Armin's POV
I'm standing at the port today with Jean, Connie, Annie, Reiner, and Commander Hange. We are waiting for our boat that we were assigned. It's sunny and there's a lot of people waiting here as well. Some are just waiting for their boats, while some wait for their loved ones arrival or departure. I'm waiting too, but not only for the vehicle, but for someone. I'm waiting so that I can see her again, even if it's impossible at this point.
It's been 2 years since that day. The day where we left this island to stop Eren. The day we left her here.
After our confrontation with Eren, titans were never seen in this island anymore. No more walls, no more fear. People are like animals freed from cage. Now, we can travel from island to another. Except from that damned island, now the territory of Eren, the Marley.
Lost in my thoughts, suddenly, Annie patted my shoulder. "Let's go, Armin. Our boat is here."
"Okay." I responded and followed everyone.
I have never actually ride a boat ever again after that day. It scares me. It brings me fearsome memories. But I don't want to bother everybody with my problems, so I should just endure it.
We get in the boat and a crew member greeted us. But it's not just an ordinary crew member. It's an Azumabito soldier.
"You must be Commander Hange Zoe?" the crew asked while offering a handshake.
"That's right. And you must be the soldier Kiyomi said that will assist us?" Hange said and accepted the hanging hand of the man. The man confirmed Commander Hange asked.
"I'm happy to serve you in our travel to Hizuru. I will now bring you to your rooms. Ms. Hange and the other girl will share the same room. All the boys will have to share a room as well. Don't worry, our rooms are very spacious and ventilated. You will be very comfortable." The man explained while walking and we followed him as well.
He's right. It's a nice boat. Big and spacious. It's got some nice atmosphere to it. It looks like a boat that is meant to be ride by rich politicians and elites. It's not surprising at all knowing that Azumabitos industry mainly focuses on infrastructure and mechanical objects.
Kiyomi must have chosen this boat specially for us.
After the man has shown us to our room, he left us and said "You can ask me anything if you want something. I'll be at the kitchen to prepare your food."
"Aaahh, man! The bed is so soft" Connie said while laying on his bed. Jean seems to enthusiastic as well.
The room has a two double decked bed. It has a window and the lighting is very good. Each corner has a plant. And this room even have a phonograph.
"I know right. It's very cozy." Jean agreed.
We started putting our bags away and change into more comfortable clothes in the nearest comfort room.
"Guys let's see the whole boat!" Connie said while tugging both Reiner and Jean's arms.
"Is that alright? Are we even allowed to?" Reiner asked looking worried. "I think we should just stay in our roo-"
Compare to Connie and Jean, Reiner seems to be very quiet like me the whole time. It's not new. I know he still feels uncomfortable after all what happened.
"Come on now, big guy! We need to be relaxed. Plus, didn't the guy told us that we can do what we want here?" Connie looks like he really wants to see every part of this boat so Reiner sighed.
"Okay fine." Reiner said, giving up to Connie.
Connie smiled really wide and then turned to me. I just kept quiet.
"Let's go now, boys!" He said happily.
"I'm not going." I respond. "I'll just sleep."
"What?! Come on now, Armin. I'm not going to repeat myself am I?" He said with a frown on his face.
"Let him, Connie. He must be tired, plus you already pursued Reiner. Let's just go now." Jean butted in. He smiled at me.
"Okay, fine. I'm not going to bother you anymore. Let's meet at dinner okay? " Connie finally gave up.
"Sure. Sorry about that Connie. I just feel like sleeping." I said apologetically. After that they left.
I actually felt bad for rejecting Connie. But I just don't feel like exploring this boat at all.
I played the phonograph then I lied on my assigned bed and closed my eyes, hoping I can get myself to relax. But I immediately opened it and sat down after I saw her face. She's smiling at me, then suddenly her head was slowly covering with blood and begging for help.
I covered my face with my hands and felt the tears running down my eyes.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I'm glad I'm alone right now. I'm glad no one is seeing me being eaten alive by the guilt again.
That's right. I've been like this since then. I'm blaming myself for what happened to her. But it's not just what happened to her that day. It's something much bigger.
I stood up and went to the deck. I sat down on one of the benches there and looked at the horizon.
Then, I recalled what happen after we left Mikasa and Paradis Island.
*2 years ago*
"Stop crying now Armin, we need to focus on our plan" Annie said to me.
"Look, Armin. If you don't want to waste Mikasa's sacrifice, then help us and yourself." Jean said while placing his hand in my shoulder.
He's right. I need to focus right now. We need to do everything to stop Eren.
We managed to reach Eren's location even with the titans around us. He must've commanded them not to attack us when we called his name.
"Eren! Stop all of this now!" Commander Hange shouted at Eren. " I know you want to punish them for creating these monsters, but there's other way than committing genocide!"
Suddenly he left his titan form and got down to confront us. His eyes are dead. It almost feels like he's a different person.
"You don't understand, Hange." He said. " I need to stop them from creating more monsters. I need to wipe out all of them. After that, I'll wipe up these monsters."
"Eren, what has happened to you?!" Commander Hange exclaimed. She's crying.
"I'll not kill Annie, Armin and Reiner to get their Titan Powers." Eren said. I looked at him. "I'm sure their lifespan is also as short as mine, plus, I don't want to waste my remaining time trying to fight you guys for it."
Annie seems to be annoyed while Reiner just looked down. I, however, cannot believe him.
"My life is the thing I'm willing to sacrifice for this world to be better. Now, all of you, leave right n-"
"Shut up." I said. "SHUT UP, EREN!"
"Armin." Jean called me, worrying that I might anger Eren. But I don't care. I don't care if he gets angry. I'm angry as well.
"You act like you're the only one who is suffering! You act like you're the one who's hurting! You act like you're the only one who is willing to sacrifice your life! But tell you what, Eren, you're not the only one!" I shouted at him
I shouted all of my feelings with my tears flowing down my face. I want to punch him and scream at him more. I want to stop him.
What has happened to us, Eren? Where's the friend that I used to know? Where's the friend that used too defend me from the bullies? Where are you, Eren?
Everybody is looking at me right now. Including Eren, who got quiet all of the sudden. But it seems like he's quiet for a different reason.
"Where is she?" He asked. I immediately knew who he was referring to.
I scoffed. I almost feel like laughing.
"I'm asking you, Armin. Where. Is. She?" he repeated himself and directly looked at me.
"There's no point of telling you. You hate her right?" I said then sarcastically laughed.
"Answer my damn question, Armin."
"Why would I need to? You're her master! Just call her and maybe she'll come and then you can order her to kill u-" I didn't finish what I was saying when a fist came flying to my face.
"Eren, please stop!" Commander Hange pleaded to the angry man in front of us.
I fell to the ground. I tasted the metallic taste of blood on my lips. Jean and Connie helped me to stand up.
"Answer my question ,Armin." He said once again.
I looked down on the ground and felt my body shaking. I kneeled on the ground and start crying again.
"S-she's gone." I finally answered. " She's dead, Eren."
Then I looked up to him. His face has no expression. He's just staring at me.
"It's your fault! It's you and your follower's fault!" I accused him.
No, Eren. It's also my fault. I let her die. I just left her there all alone.
"You're lying."
My eyes widened. Why would I lie about her dying?
"If you're trying to stop me by telling me she's dead and expecting me to cry, feel guilty about it and wanting me to see her, then you're wrong." Eren said. His fist is shaking and his eyes are widened. The tone of his voice has a tone of sadness.
Unbelievable. I cannot believe what my ears are hearing now.
"Are you hearing yourself, you bastard?!" Jean shouted at Eren as well and attempted to punch him but Reiner stopped it before he can reach Eren.
Eren sighed then turned his back to us.
"Leave. Now. I ensure you there will be no more titans on the Paradis Island. I won't come to other places as well. But this island-" he stopped talking and looked back over his shoulder. His eyes glowing with anger and determination.
" This island will be the hell of Marleyans and the monsters they have created. And you can't do anything to stop me." He then started walking away.
"You bastar-" Jean shouted at him but Reiner is holding him back.
"Stop it, Jean" Commander Hange said. "We can't do anything about it. He looks determined and can't be stopped." She suddenly started crying.
"I can't even do anything or think of anything right now. I'm sorry everyone. I'm useless, if only Erwin is here." She said. She's on her knees crying and apologizing. It's not like her.
"Commander Hange, please stop blaming yourself" Connie said while consoling the crying pitiful woman.
"Let us fall back for now. If we can't do anything now, we should live and think of another way." Magath said and started walking back to the path where we left the boat.
Hesitating, the others followed as well. Commander Hange is still crying while Connie consoles her. Jean and Annie looks upset but decided to not cause anymore trouble. After we got on the boat, I looked back again. I looked at the place that could be the last place I could see him.
I'll stop you, Eren. Even if I have to use the last ace that I have. I will save you.
*The Present*
I sighed after recalling what happened.
I wonder where he is right now.
I only imagine that he's not done punishing the Marleyans. That maybe up until now, there's still a war there. Marley is a big island and I know they wouldn't just give up without a fight. And that's why I need to stop him more than I ever wanted.
I was looking at the sunset when someone shouted .
"Armin! There you are!" I heard Connie called my name so I looked at him. Behind him are Jean and Reiner who's holding a glass of something like cocktail. Connie is holding two so I assumed one is for me.
"We went back at the room and you weren't there. We got worried." Connie sat down beside me. "Here, the bartender at the bar gave us free drinks"
He handed me the other glass and I thanked him.
"Are you okay?" Reiner asked. I nodded. I know he's worried but I don't want to ruin their mood right now. Suddenly, Annie appeared.
"Guys, Commander Hange is waiting at the dining area. She said let's all eat dinner together before going to our rooms" She said. We all followed her and then there's Commander Hange smiling and waving at us. There's the Azumabito soldier beside her as well. We all sat down and placed napkins on our laps.
"Please, enjoy yourselves with the dishes we cooked for you. Have a nice meal." The soldier said with a bright smile on his face.
"Why don't you join us?" said Commander Hange, inviting the guy to eat with us.
"No, it's oka-" Connie suddenly put his hand on the guy's shoulder and made him sit on one of the chairs.
"Don't be shy, my guy. Eat with us!" Connie then shook his shoulder while smiling. The guy sighed but smiled as well. "It couldn't be helped I guess" then laughed.
While we eat, we exchanged stories and chit chats. Connie and Jean shares some jokes too, making us all laugh. Everyone seems to be enjoying their selves including me. It was such a nice moment.
It's been forever since I laughed like this.
After dinner, we then go back to our rooms and prepared to sleep. We turned off the lights besides the lamp.
"I had fun today." Connie suddenly spoke. "It's just like the training days"
"Yeah. If only, things came out different." Jean replied.
Reiner and I are silent. It's awkward. And I know it's more awkward for Reiner.
"A-ah, let's sleep now. Tomorrow, maybe we will arrive at Hizuru." Connie said. He seemed to read the atmosphere on the room. "Good night."
"G'night"
"Good night."
"Night"
I turned off the light and closed my eyes.
Tomorrow, we will arrive at Hizuru. I shall prepare myself to face Kiyomi. I need to make the right decisions now that it's my last chance to stop Eren.