Saph's PoV

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I rushed to his side, pressing my palms to his bare chest in an effort to force him to lie down once again. "Zeke went to Shiganshina with the Jaegerists last evening."

Hange kneeled onto the other side of him. "It's been almost 12 hours since he escaped. What the hell happened?"

Levi didn't close his only visible eye fast enough to hide the pain embedded within it. "I was stupid. He was prepared to die, and I didn't see it." Raising one of his hands, he observed the gap made by his missing pointer and middle finger. "I let him… escape again," he said, the words slightly muffled by the strips of bandages masking his mouth but the guilt and grief sounded loud and clear.

"You'll get him," I said, "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help." Brushing the tips of his bandaged fingers to my lips, I yearned to kiss it better. Heal everything that hurt inside and out. "We have a plan in motion, and slicing his head off is a priority."

Tucking my overgrown bangs away from my face, his thumb lingered on my cheek. "There's nothing for you to apologize for. Since you're here, I assume Historia and Chaco are out of harms way?"

"I rescued them from the Jaegerist, but I want to go check on Chaco who is at Edmond and Honey's. Make sure the family is away from the Rumbling."

Frown tugging the corner of Hange lips downwards, the uncertainty carved into the deepening wrinkles wasn't a comforting scene. "You heard us talking this whole time?"

Half-hazardly pointing at the makeshift carriage, Levi ignored the question to ask one of his own. "Is that what you're going to cart me around in with a horse?"

"That's the idea. Thought it'd be best for you and Saph to rest on there for as long as possible before we faced the Jaegerist, but we have a bigger issue now with the Rumbling."

Nodding erratically, my legs shook as I stood up. "His goal is to flatten everything off of the island." My nails seared into my skin as I dug them into my temples. "Somehow, he transported all our brains to this place and told us his intentions, " I said, wanting to rush back to Edmond and Honey's, but there's no way I could leave Levi at the moment either. Anxiety levels were off the charts, and I felt nauseous and lightheaded. Embroiled in discomfort, I struggled to not pace in an attempt to rid myself of this excessive hysteria.

"We need to stop Eren and Zeke. They can't end the rest of humanity." Pushing himself up once again, Levi opened his eye to pat the wood panels next to him. "Rest. You'll need your strength for the battle ahead."

Hange gripped my shoulder. "Get on. We'll set off to Shiganshina, but you need to heal more before facing anybody. With Levi out for the count, we'll be relying on you to bring out the big guns."

Still reluctant, I had to be slightly shoved forward by my impatient Commander before I crawled onto the board. Shifting myself until my head rested on my curled-up arm, I waited for Hange and the horse to start moving before I said anything to the obviously pained Levi in front of me. "Everything is falling to pieces."

"We can't run away, there'd be nothing left for us."

"I'm not saying that." I gulped, unnerved by the growing trembling in the ground. Small animals continued to scurry around us, confused by the motion beneath. "Not going to stop you from involving yourself either, but do you remember your promise?"

Stiff, Levi gritted his teeth. Long strands of black fell into his face, doing little to hide the numerous bandages blanketed over any minor detail that could convey his emotions. Only his voice betrayed how much my ask had unnerved him. "I don't need you to remind me about it right now."

"I…think it's exactly the right time." Wiggling forward, I snuggled closer, wrapping my free arm around his waist as I did so. Pressed firmly to his side, I gently kissed the tip of his nose. "I also want to remind you that I love you… so much so." Embraced with a sense of trust, the chaotic beating of my heart finally began to ease.

"My life means so little in the scheme of things, Saph. The world is ending as we speak."

"Your life means the world to me," I said with a vengeance. Nuzzling his neck, I searched within to find a sincere truth that would resonate with him. "I'm scared. Not of facing the damn apocalypse, but of you dying in the process to prevent it." His skin felt nice against my palm as I rubbed his back. "I'd rather be killed instead."

With a quick yank, Levi pulled me up until our noses brushed against one another. Engulfed inside a heated glare, I gripped his side to steady myself. "That shit is not as comforting to hear as you might think." It reassured me to feel great strength down to his bones, but I didn't enjoy the wave of grief I'd pushed to cause such a reaction. "You and Chaco are my family. I don't want to lose that."

The wheel beneath us bumped over a rock. Its surge of upward motion caused me to roll forward and jostle into his stomach. I'd practically kissed him as my mouth bumped into the bandages covering his own. Not wanting to be the reason for any discomfort or pain, I tried to lean back to give him more room. "My bad."

Suddenly, Levi tightened the hold he had on my waist. "… don't move away." His voice cracked with a rare whimper. "Everything feels so much better with you right here."

Torn internally by the pressure to perform my duty of protecting my loved ones to the point of a self-sacrifice, in contrast to the searing knowledge of the grief that'd befall my partner and son, I felt weak. No. I can't focus on that. This isn't the time for me to drown in my misery and fear. It's up to me to provide a future for both of them, so Levi's priority should be feeling better instead of worrying if I'll do something reckless. "We'll protect each other," I assured him, "and we'll make it through together like we always do."

"That's better." Relaxing a bit more, Levi loosely cradled me in a sweet embrace. The heft of his muscles was a reminder of the might he still contained. "I'll have your back."

"Don't worry about me," I mumbled, cupping the back of his neck so I could guide his forehead to mine. "Focus on recovering and not getting another scratch on you when we see Zeke next."

"Giving out orders now are you?"

Inhaling deeply, the earthy scent of pine filled my nose. Each resounding footfall of the approaching Titans caused the tree's needles to flutter down around us. If I had to choose a place to spend the end of civilization, this would be one of them. I tenderly traced his cheekbone, my voice dipping lower. "Please, take it easy, I repeated myself. "I'll handle whatever comes our way." Intentionally kissing him this time, I lingered in a desperate attempt to prolong this piece of serenity. All is turning to ashes around us, but if I still have him and Chaco, I can make it through.

"I know. You're more than capable," Levi relented, moving to rest his brow against mine once again. "Still…be careful. For Chaco and I."

Breaking out of the Forest of Giant Trees, we now had ample space to watch the upcoming train of Colossus Titans march straight forward. We sat up to observe their steady approach. Steam erupted out of them in large swaths of white hissing air, eating up the sky until nothing else could be seen. They seemed so organized in their rows of 3, the mindless towering monsters all obediently following Eren's wish of an efficient genocide. With a simple thought, he could send multiple thudding beasts in our direction. It'd take only a few for me to have a problem keeping Levi and Hange safe, and the boy had a hundred at his disposal. However, nobody in the line strayed as they began to pass us.

"How long do you think it'll take?" I asked, settling down in my spot to look at him.

"For what?"

The words whistled in between the spaces of my teeth, "for them to finish?"

Offering a bit of blanket for me, Levi's shoulder's drooped when he let out a long sigh. "I have no idea, but I'm going to eradicate Zeke before they do." Closing his one eye, he finally relented to the drain of his injuries. "I need to recover more of my power before that's possible. I'm struggling to not be overly concerned about Chaco though."

"It's my fault he got taken in the first place," I admitted. "I swung by the orphanage and talked to the kids and Auruo before returning. There's a chance I'd have stopped them from killing Brogan and stealing our little boy away.," I said, straining to stay awake. I'd already grown accustomed to the steady march of the apocalypse, slowly it became a lullaby in the background.

He shifted uneasily, craning to get a better view of my expression. "How'd that go?"

"As good as it's going to get." I brushed Levi's bangs away. "He doesn't blame you for what happened. Auruo knows you did your best. That you're an amazing Captain who goes the extra length for all of his subordinates. He respects you, greatly." My fingers swept under his chin to gently cradle his jaw line. Over and over again I'd drag my gaze over each miniscule detail of his sharp features. Whether he's asleep or awake, I'll unabashedly stare at the picturesque beauty in front of me. To this day, I still consider it to be such a gift to be by his side. The old forbidden desire might've been allowed to flourish as we've become closer, but I've never forgotten how out of reach he seemed not that long ago.

The cool determination in Levi's grey eye heated up as he passionately enveloped me into his being until I felt locked in. "Thank you for those words."

I stretched to wind myself around the outline of him. As if magnetized, our bodies clung together. The dips and curves accommodating one another until we fit perfectly like a puzzle. "I'm just repeating what Auruo said. He also wants to see you to reminiscence once in awhile. I think he's lonely."

"Would you be comfortable with that?" Levi whispered.

Squeezing tight, I crushed him to me. "I think you should go as long as you want to. No matter your decision, I'll support whatever makes you happy, Levi."

He was so quiet that I first thought he'd fallen asleep. Only the pounding of his hear indicated otherwise. Focused on the sweet companionship offered by the mere prescence of him, I felt safe despite our current vulnerability. I'd protect him. No matter what.

"You know… I fall in love with you more and more everyday," his voice softly blanketed my ear as I finally dozed off.

We passed out in our beaten state for hours before Hange woke Levi and me up. She swiftly kicked the bottoms of our feet in a display of urgency. "I see some Marleyans, including the Cart Titan."

That got my attention. Alert. I began to push myself up and off of the slab of wood. The last time I'd faced this opponent, I hadn't faired well in my human state. "She killed Lucifer," I whispered to Levi as he lurched up into a sitting position.

"Working together is our best bet of stopping Zeke. They know how he operates." Levi swiveled in Hange's direction. "Let's discuss helping one another end this madness."

Straightening up, I peered at the two figures who were slowly making their way toward the ocean. They'd stranded themselves in their desperate assault to stop Eren, but I guess there's a possibility there will be nothing to return to either. "Are you sure we can trust them? What if they hate us more than they want their loved ones to survive?"

"One way to test it," Levi said as he patted my leg, "so get off." Levi motioned for Hange to take him over there. "Roll me to them."

"Now who's the bossy one," I griped as I plopped my butt onto a stump. "What should I do?"

Hange began to tug on the reins of the horse tasked with hauling Levi around. "You're not the best with dialogue in negotiations, so I'm going to have you hang back here in case something goes wrong."

Can't disagree with that. Settling my elbows on my knees, I watched with a tense breath as they approached a general and the Cart Titan. I'd be easy to spot if the duo looked up the hill, but the grassy meadow offered slight protection or camouflage. No reason to put any obstacles between Levi and me in case I need to leap forward and grab them either. Gauging how long it'd take me to scoop them out of danger, I shot to my feet once the man whipped out a gun to point at Levi. Settling a sole at the base of the trunk, I cut my thumb and leaned forward, ready and waiting for that finger to rest on the trigger.

He lowered quite quickly after a conversation-filled minute, Hange actively waving her arms and gesturing, while Levi motionlessly sat as a statue. Must've been convincing though as Hange waved me over with enthusiasm.

"We are all going to work together to take down Zeke and stop Eren. Saph, this is Theo Magath and Pieck Finger."

I gave a small wave. "Hi."

"You're the Speed Titan," Theo said, his brow furrowing deeply as he gave me the once over. "You also have the Flame Titan.

"I prefer to go by Saph," I joked, seeing no amusement on anyone's face, I bit my lip sheepishly. "I haven't been able to activate any flames either." Hated admitting that. Eren just obtained the War Hammer Titan and he'd already wielded it with expertise. Didn't have royal blood and still activated the Rumbling! He's too good at Titan shit.

A smack echoed as Hange's fist bit into the palm of her hand. "We're going to need everyone who is willing to help. The more Titan Shifters we have, the more we'll be able to accomplish. I'd guess that most of them are in the Shiganshina still. I don't know what Mikasa and Armin are planning on doing, but we should go find them."

"Reiner and Falco should be around there as well."

The Cart Titan stepped forward, the jaw of its long mouth rotated as it attempted speech. "Yelena."

"Yes," Theo nodded, "we want Yelena to be brought before us. We have questions only she can answer."

Nodding, Hange gave us a grin. "That does it then. We have a plan. The Cart Titan and I will sneak over there under the cover of darkness, and find those who want to join. We'll try to grab as much gear as possible as well. Theo and Levi will stay here. Saph will run ahead to guard the vehicle we'll need at our headquarters and port."

"Divide and conquer?" Theo asked as he placed the gun in the holster on his hip. "I don't know if there's enough equipment and soldiers for what we're about to face."

"We will have the abilities of almost all of the Titan Shifters, nobody else has as good a chance at stopping this," Hange encouraged, obviously feeling better now that she's doing something. Sitting on the sidelines would never be possible for our brave Commander. Untying the horse from Levi's makeshift cart, she took off the reins. "Let's wait until dusk to start making our way there. I presume it won't be an issue for me to hop onto your back?" Eyes shining, a bit of the old Hange made an appearance as she peered up at the Cart Titan in excitement. "I've never ridden a Titan before."

Hearing the Cart Titan speak was an unnerving experience. I'd never been able to muster up more than a jumbled word or name. Eren never uttered anything remotely understandable, so the Cart Titan conversing with us as if it was natural kept throwing me for a loop. "You'll have to hang on tight."

With a bit of strength regained, I sat next to Levi. He'd laid back down once Hange had said he'd stay here. Starting to rub his shoulder lightly, I appreciated that the pinch of pain had disappeared from his brow. Thankfully, being an Ackerman seemed to have given him accelerated healing skills as well. Paled in comparison to mine, but, still impressive. "I want to go check on Chaco," I said, squeezing lightly. "Real quick. Then I'll guard the Azumabito."

"I think you should do that too." Levi's fingers found mine, though a few were now missing, his warm hold gave me a surge of love. It's rare to see him linger in his affections when people are around, but we both felt an impending doom that made it difficult to not indulge in the comfort our presence offered one another. "Take care of yourself till we meet again."

Nodding, I wanted to lean down and steal a kiss on his forehead. Levi being in such a fragile state ripped into my heart and left it bleeding profusely. It felt as though I'd torn a vital part of myself away. Breathing in deeply, I let his scent waft over me. It reminded me of home and family.

A hand rested on my back. "Saph, we'll try to be there in a day and a half. We're going to talk to as many potential allies as we can tonight. Then they'll escape tomorrow with some of the prisoners with our help. Hopefully, our group will spend the night here and meet back up with you in the morning." Hange's voice had regained a great degree of command. A reassuring sound. "Check on Chaco on your way there."

"Thank you," I said, knowing I'd do so if she'd given permission or not. Her consideration still touched me. "Be cautious when it comes to the Jaegerists, and watch your back when it comes to relying on these Marleyans." I pressed an enclosed fist over my heart. "It'd be easy to give up. Do nothing to stop Eren in order to save our own hides, but you're still standing against the odds. I know you've questioned your competence and leadership recently, so I just wanted to assure you, Hange, that you are guiding the Survey Corps forward in the right direction."

She thumped a fist over her chest in response to my warm confession. "Thank you for your steadfast loyalty over all these years. There's no military for me to be Commander of anymore, but I still deeply appreciate you being here."

"What do you mean? We've always worked best when there's a small band of us fighting for freedom. Been disbanded as a group before too," I said, thinking of when the Rod Reiss and Kenny did everything in their power to stop us.

The odds had seemed almost impossible back then. Same when we faced the Beast Titan at Shiganshina. What a horrifying truth we'd fought so damn hard to find. That the rest of the world continued to exist and wished we didn't. We'd always felt so alone, and the fucking hilarious thing was we'd been better off if that had been the reality. Now I guess Eren is making it so. Maybe he felt betrayed by struggling for freedom and access to a world that it turned out, had gleefully instigated his suffering.

A punch in my arm surprised me as I stumbled. Rubbing the spot, I gave Hange a confused look. "What was that for?"

"You always know the most reassuring things to say," Hange beamed. "Take care. I'm not too worried about you though. Any danger you come across, you can easily run away from."

Giving one last longing glance at Levi, I began to walk to an isolated space. "I suggest trying to do the same with him out of commission!" The words rang sharp. "Not looking like Humanity's Strongest will be of any help," I muttered before leaping into the air.

My last transformation had been a doozy of a process, but thankfully, those snatches of sleep had reinvigorated me. Without missing a beat, I landed on all fours in the beginning of a sprint. With the soft earth parting underneath my claws, I enjoyed not having to play the balancing act on top of the Walls this time. Not that they exist anymore. There'd be no towns or structures obscuring my steady progress to Honey and Edmond's. Just stretches of meadows and dipping rivers.

Wanting to arrive before dark, I kept watch of the descent of the sun in the corner of my eye. Birds frantically flapped their wings to take to the sky while rabbits and groundhogs dove underground. What a terrifying abomination I must appear to them. So unnatural in my size and vast violence. Still, I tossed a look at the string of Colossus Titans walking at the same pace, there are scarier nightmares in existence. I'm sure Eren's form is something that can only be dredged up from the depths of fear and disgust.

I wonder what the world looks like right now. How does one spend their last few days? Running to any perceived safe place? Spending one's life savings on any luxury within reach? Or attempting to squeeze in a lifetime of living with loved ones? I'm sure there are others throwing themselves into a delirium of debauchery; having enough drinks and sex to forget about what's approaching.

There's no way I'd take it lying down. I'd defend my family to the end, but I also possess a power that a handful of humanity has. Giving up would be so much easier if that responsibility didn't loom over me. Can't say I didn't take on the odds before becoming a Shifter though either. One of the few reasons I'm standing here today is because I've always been willing to put up a fight.

We'll make it through this, I thought to myself as I weaved around some trees. So little deterred me from the straight sprint that I'd become a little aimless. It'd been an odd instinct I've found myself having, being able to maneuver in the correct direction without knowing my exact location. One might think that growing up in the Underground, I'd be disoriented by the rhythm of the sun. On the contrary, I found it to be an intuitive clock and compass. My small attachment to a routine when I'd been wandering the woods.

How lucky I'd been to find such considerate people such as Honey and Edmond. A true hint of the love and selflessness people are capable of. With such tender attention, I'd begun to see them as parental figures of my own. They take everyone under their wings with such care, you feel part of their nest before you know it. If Levi and I were to lose our lives while facing Eren, they'd provide a wonderful home for our son. Nolan and Freud would watch after him as well. Chaco would grow up surrounded by care.

I want him to know that I'm on the battlefield for him. That my little boy is why I continue putting myself in harms way in an attempt to carve out a piece of the world that belongs to him. It's essential to explain that's also the reasoning behind Levi's absence. The last thing I want him to imagine is that he's been abandoned, no matter what happens next.

Reaching the line of trees that surrounded their farm, I eased into a slow trot. Close to the house, I didn't want to scare the family by running up to them. The thud of the Colossus footfalls had faded into the distance, leaving the forest much more peaceful. I'd be quite grateful to see Chaco despite it not being barely a day since I dropped him off. All the groaning of the ground and tumbling of trees must've been scary. Reaching the clearing, I cautiously stepped over some fallen logs.

No.

My ears began to ring, but my eyes were locked onto the horrific sight in front of me. Fragments of the broken Walls had fallen on top of the house, crushing it inwards. Only when I dropped to my knees in front of the collapsed building, did I realize that I was screaming.