Saph's PoV

Sitting barefoot in the grass with only shorts and a tank top on, the sun-kissed as much of my exposed skin as possible. I'd never seemed to tan no matter how long I've spent outside of the Underground. A pale translucent tone held strong despite my hours in the sunshine on horseback. Even now, Chaco's almost 3-year-old skin held a warmer tint of gold despite my previous heaping of sunscreen I'd smeared on him. As his confidence with walking and parting from my side grew, Chaco desired to spend more and more time in the forest. That's why I'd been trying to find more activities in nature for everyone to do.

Situated in the small clearing, the singing of birds soothed our ears as we munched on the variety of finger food I'd packed. Tiny sandwiches. Carrots. Some fruit and nuts. Hopefully, that'd keep the mess down to a minimal level.

"Are you getting full?" I asked as I watched him set down the half-eaten slice of apple. A small nod followed my question, his mouth too full to answer. I pulled out a small package. "Too full for even a cookie?" Unwrapping the cloth, I revealed the two chocolate chip treats that'd been tucked away within. "I brought one for you and one for me, but I guess I could eat both," I said with a smile, knowing, like me, that Chaco had a fondness for sweets. Not only a sweet tooth but a stomach that'd always make a little extra room for dessert.

"No! I can eat it," he said, patting his belly with glee. Scrambling into my lap, he plucked the cookie out of my grasp. "Thank you." With it perched between his two hands, he nibbled on it like a mouse. That caused a flurry of crumbs to follow.

Chuckling with my mouth full, I adjusted my legs underneath his weight so he rested more comfortably in the center of them. I scooted backward until my back hit the rough bark of the lower part of a trunk. Roots twisted and curled themselves into my spine until I nestled more deeply onto the cushion of moss growing between the cracks. The shade felt nice, and I knew we'd both be inclined towards a nap after eating. Hugging my son to my chest, I leaned even further until my head rested on the moss as well. It made a comfortable pillow.

I'd become more relaxed in these intervening years of relative peace, but I'd still protectively and securely have a hold on my son because nobody would be able to tear him away from my grip, even dead asleep. When it came to Chaco and Levi, I tried to not take any chances; I'd rather die than allow either of them to get hurt. Not that Levi really allowed me the chance to follow through on that desire

"Momma?" Resting his chin on my sternum, Chaco peered up at me. "Are you mad at Dada?"

Startled by the question, I gasped as guilt squeezed my heart. "Oh no," shaking my head, I maneuvered into a better position for this conversation. Caught up in my argument with Levi, I hadn't noticed our toddler wander in while we'd been in the throes of some heated words.

Eren had written a letter basically demanding our presence since he had a plan of attack. Levi or I had an essential role of pretending to take down the Beast Titan, so I pushed to have him remain here with Chaco in case something went wrong. A separation I'd only be able to cope with if I knew the two of them were safe and far far away.

"Momma just gets worried sometimes." Rubbing his back, I searched for a way to explain my reaction honestly as well as reassure him. "Remember when I yanked you away from the river when you were about to fall in?" I inquired, hoping he'd remember since it'd just been last week. Thankful for his small nod, I continued, "it made you upset because not only did it startle you, you also thought I was mad." Running my fingers into his dark locks of hair, I remembered how he'd burst into tears afterward. Battling with the fear flaring my nerves into a round of jitters, I'd struggled to calm myself down before fully being able to attend to the meltdown. "I told you that Momma can get a little intense when it comes to protecting you and making sure you don't get hurt, that also applies to Dada."

"But Dada is really strong. The strongest!"

That brought a smile to my face, felt almost unnatural compared to the stiff frown I'd been wearing. "Yes. Dada is Humanity's Strongest. He's stronger than me even, but I'm faster!" I whispered in his ear in excitement, eager to change the subject. "The only person who is faster than me is you."

"Does that mean I'm faster than Dada?"

Pressing a kiss to his forehead, I reveled in the comforting and familiar smell of my baby's hair. "Yes. You should ask him for a race when we return home."

"Can we leave now?"

Aching to see Levi now myself, I couldn't deny his request. "Yes. Help me pack up, please."

"Okay, Momma."

We both scurried over to the set-up of our lovely lunch. I'd planned on inviting Levi when I'd packed it this morning, but after our repeated failures in communication, I'd used it as the perfect opportunity to escape the confines of my erratic anxieties. Foreseeing Eren's plan only ending in failure, the image of Chaco being alone on this island, Levi being cruelly experimented on by the Marleyans, and me being eaten by one of their fucking brainwashed Eldians kept replaying in my mind. The two loves of my life would be separated by an ocean, completely isolated in their own horrifying ordeal if Levi goes.

It didn't take long for us to reach the small structure called home. I struggled to venture far, even in the depths of my frustration. No matter how much I needed some space, I never wanted to risk Levi thinking I disappeared, especially before such an event. Hange needed to leave tomorrow morning to make it over there in time for Eren's shitshow.

Catching Levi's gaze through the window, a sad smile crept up. It was relieving to see the familiar scowl even if I still struggled to be comfortable with the fact that Levi felt the need to always be on the front line. The risking of my life should be the obvious choice, Hange herself agreed with that fact. Said that if the escape squad went down with her and Levi's Squad on it, one of us staying here would be the only chance for a rescue group to form. Since Armin was in charge of destroying the enemy's naval base and Mikasa had to go because it was Eren. Leaving Levi and me the only two potential individuals with enough power to pose a threat. However, when he'd pressed the issue with our Commander, Hange conceded that she thought it best that we all go since if we did lose Eren and the threat of the Rumbling, we'd be fucked.

We're not in a place to be relying on reinforcements, but I'm also not against leaving one of our more deadly fighters here to protect the place. That's a decision I'll leave to the two of you if someone chooses to stay.

If she'd just ordered the two of us to come then I'd have obliged, to protect and ensure Levi comes home if nothing else. Now, well… it almost felt like a test. Not like that's something I'd been able to dwell on when he immediately confronted me after Hange left the room. He was going to go, but he thought I should remain here with Chaco. Said it'd be more dangerous for me since I contained 2 of the 10 Titan Shifter gifts.

Frustrated, I explained that it'd be better for him to be with Chaco due to the Survey Corps soldiers having more respect for him than me. His previous experience of giving out orders and launching coordinated group attacks isn't something I've ever handled, so he'd be the obvious choice in case something went wrong and a rescue mission did need to take place. While I didn't give voice to the thoughts in my heart, they spoke clearly to me. I'm destined to be eaten at some point, Levi has the possibility of having a long happy future with Chaco. He deserves that, more than me at least.

I am still your Captain, so I don't know why you think you can give orders.

That remark still pissed me off. In the heat of the moment, I'd stomped out, almost knocking over Chaco in my haste. Seeing his depressed expression, I'd whisked him away in my arms to go on the planned family retreat with just the two of us. Pulling rank like that was out of character for Levi, but the swift impact certainly left a lasting impression. I'd never deny the fact that he's my Captain. Following his orders on the battlefield is a privilege because of the trust that comes with it. Facing death together over and over is how we built a makeshift friendship of sorts, and he's never let me down in that sense. My back has always been covered when it comes to a fight. However, our relationship far extends outside the scope of superior and subordinate.

"Dada!" Chaco called out, squirming in my arms once Levi opened the front door. "Can we please race?"

Ruffling his hair, Levi gave a warm grin. It laid in the slight tilt of his lips, but the expression was almost entirely reserved for Chaco. A mixture of pride and protectiveness. "Why don't we race to your room so we can get your nightwear on?"

"Yes. We start right here," Chaco ordered as he led his father in by the hand, pointing to a particular spot.

Lingering on the outside, I took one last look around the surrounding area. Hyper aware of any nearby presences before I retired for the night. Attempting to be on guard despite the current lull of danger in my reality, I'd sensed a change in the wind with the arrival of Eren's instructions. We'd never be able to take back attacking the Marleys like this. He seemed to want to go out of the way to prove we are the devils the world believes us to be, and I don't know why. Despite our consistently friendly interactions and practice fights since he joined Levi's Squad, Eren had distanced himself from our household in the last year.

Couldn't things remain this way forever? I'm exhausted of the bloodshed, violence, and sheer panic that'd been the central focus in my life for so long. Remaining dedicated to loving and raising my son with Levi is my only cherished dream. Why couldn't Levi realize that's what I'm trying to protect? My hope for their happiness and long life.

The chattering of their voices could be heard as I ascended the stairs, a comforting noise in the background that followed me into my bedroom. Easing into my own nightclothes, the worn soft fabric lightly laid against the bones protruding from my skin. Figuring it'd be best to leave the two of them to their own devices for a moment since I felt slightly bad leaving Levi alone for dinner, I pulled the blankets back. It'd been for the best though. I treasured that cooling-off period because I'd never want to say something to him that I'd regret. Most of my anger wasn't directed at Levi, but at the fact that he has to put himself constantly in danger in the first place. Why did he always have to be at the forefront of the action?

As I lifted up the covers to slip in, Levi returned. "Chaco wants both of us to read him the bedtime story."

"I'll be right there then."

Despite my haggard emotional state, I came in brimming with energy. "What story would you like to hear tonight?" Leaning towards something short since I didn't want to stay up too much longer, I rested my focus on a short love story about a prince and princess. "I could do this one in the funny voices again." Seeing Chaco's eager nod, I pushed aside any thoughts of the argument earlier in the day as I snuggled in with Chaco and Levi. Our son curled up between us.

Tension eased from my body as I got more into the tale of a prince being kidnapped and the princess coming to the rescue. The salve of his laughter in my ears also helped gratitude begin to reverberate within. What a gift this moment is, spending time with the two of them in such an intimate yet fun manner. Even Levi wasn't masking his amusement as my tone switched from a low baritone to a high pitched singsong, flipping my imaginary long hair resulting in a roll of the eyes. Joining in when the deep voice of the monster came into the dialogue.

"They got married and lived happily ever after," I finished. "That's a cool-looking castle, isn't it?" I said as I pointed to the intimidating structure in the background of the page.

Chaco remained quiet, obviously contemplating something. Suddenly, he swiveled back and forth as he looked between Levi and me. "Are you guys married? I want to be married and live happily ever after."

Startled by the initial question, I fumbled to find some words. "...That's not…something we are." It'd never crossed my mind, not just marriage to Levi but committing legally like that in general. People didn't get married in the Underground or the Survey Corps. I'd never been to a wedding.

"Soldiers don't usually get married, son," Levi said, exactly within my same train of thought.

"Survey Corps, at least," I added.

Scrunching his nose and puckering his lips, the distaste was palpable. What a crossroads to come at. "Do you still get a happy ending?"

A whoosh of air came out of my mouth, and I was only thankful it wasn't the bark of laughter that chilled my mind. No. That's why this brief lull of madness is a precious treasure. "You and you're dad are my happy ending," I said, "we don't have to be married."

Pleased, Chaco gave me a hug. "You're my happy ending too, Mama!"

Squeezing him back, I kissed the top of his head. "Thank you, but that's okay. You can get married to a prince or princess and have a happy ending with them."

"Like Miss Historia?"

My laughter came easy this time. "She's already married and a Queen, but… yes. Then you could live in a castle!" I exclaimed, thinking of the food, satin, and plush I'd experienced in Bell's home. Oh, how wonderful it'd been to sleep in a bed that felt like how a cloud looked.

"With you guys!"

"Yes. We'll be there," I said with a mournful tint to my tone, rubbing his back. Talking about the future always inspired a little bit of melancholy inside. With my expiration date approaching, I knew it was something I'm not going to be a part of. "Have you brushed your teeth?"

"Yep."

Fluffing his pillow as I moved off the bed, Levi smoothly glided off at the same time. "Then I guess it's time for bed. I love you very much. Goodnight, sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite!"

"Night! Love you! Don't let the bugs bite!" Chaco tried to repeat back as he scooted down.

My lips popped as I blew him a kiss while I left the bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I immediately felt immersed in awkwardness as the two of us made our way down the long hall.

"He's starting to ask a lot of questions."

Sighing, I felt slightly weary by the bombardment of his newfound curiosity. "That little guy is so smart. I caught him looking at his books past his bedtime. He didn't see me when I peeked in; it didn't seem right to stop him." We reached our bedroom, hands reaching for the doorknob at the same same. Yanking my limb back as if burned, I blushed when Levi looked up at me. "He's grown quite a bit recently, I'll have to sew some new clothes for him soon." In a bit he'll be taller than you, I wanted to add in mirth to lighten the mood, but I didn't want to pretend everything was fine either.

"What are you planning to do tomorrow?"

Shaking my head, I walked into the bedroom, motioning for him to follow me. "I don't want Chaco to accidentally overhear us again," I explained after ensuring the master was locked. "Well…Captain, since our Commander said that having us all go would be the best opportunity to have Eren come home, I thought I'd go."

Expecting Levi to reluctantly nod and say that'd be for the best, I was startled as his fingers encircled my wrist. "Why are you calling me Captain?"

"Because that's what you were adamant to being called this morning. You're my superior, right? Kind of inappropriate to try and hold my hand."

Dropping it, Levi retreated to his side of the bed. "Saph…"

"You can't have it both ways. I do my best not to question you on the battlefield. Your judgment and instinct, I trust you to have the group's best interest in mind always." Reaching my own half of the sheets, I motioned at the space between us. "But we're more than that to each other. Nobody would deny that. We might not be married," I chuckled, "but don't throw your position in my face when we're discussing something that concerns our child."

"That's why it's important for me to go." A sigh rattled the air with tension. "What do you want me to say? Putting my life on the line has never been easy; I don't enjoy it. However, that doesn't mean you can ask me to stop fighting for a world that's free and safe. It's what all of our comrades died for, but it's also the haven I want you both to live in." Leaning forward, Levi's firmly pressed his forehead against mine. "You're the only one who treats me with any fragility. Don't try to stop me from fighting"

My lips found his before I moved onto his cheeks, nose, and finally his forehead. "I'm not trying to prevent you from being the soldier you are, I just can't bear you sacrificing yourself. That's why I have to go tomorrow. Not because you're delicate, but because I couldn't endure losing you. That's why I'm going." Moving back to my spot, I settled in not wanting to extend the argument even though I was far from satisfied. I'd never want to change the depth of selflessness that drives him, but I wish Levi understood him and Chaco are why I fight every morning. "We'll both go," I sighed

The smell of scorched earth flooded my nostrils with the waft of burnt flesh soon following. Steam pressed against me, perspiration gathering as droplets and soaking my clothes as the Colossal Titan's heat evaporated the ocean underneath the Marley's naval ships. Bodies and ships flew into the air, littering the sky with the debris of both blood and machine. The boy who'd wept at shooting one individual has become a monster with a pool of red only growing bigger at his waist. Part of me wished that I'd been able to do the deed instead, save him from the agony of being bathed in blood.

Casting a glance ahead, my anxiety continued to pollute every thought and feeling as my distance from Levi gradually shortened. Busy playing the part of murdering the Beast Titan for the Marleyans to see, he had an incredibly important job. Since I chose to protect the Zeppelin, I had to stay behind with Hange and Onyankopon. This would be our one chance, if we got shot down, all of our strongest fighters would be stranded on this forsaken continent.

Heat continued to pour from the Titan as the Colossal paused in its tracks, the damage at its feet an already a festering wound of brutality. He'd walked onto the beach and for a few miles, desecrating the town bordering the sand. The divider between water and forest. This is the position Armin assigned himself responsibility, executioner of villains and innocents. Exiting from the base of the neck, the mass murderer himself flew up to us. We'd be entering the lane of lit beacons soon. The next step to this delicate plan.

As soon as Armin reached our little group, I gave him a side hug. I got a tired smile for my efforts. A familiar expression graced my own features. I'd barely gotten much sleep last night after telling Levi I'd come. I'd agonized over the decision as I imagined Chaco all alone on the island. At least Pat is watching him.

Noticing the Jaw Titan locking its wide-eyed stare onto us, I scampered downwards as I scrambled to get my knife out of my boot. One might think a scar would exist on the pad of my thumb from the multitude of cuts it received over the years but my healing powers continued to hold true. Seeing the Jaw Titan running across the rooftops towards us, I hesitated diving forward once I saw Mikasa swooping up from underneath, intent on halting him. Scanning the area, the only other enemy I saw was the Beast Titan sprawled out on the road. That at least looked like it went off without a hitch. Hopefully, I'd be seeing Levi soon. Craving that reassurance, I found it difficult to focus on Eren's fight.

Since Mikasa had brutally sliced his feet off, the Jaw Titan had tumbled forward right into Eren's grasp. A crystal containing the War Hammer shifter in one hand, the other currently ripping off the two remaining limbs of his prey. With the Jaw Titan entirely immobilized, the beast could do nothing as Eren shoved the crystal into the depths of his jagged teeth. Swinging the makeshift nutcracker contraption over his head, Eren squeezed the Titan's jaws together until it shattered the crystal and the body inside, spilling the remains into Eren's gaping mouth.

Now he has three Titan powers. I would've been helpless if Eren had the royal blood necessary to access the Founder Titan's power, but now with the War Titan, he'd be able to easily butcher me. I'd have to learn how to tap into the Flame Titan's power if I'd want to have a chance. "Is this what you wanted to achieve Eren? More power?" At the cost of all this carnage? Putting all of us in a dangerous position?

The shock of black hair caught my eye as Levi zoomed up. Swiveling my head around as he landed next to me, we softly bumped knuckles when Levi paused near. His touch brought instant reassurance. "You did a good job."

"It's certainly not over yet," he darkly muttered as Mikasa flew up, Eren in her grasp.

Clad in a white robe with long dark hair grown past his chin, Eren looked battered. Aged beyond his young adult years. An empty staleness infiltrated every curve of his gaze, a cold unfeeling fire had overtaken the heated passion he used to have. It's a look that I recognized, used to be my own, one ripe with hate.

"You really look like shit," Levi grumbled as Eren crouched before us, scrambling to his knees with Armin's help. "Heard you fell into the shithole, Eren," he said, his tone darkening.

"Captain-" Eren couldn't continue his sentence as Levi's leg shot out and kicked him across the cheek.

Gently setting his foot back down, Levi harshly glared at the bruised young man. "As always, Eren, you're still the best to kick around. You're under arrest. We'll speak afterward."

Plugging his thumb against the gushing tide of blood coming out of his nose, Eren appeared unconcerned by the violent action just taken against him. "I don't mind… Everything is as I wrote in the letter. Did you not understand the contents?"

"That face…I've seen that despicable face countless times in the slums. To think…that you would…be happy."

Agony shot through me hearing the despair in Levi's voice. Almost like a father wondering where he went wrong. Seeing our soldiers continuing to defend the Zeppelin, I decided I'd join them to hopefully deter any enemies from approaching. Let's get out of here. Sprinting out, I pretended I could fly for a moment. Spreading my arms wide as I dropped like a stone. Plummeting downwards, I felt the ripple of light underneath my skin. Buildings crumbled as my large frame pushed them aside due to my limbs expanding past the limits of the street. Not wanting to cause any more unnecessary destruction to bystanders who had no involvement in this conflict, I began to scoot forward once I'd gained a firm footing. This is exactly what Hange trained me for, maneuvering in these tight spaces and corridors.

Dancing between the buildings, I shielded my comrades from the spray of bullets unleashed by the Marleyans below, but I did little of an offense other than trying to menace the opponents away. I didn't like the feeling of being an invader, doing little more than trying to hurt them as deeply as possible. Sewing death like seeds into the land. Only more pain would grow as a result, not a solution. I'd wanted nothing more for them to just leave us alone forever, but now, Eren and the fucking Beast Titan have made that impossible. This grand plan of theirs is going to get everyone killed because of the retaliation that will come.

"Argh!" I roared as the last remaining troops began to board the escape vehicle. I'd begun to move forward once again before I heard a gunshot behind me. Readying my claws, I almost struck by swiftly spinning around when I realized it was two kids flying in front of my nose, their small bodies wrapped around a dead Survey Corps soldier. A long black rifle clutched in one of their small hands. My hesitation let them zoom right into the Zeppelin. Gritting my teeth, I ripped myself out of the base of my neck, almost falling off as I staggered backward. Fuck.

After giving a hasty glance at my surroundings for any other potential enemies, I shot my line after the twerps. Whooshing upwards I decided to put my swords away. A bullet wouldn't kill me, and I didn't want to hurt young ones even if they were soldiers on the opposite side. Jumping through the entrance, I barely avoided crashing into Jean.

Tears streamed down his face as he turned to me. "Sasha was just shot. Those two kids did it."

"We're going to throw them out," a soldier huffed, wrangling them by the scruff of their jackets. He continued to inch towards me, pulling them towards the opening. "Let them fall to their deaths for her murder."

Putting my hand out onto his shoulder, I tightened my grip. "Let's not kill kids."

"They're scum! Why are you defending them?" Another jeered.

Straightening my shoulders, I glared at everyone with a distasteful grimace and squinted eyes. "It's an order."

"You're not my Captain or the Commander," Floch retorted with a glean of hate in his eyes.

Pointing towards the door, I spat as I spoke, that's how angry I was at being questioned. "You want me to go in there and ask Levi and Hange if we should throw two runts to their death? Don't be a dumbass. They know it won't bring Sasha back." I kneeled next to Connie, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed over Sasha. "I'm sorry, Connie." Patting his upper back, I felt it'd be best to alert her other friends. "I'll let the others know about the situation."

The girl, in particular, bucked wildly and screamed as I gripped her arm in one hand, but the boy turned out to be easier to handle. The soldier holding them gave one last glance outside before relenting.

Not paying any particular attention to the deranged mutterings about devils and curses sputtering out of the lips of the girl who'd pulled the trigger, I used my strength to maneuver her away from me as I walked with them ahead..

"We got a problem!" I announced before shoving them to their knees. "These two used Lobov's equipment to get onto here after killing him. Then they shot Sasha. She's not looking like she'll make it"

The last part caused Armin and Mikasa to flee out of the room, pushing past Jean on their way. "Yellena! Weren't you supposed to contain the Jaw and Cart Titan? More of our comrades died for no reason."

They gave the distraught man a bored stare. "Sorry. I did manage to trap both of them in the pit, but they escaped. It was my mistake."

"Because of that, the Beast Titan threw more rocks than originally planned," Levi said. "The improvisation was great, even for a piece of shit like you, Beardie."

My lips instinctively curled into a snarl as I rested my focus on Zeke Yeager, the Beast Titan. Levi had cleanly chopped off his arms and legs to prevent both an escape or attack. Steam curled into the air, emanating from each stump. Sliding around the edges of the crowd, I once again fell into Levi's shadow. Looming over both him and the Beast Titan who now sat helplessly on the floor.

"Don't stare at me like that you two. What are you going to do if I piss myself? You're the better actor here, Levi. You must've wanted to kill me really badly then."

Tension crackled in the air between the two of them. Maturity allowed Levi to bottle his anger and hate in order to work along with this hairy enemy, but he'd not look hard to find a reason to slice up the man who'd slaughtered hundreds of our comrades, including Erwin. Not being able to fulfill our late Commander's last order still haunted the graveyard of regrets in Levi's heart.

Voice thick with distaste, Levi continued his leveled stare at him. "I always leave my favorite dish until last because I want to savor every little flavor."

"We killed the Marley Military Officers, eliminated the capital fleet, and their port. We should have bought enough time with this attack," Eren interrupted.

"Time for what?!" I sputtered. "Almost the whole world is going to mobilize against us as soon as possible. We're going to rely on Zeke's secret plan to stop this from happening?"

Hange nodded. "You trusted us to save you, knowing we had no other option. Now we've lost all our trust in you."

"However, with this, we now have both the Founding Titan and one with royal blood. The great sacrifices made will have their favors returned by giving Eldians their freedom," Zeke gave his two cents without anyone asking.

Before anyone could continue the conversation, Connie came in. "Sasha…has died." Tears rushed down his face, his words carved empty with grief.

"...Connie? What…were her last words?" Eren inquired.

Tilting his head, Connie gave him a puzzled look before turning his gaze to the floorboards. "She said, 'Meat'"

A bark of laughter cracked the swollen silence, oozing out shock from us all.

"Eren," Jean gasped, "Sasha died because you dragged the Survey Corps into this mess."

His body continued to shake, from chuckling or sobbing I couldn't tell. Bending forward, I tugged on Levi's pant leg. "What are we going to do with them?" I whispered in his ear. "I don't want Eren telling Zeke about Chaco if he hasn't already."

A frown dragged the corners of his lips down. "We already planned on separating them," Levi murmured, the tip of his nose almost brushing mine as he craned his neck. "Eren will be in the dungeon underground while Zeke is guarded in the Forest of Giant Trees." Feeling the pierce of Zeke's stare, we both turned to see him smirking. "Don't be a creep, Beardie."

"Didn't mean to interrupt such an intimate exchange. You almost seemed human for a moment there, Levi.

Irritated and overwhelmed by the events of the day, I stumbled away from the crowd of mourning individuals. "Oh fuck off, Zeke. I was just asking if anyone knows what this secret plan of yours is. I don't think it really even exists," I grumbled as I laid down on top of the bench. "Just making shit up as you go along. Gathering all your little followers onto the island is just a ploy to take over."

"Sure. That's why we gave you all that technology. Helped you meet with foreign allies. Just bait so I could be sitting here in chains and chopped up. You figured it all out, Saph. So smart."

A knife in his face from Levi finally made him shut up. "Keep talking to her like that and I'll cut out your tongue you bearded bastard."

Thankful for the lack of commentary, I decided to take a nap, and get as much sleep as possible before we landed back home and had to face the consequences of our actions.