'll treat you."

"Great. I look forward to it." Eren kept his eyes forward.

Rain glanced at him. His smile was gone but his eyes showed he was clearly thinking heavily about something. Whatever it was he wanted he still hadn't brought it up. "Eren, is something wrong?"
"No. Why?" Eren looked at her.

"Its just… I don't know. You seem kind of off today."

"I assure you nothing's wrong."

Rain opened her mouth to insist he tell her what was going on but music pulled her attention.

Some musicians were on the streets playing. It was clear there was no celebration going on so Rain assumed they were doing it for the fun of it. Without a word Eren took her hand and pulled her closer to the musicians. "Eren, what about the horses?"

"They'll be fine," Eren said spinning her.

Rain's boot caught on his toe. She tripped. Eren's arm caught her before she could fall. "Sorry. I'm not use to dancing. I didn't even know you could dance."

Eren shrugged. "We all have our secrets."

…

"I can't believe we actually danced like that in the middle of the street!" Rain tilted her head back as the cool night breeze brushed over her hot cheeks.

"It was fun. We should do that more often," Eren said as they walked away from the others who were still dancing. The music quickly faded away from them.

"Maybe we can now that the titans have been destroyed," Rain said.

"Maybe not." Eren turned into an alley.

Rain paused. She watched him disappear into the shadows before following him. "What do you mean by that?" Eren had disappeared. "Eren?"

Suddenly he stepped out of the shadows and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Rain jumped. "Eren! Don't scare me like that!"

"Rain, I promise I'm going to take care of you." Eren hugged her tighter. His breath tickled her ear.

"Eren? What's going on? You're kind of creeping me out." Rain wiggled in his hold. Eren loosed his arms just enough so she could turn to face him. He locked eyes with her when she looked up at him. They were soft yet held a weight of something that hadn't been there before. "No more keeping quiet. Tell me what you're thinking. Right. Now."

"You know I love you, right?"

"Now I'm really worried." Rain grabbed onto his arms. "Eren, tell me what's going on. Please."

Eren sighed, adverting his eyes. "I'm leaving for a while."

Rain tilted her head. "Leaving? Where are you going? Back to the ocean?"

"I'm going to Marley." Eren stepped away from her.

Rain's head spun as his warmth and her own vanished from her body. No way she had just heard him say that. Go to Marley? To the place and to the people that were trying to capture them? "I can't… you can't… What did you just say?"

Eren sighed while running his fingers through his hair. "You're right about me. All these times that I have been acting weird." He shoved his hands into his pockets then continued, "I've been keeping something from you. It's about you and your relationship with Eren Kruger."

Rain tensed then snapped and punched him on the chest. "Idiot! You've been keep something like that from me?!"

Eren nodded.

"What have you seen?!" Rain demanded.

"A bunch of small memories. That's why I didn't say anything to you. I didn't want to give you false hope. But I believe Eren Kruger was your dad or at least a father like figure. Either way he really cared about you. I've seen him talking to you. And talking to himself about hoping whoever held this titan power would always watch over you."

Rain licked her lips. Her heart raced. Eren could have answers for her. "Do you… do you know anything else about me?"

Eren shook his head.

Rain closed her eyes and breathed in with disappointment. Opening her eyes, she said, "So why are you telling me this now?"

"Because part of the reason I'm going to Marley is to try and get answers for you." Moonlight reflected in his eyes. The hardness was gone, now replaced with a softness for her. He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles.

The touch was familiar. Rain knew Eren Kruger had done it before. She closed her eyes and drank in the touch.

"I know you're hurting. You're so confused about everything. I want to make that better for you."

"What's your other reason?" Rain asked.

Eren didn't respond.

"Eren." Rain narrowed her eyebrows and took his hand in hers. "Tell me. What's this really about?"

Eren sighed. "It is really about you. But… also about Zeke."

"Zeke?" Rain tightened her hold on his hand. "What about him?"

"He wants to meet with me."

"Yeah. We all know that." Her hands trembled. She clenched his hand with both hers in an attempt to steady them.

"He's waiting to see me. Yelena told me."

"Yelena?"

Eren nodded.

"Eren, you can't go there because she said he wants to see you. We have no idea if what he told us is the truth." Rain stepped closer to him and grabbed his shirt, looking up into his eyes. Eren going to speak with Zeke? No! It couldn't happen. She couldn't let it happen. But could she actually stop him? If he went then he could possible get the answers she's been waiting for. What he might find might finally bring her memories back. "You're walking right behind the enemy line. We won't be able to help you if you get caught. If you're really hell-bent on going then… then take me with you."

"No." Eren shook his head. His hands folded over hers before bring her skin up to his lips. He placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "You'll stand out too much with those horns and that hair of yours. I'll be able to sneak around easier. My coloring will blend in better with them."

"You're insane." Rain's voice cracked. A few beats of silence passed between them before she realized something. "You haven't told Mikasa or Armin about this, have you?"

"No. You know how they are."

Rain nodded. Armin would do his best to talk Eren out of this. And Mikasa… well, Mikasa would probably tie Eren up to keep him from going. That's why he didn't tell them. He knew they would try to stop him, but she wouldn't. "I really should stop you. I should tie you up and take you to Levi."

Eren chuckled. "You'll tell the captain soon. I know you will."

"How long will you be gone?" Rain pressed her forehead to his chest.

Eren drew in a breath, held it for a few seconds, and then released it. One arm wrapped around her waist while he stroked her hair with his other hand. "I don't know. I only have a basic outline of a plan. I want to find out as much information as I can. And hopefully be able to eat the other titans. That will weaken Marley's forces against us. I will find away to send letters back here to you all. That way you'll know what I'm doing and when."

All Rain could do was nod. Eren's plan was risky. And stupid. And idiotic. Tears blurred her eyes. She gritted her teeth. Her mind warring against itself to stop him, to let him go.

She had to let him go. They needed answers.

She couldn't let him go. He was all she had in connection to her past. What if he was killed while in Marley? She couldn't stand to lose someone else she loved.

She had to let him go.

She had to make him stay.

"Eren, I-"

"Shh." Eren hushed her with another stroke of her hair. "I know. You want to try and stop me yet you want me to go. I'll make it easier on you."

"What do you mean-" Pressure pushed against Rain's neck. Darkness clouded her senses. As she faded from consciousness she heard Eren say, "Don't worry, my sweet Little Wings. I promise I won't let anyone ever hurt you again."

…

Eren caught Rain as her knees buckled. Guilt washed through him a he knelt to the ground with her. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm sorry, Rain. I have to do this. I will come back to you. Just be patient and wait for me."

Slipping his arm under her knees he lifted her up, whistled for the horses, and carried her back home. Silently slipping through the shadows he made it to Levi and Rain's house and up to their bedroom without being seen. He was glad that the captain hadn't made it home yet. It made things a lot easier on him.

Placing her in bed he pulled the covers over her then brushed her bangs away from her face before letting them fall back into place. More guilt ran through him. He hated that he had to knock her out but he knew it was the right thing to do. If Rain asked him to stay he wasn't sure he would have been able to refuse her. Kruger's memories and desire to protect Rain ran strong in his titan blood, even more so since they had visited the ocean.

"Sorry, Rain. I promise I'll be careful." Eren placed another kiss on her forehead before leaving her behind.

…

Rain groaned. Opening her eyes she stared up at the dark ceiling. She had no idea how long she had been out, but the moon had finally lifted in the sky. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "That idiot."

She jumped from the bed and raced outside. Flame was inside of her stall, munching on hay. At least Eren took care of her horse while she was out. She rushed forward. Within a minute, a personal record, she had Flame saddled and was racing towards the Survey Headquarters. Eren's words spun in her mind like a tornado. What was he thinking? There was no way he could get information about her by going to Marley, could he? Would someone there know about her and give him information if he asked the right way?

She shook her head. No way. Who would freely give out information like that? The idiot was going to die. Someone was going to realize who he is and arrest him then probably feed him to another person so they could have his titan powers. And Eren wasn't the type to keep a low profile. He fought and argued too much. Though that was mostly with Jean. And that was when Eren was a hotheaded teenager. He had matured since them. But still. Eren? Undercover? Behind enemy lines? Looking for Zeke? It wasn't a good recipe. It couldn't be. Could it?

Minutes later the headquarters came into view. She spotted Hange and Levi walking out the front door. Good. She could tell them both and not have to repeat what happened.

"Hey, Rain." Hange waved when she saw the younger woman. "What are you doing here?"

Rain jerked Flame to a stop right in front of them and jumped off. "Levi! Hange!"

"Rain, what are you doing here? I thought you were at home," Levi said as she rushed up to them.

"Eren left!" Rain blurted out.

"What? What do you mean Eren left?" Hange asked.

"He… he went to Marley!" Rain said. "He's going to see Zeke and try to eat the other titans!"

"Rain, you're not making any sense," Levi said taking a hold of her shoulders. "Now breathe and tell us what happened."

Rain took a deep breath before telling them everything that happened when she met up with Eren.

"That idiot!" Levi cursed when Rain had finished.

"What was he thinking?" Hange touched her chin in thought. "Why would he go without clearing it with us?"
"The brat knew we'd say no." Levi crossed his arms. "I'll go drag him back here."

"You can't do that. He's hours away by now. You'd never catch up with him." Rain grabbed her head. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn't have let him go. I should have stopped him when I had the chance. I just thought that… I was hoping maybe…"

"It's okay, Rain. We know you're looking for answers and this might lead to them." Hange patted her shoulder. "Besides, he would have found a way to go whether or not you did try and stop him. I'm surprised he told you about this instead of leaving you a letter or staying quiet all together."

"It's because of our connection through our titans. He believes Kruger is my father or a father like figure. And I believe he's right considering all the memories I've had so far." Rain looked at the ground. "But what do we do? What are the chances he'll get discovered? Can we really leave him to his own devices?"

"Well, it all depends on how he acts. As long as he keeps his cool and doesn't fight with anyone he should be okay. And he has his titan powers. If he needs to get out of there he can," Hange said. "I'm sure he'll be able to handle himself if he gets into trouble."

"You don't want to do anything?" Rain asked.

"Like you said, there's not much we can do. Eren is hours ahead of us," Hange said. "Besides, it'll take a while to gather up a troop to go after him. We'd need to run it by the higher ups too. There's a possibility they could say no. All we can do now is wait and make a plan for when the time comes to head to Marley."

"This is so stupid." Rain rubbed her temples as they throbbed with more grey memories with Kruger.

"Come on." Levi slipped his arm around her shoulders. "Let's go home. I'll make you some tea."

Rain nodded. Taking the reins she followed Levi to the stables. He saddled up and they headed back home in silence. After putting the horses up they headed inside. Levi guided her to the couch before making tea for them.

Rain sat heavily, wondering where Eren was at that exact moment. Was he already on a ship heading to Marley? Surely if Yelena told him about Zeke she planned on helping him get there. The woman probably helped Eren get on board a ship. Where others involved in getting Eren to Marley? She should have asked him how exactly he was going to get there without being discovered. Then again… maybe it was best she didn't. She would have been worried even more than she was. As they say "Ignorance is bliss."

"Here." A cup of steaming tea appeared in front of her. She took it. With his own cup in hand, Levi sat down beside her and he put his free arm around her waist.

"Will he really be okay?" Rain asked. "Can he really do this?"

"I'm sure that idiot will be fine. But you know when we get him back he'll be punished for this."

Rain nodded. "I know. But try not to be too hard on him. He is going here partially for me. If it weren't for me-"

"Don't go blaming yourself for his actions. You two might have a connection with this Eren Kruger but he chose to leave on his own. Now I'll hear no more blaming."

"Fine." Rain sunk down into the couch and leaned into him.

"Don't worry." Levi pressed a kiss into her hair. "Everything will be okay."

...

Author's Notes: These last chapters aren't going to be that great. It's been so long waiting for this manga to end so I could finish this story thus making writing these last chapters hard to write.