There you go, folks. I wanted to get this one out before the end of October, and it worked! I hope you all enjoy it. This is a long one, with some modest tugging at emotions for those who are invested enough.
The Q&A announced in the last chapter will be at the end. I'd also like to inform you that I've finished rewriting the original 10 chapters of the fic. However, I couldn't contain myself, so I went ahead and gave Chapter 11 a nice makeover, too. In practice, this means that while I don't plan on fully rewriting everything, you can expect the other chapters to receive a fresh new coat of paint.
Anyways, enjoy! And thank you for your support! I'd really appreciate it if you left a review and followed the story. Recently the story surpassed 24k views and it made me really happy.
The two soldiers, their boots echoing on the concrete, found a quiet spot at the edge of the bustling harbor. The sun hung high on the horizon, casting its warm, intense rays across the quiet docks. Seagulls swooped and cawed in the clear, blue sky, their white wings in harmony with the clear blue waters below. The constant rhythm of the waves lapping against the harbor's walls provided a soothing backdrop to their position.
Guarding the harbor might not have been the most thrilling duty, but it had its own charm. Surrounded by the vast, open sea and only a handful of distant military outposts for company, it was a welcome break from the chaos of the districts and industrial cities or the too familiar monotony of the towns and smaller villages. The two soldiers could appreciate the rare tranquility that this duty offered, a respite from the relentless tension that had defined their lives within the Walls.
"So... you really fought Titans?", the young rookie approached the seasoned veteran, discreetly shimming alongside the ground. Her voice trembled slightly as she posed her question.
The veteran Garrison soldier, despite his attempt to play it cool, couldn't help but notice the rookie's shyness. He decided to maintain his confident demeanor, puffing his chest out and flashing a charismatic smile.
"Oh, yeah, I did" he replied, punctuating his words with a wink. He was determined to come across as both attractive and a genuine badass. The rookie's eyes lit up with excitement at his response.
"Wow! And how was it like?!" she asked, her curiosity palpable as she leaned in closer, clearly entranced by the possible answer he would provide.
The veteran leaned back a bit, resting his elbows on the ground, savoring the attention he was receiving. With a sense of pride in his voice, he began to recount his experience, "Well, it was a mission to rescue none other than Eren Yeager." He paused for effect, allowing the weight of the name to sink in. "This was back in 850. The Garrison and the Military Police both aided the Scout Regiment in the operation. I got to show them that the Garrison also holds a lot of talent within it."
He chuckled, a smug expression on his face accompanying a very self-assured grin. "I know, I know. You might be wondering, how can someone as charismatic, handsome, and talented as me end up in the Garrison, right? But let me tell you something." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, almost seductive tone. "People need protection, and the Garrison is what has held this Island together for so long. We are the real heroes."
The rookie couldn't help but look at her veteran in silence, her wide-eyed gaze locked onto him. He noticed the intensity in her stare, and it made him blush slightly. Her eyes held the same curiosity she had displayed since arriving to join him and the others in guard duty at the port, but now, there was something explicit within it. She wasn't hiding her desire, and the veteran could feel his heart racing as he understood her unspoken intentions.
As the rookie inched closer, their lips met in a passionate, lingering kiss. The world seemed to fade away around them.
Suddenly, the cabin wall reverberated with a loud thud as the rookie's back smacked against it, breaking the spell of their intimacy. Yet, neither of them cared about the noise as they continued to explore each other passionately. The veteran, his hands firmly holding the rookie's legs, moved her along the wall of the maintenance shed, sending tools and objects clattering to the ground in their wake.
Amidst the heated exchange, the rookie managed to gasp between soft moans. "Hmm, someone... hmm... could hear us..."
"No... there's no way" the veteran replied, his voice strained as he struggled to catch his breath. "They're probably too busy drinking on shift or... or... to hell if I know what those bastards do."
The pair continued their passionate embrace, their lips locked in a fervent kiss, their hands exploring each other with fervor. Their uniforms were in disarray, and their hair was tousled, a clear indication of their escalating intimacy. With burning desire in his eyes, the veteran lifted the rookie and gently seated her on a nearby table, leaning in closer, the heat between them almost palpable.
Before he could utter a word, the outside world intruded with a sudden burst of yelling. The shed's door was flung open, and the urgent voice of a fellow soldier shattered the intimate moment. Shocked and disoriented, the rookie and the veteran pulled apart, their flushed faces turning pale as they scrambled to fix their disheveled uniforms.
"Hey! You two, come quick! A Marleyan ship's been spotted!"
Reiner and Sam found themselves in a secluded spot still within the confines of the Internment Zone. While they weren't completely hidden from public view, the surrounding soldiers ensured that their conversation would remain discreet. The air was tense, charged with an unspoken sense of urgency.
Sam brought his flask to his lips, taking a long sip of the whiskey in it. The bitter, burning taste coursed down his throat as he swallowed. Reiner watched his superior, feeling a growing sense of unease. It was an odd and risky move for Sam to be out in the open like that, especially in Marley's current fragile and volatile state.
As Sam wiped the alcohol from his lips, he fixed his gaze on Reiner, leaning forward in his wooden chair. Several seconds of silence stretched between them, casting a slight awkwardness over the conversation.
"So..." Sam began, his voice trailing off without continuing, never delivering on a conclusion.
Reiner, maintaining a respectful posture, couldn't help but prompt back. "Is something wrong, General?"
The older man nodded slowly, his hand coming down to slap his knee. "I'm sorry, I'm terrible at starting conversations. My wife always says that about me. She hates how I can never spark some small talk with her", he admitted with a sheepish scratch of his head. "So, Mr. Braun, you returned today, correct?"
Reiner nodded in response. "Yes, General. I received the news that I was to come back a few days ago, but the transport only arrived last night."
"I see. Apologies for the delay. We wanted you back even sooner, but as you can imagine, we're not in the best state right now."
Reiner couldn't shake his growing sense of unease about the purpose of this meeting. He had to voice his concerns. "Sir, with all due respect," he began cautiously. "The situation at Roxul is a disaster. With me being there, we could barely do anything, and without me, the troops—"
Sam cut him off with a voice that carried the weight of defeat and acceptance. "I know, Mr. Braun. I know. I don't know if you've heard, but Mr. Galliard has also returned. And so has our Beast Titan in training. Truth is, we've lost, Mr. Braun. There's absolutely no way we can win against these rebelling colonies, not with the Military spread so thin, not with our leadership being so inadequate, and certainly not with these colonies receiving aid from other nations."
He raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. "To put it simply, Marley is fucked, Mr. Braun. It's as simple as that. It is over."
Hearing the highest-ranking officer in the Military admit this so matter-of-factly struck Reiner to his core. While he had understood that the situation was dire, he hadn't expected it to unravel like this. Sam continued with a heavy sigh.
"Our former allies, or rather, those who were forced into aligning with Marley, are turning their backs on us. I can't tell if it's out of fear of the greater threat posed by Paradis or sheer resentment against us, but the attack on Liberio has utterly wrecked our international relations. Many nations have rushed to Paradis to sign truces and initiate alliances with them. Rumors even suggest that even the Xalocians, of all people, have already done it."
"Shit...", Reiner muttered the curse under his breath. "The biggest military force in the New World siding with our biggest enemy."
"You know they had a friendly history with the Eldian Empire in the past", Sam reminded him. "And we single-handedly destroyed it."
Sam extended his flask toward Reiner, who initially hesitated but ultimately accepted the offer. He took a sip of the drink within and listened intently.
"We've made the decision to recall all troops from our borders. We can't sustain this conflict; we're barely holding ourselves together as is. It's only a matter of time until Marley is completely fragmented. And when that happens, it will spiral into a civil war."
Reiner handed the flask back to its owner, his eyes fixed on General Sam. "So what do we do now?"
Sam let out a weary sigh, acknowledging the weight of past decisions. "Several months ago, after the attack, you proposed an immediate counterattack on Paradis with all our might. I dismissed it as a risky move at the time, but in hindsight, it might have spared us all of this turmoil, albeit at a possible, significant military cost."
Reiner nodded, admitting. "Hindsight is a luxury we can't afford, sir. My suggestion back then was fueled by anger and a desire for revenge. It was impulsive and reckless."
The general looked at Reiner with a hint of surprise at his humility. "Is that so?"
"Let's just say I've had a lot of time to reflect on our situation", Reiner explained.
Sam acknowledged him with a silent nod. "Well, to answer your question, we're left with three options."
He continued, outlining the choices.
"We can continue to hold on by a thread, waiting for the inevitable. The world will persist in their economic embargoes and alliances against us. Or, we could make one final, desperate assault on Paradis and blindly hope for the best. Or..."
Reiner pressed for the last option. "Or what?"
"We could surrender and attempt negotiations with Paradis. Once again, we'd be subjugated to Eldia, but it might spare us from further bloodshed and suffering. We'd be undoing all of the progress our nation has accomplished for the past century, but it would allow for our survival."
Reiner was curious. "Are you even sure that would be possible, sir?"
"You tell me what you think. You know them better than any of us", Sam replied.
Reiner's thoughts drifted to Armin, Hange, and his experiences on Paradis. "They were never the monsters we made them out to be, sir. The attack was in response to our aggression. If they're willing to approach other nations, they would be willing to listen to us."
Sam's expression turned more serious as he locked eyes with Reiner. "But are you entirely sure that would be the case?"
Reiner hesitated. "I... I can't be."
"I see."
The general rose to his feet, looking down at Reiner.
"Mr. Braun, we obviously don't want to destroy our nation, and we don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past administration. As we speak, a ship is being prepared to sail for Eldia, carrying a letter signed by me and the others in the upper echelons. It informs Paradis that this coming Sunday, I will be going to the island in an attempt to negotiate peace. And I want you to come with me."
Reiner was taken aback. "M-me? Why, sir?"
"Don't mistake our current vulnerability for weakness, Mr. Braun. If Marley is to fall, it's going down swinging, causing as much damage to its enemies as possible. In the event our peace offerings are rejected, then Eldia is at war with us. And we will deal the first strike from within."
Reiner tried to object. "Sir, I-"
"Quiet, Mr. Braun. I know the capabilities of Paradis's Military. Still, in such a scenario, we must do as much harm as possible. Having the Armored Titan within the capital would work both as an intimidation factor and as a guarantee that we can harm their leadership, just as they harmed ours."
Sam smirked, revealing a hidden agenda. "Moreover, there's another reason we ordered our troops to retreat. In the far north of Paradis, behind a dense, snowy mountain range, there's a secret Marleyan base established around 35 years ago. It's incredibly hard to reach, be it by land or by sea, but that's by design. This base would allow our troops to infiltrate Paradis from the north. We'll mobilize all the remaining forces, and if the continent doesn't receive an 'all clear' from us in two days from our arrival, they'll launch a full Military assault from there. Even in the event of the Rumbling of the Earth being activated, it would move southwest, enabling us to strike from behind and potentially stop the Founding before it even reached the mainland."
He extended his hand to Reiner. Taking it, Reiner rose to his feet, locking eyes with the general. "We made the mistake of underestimating them. They were in our land, outnumbered, isolated, and even after their façade fell, it was by design to trick us. They brought us to our knees. And being as fragile as we are right now, it's our turn to make so they underestimate us. They wouldn't expect us to launch such a suicidal attack in our position. One way or another, Mr. Braun, this is how it ends."
Laure's horse entered the town at a steady pace, its rhythmic steps echoing through the streets. She looked around, entranced yet confused, captivated by the sights and sounds of the now-bustling community, the familiarity of the place overshadowed by the growth and transformation it had undergone. The old buildings, remnants of the past, stood in stark contrast to the bustling new constructions that signaled the village's evolution into a commercial hub for agriculture within eastern Wall Rose. It was as if the town had kept one foot in its history while thrusting the other into a promising future.
The air was filled with the harmonious dissonance of past and modernity, and as Laure ventured deeper, she couldn't help but wonder if what she sought still existed amidst this transformation. Her gaze fell upon a familiar, weathered grocery store, a relic from her childhood she remembered as already aged back then, now surrounded by modern structures that emphasized its old age. It was as if time itself had etched wrinkles on the town's face.
Approaching the store, Laure spotted an elderly woman seated in a rocking chair, a bowl of candy resting on her lap as she expertly knitted a sock. There was something about her that tugged at Laure's memory, making her wonder if she knew the lady from somewhere.
With a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity, Laure approached the elderly woman and spoke, her voice gentle and inquisitive, despite the unease she felt beneath her hoodie, pushing the piece of clothing down as much as possible to make sure the blood that laid underneath was fully hidden.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Laure called out, taking cautious steps, waiting for a connection to be made. The lady turned her attention to Laure, and her eyes sparkled with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Why, hello there, young lady. Can I help you?", the elder's soft and friendly voice greeted Laure. She surveyed her surroundings, trying to reconcile the place with her memories.
"Is this Rosewood Village?" Laure's voice carried an explicit hint of confusion. "The place looks so... different."
The woman chuckled warmly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Hah! It's been a while since you've last been here, ha'n't it? This is Rosewood Village, just as it's always been."
The elderly woman took a moment to look at Laure from top to bottom. As the lady studied her, a trace of recognition crossed her face. "You look a bit familiar. Or perhaps my memory's playing tricks on me?"
Avoiding the woman's question, Laure pressed on. "Does the Petrenko farm still exist?"
The lady's face suddenly lit up as if a long-forgotten memory had resurfaced. "Oh! You're the girl who disappeared all those years ago? It's about time you've come back."
She then returned to her knitting, much to Laure's frustration. "Please, ma'am, just answer me."
A young teenager, who had observed the interaction from the grocery store's entrance, stepped forward, making himself known. "Don't mind her, she's been a bit 'off' lately. She was supposed to leave visitors alone!" He gestured for Laure to follow him, waving goodbye to the elderly lady. "Come on, let's get out of here. Bye, 'ma! Go back to your knitting!"
As they reached the other side of the building's porch, the boy spoke once more.
"Sorry about grandma, she's been a bit obnoxious recently."
"Yeah, it's okay", Laure offered a kind smile. "It's alright. I was just looking for some directions."
"Directions? Where do you wanna go?" The boy's willingness to help was evident.
"I haven't been here in almost a decade. Can you tell me if the Petrenko farm is still around?"
"Petrenko? You mean Mr. Maksim's farm?" The boy's eyes brightened with recognition. "Yeah, it's still around. He comes to the store, like, twice a week. Buying and selling things."
"Good. That's all I needed to know", Laure's tone carried a sense of finality as if she had everything she required.
The boy interjected, leaning slightly closer, wondering if that was all. "Y'know how to get there?"
Laure gave a reassuring smile. "It's impossible to miss. Unless there's a sudden farm frenzy by Lake Silvershore."
"Nah, Mr. Maksim's is still the only one. Indeed, impossible to miss."
Laure nodded, gratitude glinting in her eyes. "What's your name, kid?"
"I'm Thomas", the boy beamed. Laure recognized the name.
"You're the Piercher boy?"
"I am. Got a little brother now, ma'am. He's just eight." Thomas eyed her with a glimmer of recognition. "Do I know you?"
A faint smile emerged from Laure's lips, holding a touch of nostalgia behind it. "You wouldn't remember me. Don't worry about it."
With a gentle farewell nod, Laure turned away and swiftly mounted her horse. As she rode off, Thomas stood there, a puzzled expression on his face. His grandma's voice echoed from the rocking chair on the other side of the porch. "That girl's eyes are impossible to forget. I knew I'd seen her before."
Laure's journey led her along a well-worn path, the bright glint of the sun dancing on the waters of the Silvershore and reflecting with much intensity. With every gallop of her horse, the landscape grew more familiar, bringing a blend of nostalgia and trepidation as she anticipated what was to happen. As the farmhouse's silhouette emerged in her view, her emotions swirled like the wind rustling through the nearby trees.
She gently dismounted from her horse and secured it to a nearby fence before taking hesitant steps toward the familiar farmhouse. Faint voices carried from the back of the property, mingling with the subdued sounds coming from within. Each footfall felt like a heart-pounding eternity, an amalgamation of years of absence and anticipation.
Summoning her courage, she knocked on the weathered door. The moments that followed were a mix of anxiety and longing, a symphony of emotions that seemed to stretch on indefinitely. Then, the door creaked open. A small, innocent voice pierced the air.
"Who are you?"
Laure's gaze lowered to find its source, a child not older than six years old. The unexpected sight of the boy momentarily froze her in place. Her voice finally found its way out.
"Hi. I'm Laure. Are your parents home?"
The boy released the doorknob and looked back into the corridor. "MOM! THERE'S A LADY HERE!" he called, conveying the arrival of an unexpected guest.
"Kalman, I've told you I'm busy!" came a slightly exasperated response from within, a woman's voice. As Laure waited, an adult figure approached the door. "Go keep an eye out on your sister for me."
With a forced smile, the woman inquired. "Hello, can I help you?"
Her warm greeting froze on her lips as her gaze locked onto Laure. A sharp gasp escaped her, and she dropped the toy she had been holding. She staggered backward, her shock evident, before turning and racing towards the back of the house, her voice raised in a frantic call for her husband. "Maksim! Maksim!"
Laure stood at the door, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she listened to the frantic, unintelligible voices from within. Then, two pairs of hurried footsteps echoed through the house, approaching the entrance. As one of the pairs arrived, sunlight streamed in, illuminating the man's face. His expression was a mixture of disbelief and shock, his jaw hanging open as he slowly advanced toward Laure.
"I... I... It... It... It..." he stammered, attempting to speak but unable to form coherent words. His trembling hand reached for her arm, while the other reached for her face, brushing against her cheek. "... Laure?"
"Yeah. It's me" she replied, her voice quivering with a mix of emotions. Instead of the expected anger, she was met with a single tear that trickled down the man's face. In the next instant, he engulfed her in a warm, tight embrace, hugging her as if he never wanted to let go. His tears flowed freely, mingling with hers as the weight of their emotions washed over them. And then, she hugged him back.
The three found themselves seated around the dinner table, a profound silence enveloped them. The room was filled with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as if time had paused for this long-awaited reunion. In the background, the faint laughter of the two kids playing in the other room provided a comforting backdrop.
Maksim and Roza, Laure's uncle and aunt, couldn't hide the overwhelming emotions that surged within them. Tears glistened in their eyes, and their expressions wavered between disbelief and uncontainable joy. The weight of the moment was most evident in Maksim, who sat beside Laure. His attempts to stifle his tears were futile, and he continued to sniffle and discreetly wipe away the tears that flowed freely down his face. Laure, on the other hand, remained composed, her gaze shifting between her beloved family members, her heart heavy with emotions she had long kept hidden. Still, she couldn't find the courage to utter the first word.
After what felt like an eternity, Maksim found the strength to speak. His voice was soft, laden with emotions he had kept hidden for years.
"It's... it's been seven years," he said, the words escaping his lips with an undercurrent of sorrow. "We... we thought you were dead... you... you just disappeared..."
The memories he was forced to relive were clearly painful. He paused for a moment, gathering his composure. "You were the last of my blood. I was so desperate... we all spent so much time looking for you... the Police... where were you?! What happened?!"
Laure listened to his words, her heart heavy with the weight of his pain. She took a deep breath before answering, her tone gentle. "I couldn't take it anymore, so I left."
Maksim's response was laced with frustration. "'Couldn't take it anymore'? Couldn't take having your family feed you, take care of you, give you shelter, keep you away from the refugee communities? Couldn't take being loved and having a place to stay, safe?!"
Laure's eyes met his as she tried to convey that it was never about them. "I couldn't take not taking action. I couldn't stand not being able to do anything about what happened. So, that day you asked me to buy some groceries, I left straight to Trost and enlisted."
The weight of her disappearance had weighed heavily on Maksim's shoulders for seven long years. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of despair when she vanished without a trace. Now, with her sitting across from him, admitting she had joined the Military, his emotions were a turbulent storm.
"I... I'll go make some tea for us", Roza said as she left to nearby kitchen, giving some room to the two.
Laure leaned forward, her arms resting on the table as she looked into his eyes. "Uncle Max," she said, her voice sincere and filled with gratitude. "I am forever grateful for what you did. I don't ask for forgiveness; you have every right to be upset about what happened. However, I just really, really couldn't do this anymore. And I knew you'd try to stop me if you were aware of my plans. You're just like my father."
Maksim's eyes held a hint of sadness as he responded, "Your father had very good reasons to dislike the Military. I couldn't agree more with some of his points. But..."
He sighed and rubbed his eyes.
"... I'm not your father. I would have no right to stop you from following your own path."
Laure extended her hand, reaching for his, and held it gently. Maksim's eyes welled up with tears once more, and, again, he struggled to regain his composure. The touch of her hand was a tangible connection, a bridge to what she felt was the last bit of humanity she had left. She tried her best to keep herself from crying, holding back as much as she could until, a few minutes later, Roza returned with the tea.
As Roza placed the kettle on the table, she gave her husband's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "What matters most is that she's safe now, and back home with us."
Maksim held onto her hand, his eyes finally meeting hers. "You're right, Roza. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
Laure, after a warm smile in response, shifted her attention to the noise coming from the living room. "Who's the little guy?"
Roza smiled warmly, putting the cups on the table one by one. "That's Kalman, and he's with his baby sister, Anya. They're both your cousins."
Curious about her newly discovered relatives, Laure continued with her questions. "How old are they?"
"Kal is six years old, and Anya just turned one. They're beautiful, aren't they?" Maksim's pride showed in his broad smile. Laure couldn't help but tease.
"Of course they are, their mother is an angel. Though their father could've cursed their genes."
Maksim raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Careful, kid. I'm your uncle. We're not that far off. Besides, your father was uglier than me!"
Laure laughed, countering, "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm twenty-one, Uncle Max."
Her words seemed to catch Maksim off guard for a moment as he contemplated her age. The last time he had seen her, she was just shy of fourteen years old. Roza took no time and began to pour in tea for the trio, before sitting down and officially rejoining them at the table.
"So, you joined the Military?", Roza asked, a hint of surprise lacing her voice. "How is life at the Garrison?"
Laure shook her head. "Garrison? No, no, I didn't join the Garrison."
Maksim jumped in, interrupting her, assuming something else. "So you graduated high enough to join the Military Police? That's fantastic!"
"I joined the Scout Regiment" Laure corrected them, direct.
A heavy silence fell upon the room as her words hung in the air. She continued to explain.
"I said I couldn't stand doing nothing. The Scouts were the only place where I would be able to make a difference."
"The Scouts? The goddamn Scouts?! Your father would have had a heart attack!" Maksim's shock and frustration were evident, but the relief that she was still alive tempered his reaction. It meant that harm had not come her way, or at least, that's what he told himself.
"I think... I think he would've been proud," Laure replied in a soft voice. "I can't recall how many times I faced death eye to eye, but I was there... I was there when we recaptured Shiganshina."
Roza's reaction was of pure surprise, and she accidentally let her cup fall, spilling tea all over the table. She cursed in frustration before quickly grabbing a piece of cloth to clean her mess.
"You were... in Shiganshina?", Maksim asked, his voice unable to hide his feelings.
Laure's mind flooded with memories of that fateful battle, the chaos, the loss, and the victory. The images of her fellow Scouts torn to shreds by the Beast's artillery, the looming stare of Bertholdt's Colossal, Erwin bleeding to death, the infernal soundscape of that day.
"Y... yes. I was. I was in Stohess when the Female Titan was captured. I fought when Titans showed up within Wall Rose. I was there when the coup happened. I..."
Her expression shifted to one of ferocity. "I trained and trained with no goal in mind other than revenge. Once I graduated, I made sure to be in active duty as much as I could. I killed over a hundred Titans, and that was before we even retook Wall Maria. Not to mention the people... the traitors from the Old Government... those fuckers in the mainland." She looked at her own hands, clenching her fists with an explicit amount of anger at show.
"I did what I had to do. And I'll keep doing what I must until the very end."
As she looked at her family, she noticed their shocked expressions mixed with a hint of fear. It brought her back to the present, snapping her out of her own thoughts.
"I... I climbed through the ranks, and I became a Section Commander. The only one among my friends from the Cadet Corps to do so" Laure admitted, her voice heavy with the weight of her experiences. She took a sip from her tea, trying to calm her emotions. Maksim had no words, his shock and pride mingling with concern.
"Section Commander? That is indeed far", Roza responded in as much of a caring tone as she could. "I can't even imagine the things you saw."
Laure's eyes held the ghosts of battles fought and lives lost as she nodded. "It's been one hell of a ride... but it's not over yet."
Laure found herself within the farmhouse's bathroom. Her hands rested on the sink's counter, her gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror. She took a step back and, with great care, removed the hoodie Annie had given her, revealing her blood-soaked shirt. She took a moment to look at her reflected image, covered in the blood of an innocent man.
A gentle knock on the bathroom door broke the silence. "Laure? Can I enter?", a voice asked. It was Roza.
"Come in", Laure replied. As Roza stepped inside, her eyes widened at the sight of Laure's blood-stained clothes. She extended her arm toward Laure.
"Here's some of my older clothes. I've gained some weight after my first pregnancy, so they don't fit me anymore. You can use them."
Laure accepted the clothes with gratitude, taking a look at them. "Thanks, Roza."
"Y-you can leave your old clothes by the laundry basket," Roza said before leaving, giving Laure the privacy she needed.
She proceeded to strip off her bloodied clothing and climbed into the bathtub, letting the warm water wash away the dirt and thoughts at the moment. It was a moment of solitude and reflection, a pause in the midst of her own chaos, and a much needed one. the evening had surrendered to the inky shroud of night. Roza was the first to spot her, and she couldn't help but notice how well the borrowed clothes fit the now adult Laure. From the corner of her eye, however, Laure noticed a silhouette standing inside one of the bedrooms, looking at her. It was her cousin, Kalman.
"Hey there, little guy," she awkwardly greeted him, offering a warm smile and inviting him to come closer. The boy, still uncertain but curious, shyly approached her.
"You... are my cousin?" Kalman inquired with wide, innocent eyes. "But I have no uncle or aunt."
His words tugged at Laure's heartstrings, and she hesitated for a moment before answering. "A long time ago, your father had a brother. But then he, unfortunately, passed away."
"Passed away? What happened?" Kalman's curiosity seemed to outweigh his initial shyness.
"A Titan killed him," Laure explained, her voice filled with both sorrow and a hint of bitterness.
"Titan? Like one of those monsters that used to live on the island?"
Laure nodded, her gaze briefly drifting to a distant memory. "Yeah, like one of those."
She knelt down beside the young boy, resting her hand gently on his shoulder. "Look..." she began, her tone softer and more heartfelt. "One day, people will tell you about me. For that... I'm sorry."
Kalman looked at her with a mix of confusion and intrigue, his innocent eyes meeting Laure's. He couldn't understand what she meant by that, and she refused to explain, instead just giving her a painful look that slowly evolved into one of acceptance.
Soon it seemed that Laure was already prepared to leave, much to the disappointment of her family. She made her way to the front door of the farmhouse with her uncle, who couldn't help but try to convince her to stay a bit longer.
"Come on, do you have to leave now?" he pleaded. "Can't you stay a bit longer?"
"I can't," Laure replied, reiterating a sentiment she had expressed multiple times during her visit. "I've got a job to do. I've told you already. But I'll be back."
"When?" Maksim inquired.
"By Friday," she answered. "And like I said, I won't be alone. I'll need the basement."
Maksim came to a halt, his curiosity piqued. "You sure you didn't come here just because you needed something? You could've returned years ago! Why now, when you need a place?"
Laure's annoyance was evident as she responded, "There are thousands of places within the Walls I could use. This farm would be the last place I'd pick. I'm here because it... it's time I showed up."
Maksim sighed, a sign of him giving in. "Fine. But we'll be waiting for you. New Year's is right around the corner, wouldn't feel right without you now."
Laure nodded in acknowledgment, her smile tinged with a hint of sadness that she tried to conceal. "I'll be here. Don't worry."
Maksim opened the door, eventually leading her to a small barn by the side of the main building. Inside, the horse she had arrived with was feasting on some hay.
"Like I said, I took the liberty to take some care of him while you were busy. I forgot how big these Military horses can be."
"Thanks for that", she replied. It didn't take long for her to get back on track, heading to her original destination: a small mountainside area north of Shiganshina.
The sound of the knife cutting through the meat and rubbing on the porcelain the echoed through the empty hall. Erwin sat there, his gaze fixed on the plate before him, meticulously slicing the steak. He'd take a piece of the perfectly cooked meat, a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes, and a few peas, repeating the motion methodically. This ritual had become a routine over the past few days for every one of his meals, and he executed it with unwavering focus, never once lifting his eyes from his plate.
The sight of the Scout headquarters, usually bustling with activity, now lying silent and empty was eerie, specially considering how filled with activity it was over the rest of the year. But as New Year's Eve approached and calm remained settled over Paradis, the place had become a ghost town. The skeleton crew that remained consisted of those with nowhere else to be, their lives tightly entwined with their uniforms. The usual life of the headquarters had temporarily given way to a quiet, almost surreal atmosphere.
Erwin soon finished his dinner, placing his utensils to the side. With precision, he poured a generous amount of wine from the accompanying bottle into his cup, then took a contemplative sip. He seemed unusually calm, a stark contrast to the professional and often intense demeanor he typically exhibited. His attention was piqued by the sound of approaching footsteps originating from the far side of the mess hall's entrance. The steps came to a halt upon reaching the door. With a creak, the wooden door swung open, revealing a figure with brown hair. The lamplight from the hall gleamed on their glasses.
"Oh, there you are!" the voice exclaimed with the glee of a treasure hunter who'd just found their prize. "I was looking for you."
Erwin smiled as Hange entered the hall, heading toward his table. "Hey there, Hange," he greeted her. "How are you?"
"I'm doing just fine, Erwin, thanks for asking," she replied with a warm smile as she settled into her seat, directly facing him. "What about you?"
Hange couldn't help but notice a subtle hint of happiness in Erwin's expression. "You look happy."
"I think 'at peace' is more appropriate. Weren't you supposed to be at the capital?"
"Uh", Hange scratched her neck thoughtfully. "I was, but I decided to postpone it for a bit."
"Postpone it?" Erwin inquired, curious. "Why?"
"Because there are some important things I'd like to take care of before dealing with the Premier and all that paperwork. Plus, with it being the end of the year, waiting a week or two won't hurt."
"Hm. I see," Erwin replied, concealing any skepticism he might have had. "Want some wine?"
"No, no, I'm fine," she politely declined the offer. "But what about you? Why are you here?"
Erwin chuckled. "Where else would I be, Hange? I have nowhere to go."
"You... uh, you have a point," she replied, realizing her question might have sounded a bit silly. "About that..."
"Is something wrong?" Erwin inquired.
Hange thought for a moment about how to proceed, but decided to be direct, as it often was the best course of action with Erwin.
"Look, I am in no way questioning what you told me last time," she began, trying to convey her sincerity. "I believe everything you said. However, something really, really annoys me..."
"And what would that be?" he curiously asked, crossing his arms and holding his cup.
"Are you sure about this? Are you completely sure you want to resign?" Hange finally asked. "I... even with all of the bad things that happened... we have achieved so much because of you. Every month two or three different nations willingly come to our island, desperately looking to be our allies. Somehow you and your entire persona managed to get them to crawl to us, afraid of what would happen if they were our enemies, trying to distance themselves from Marley. But then they spend a few days here, they meet us, see how we live, we treat them how they deserve to be treated, show them we care about them, about peace, and they leave with a smile on their faces. It was you who did this. Not me."
Hange sighed, her concern evident. "I just don't know if you're doing it out of your own will," she admitted.
"Look, Hange," Erwin said, leaning forward, his voice carrying a weight of emotion. He placed his cup on the table. "I won't be here forever. I only have nine years left to live, and sooner or later, I will be gone. I've done what I could for us. I made mistakes, I let many innocent people die, I left my humanity behind. But that time's past us. It's the time for a new generation of leaders, visionary people who can navigate us through this complex world we found ourselves in. People like you, while there is no more need for people like me."
"But Erwin, I'm a Shifter too, now! You have nine years left, and I have thirteen! I won't last forever, either!", Hange argued passionately, to no avail.
Erwin met her intensity with a calm determination. "In that case, I am sure you'll make these thirteen years the best they can be. I am resigning, Hange. It is my choice. And until it's official to the Premier, I technically still am your superior, so I order you not to worry about it."
His words held a sense of wisdom and acceptance, as if he had thought this through and through extensively and finally found his path. Hange sat in silence, absorbing the weight of Erwin's decision. If this was truly his choice, she realized there was no use in opposing it. With a heavy heart, she acknowledged the inevitable: she was to become the new Commander of the Scout Regiment, taking on the responsibility that Erwin had carried for so long.
Their conversation was abruptly halted as the sound of hurried footsteps filled the hall. A soldier entered, his urgency evident from the way he rushed to reach Erwin and, indirectly, Hange.
"Commander, sir!" He saluted crisply, then began to relay the pressing news. "I bring extremely urgent information!"
Erwin's expression grew serious. This had to be very important for the soldier to interrupt their discussion like this. "Tell us", he commanded.
The soldier's voice was tense as he continued. "A Marleyan ship was spotted earlier today near our harbor. It was unarmed and flying a white flag. They attempted to dock, and the crew was minimal."
Hange couldn't hide her surprise. She stood up, her curiosity piqued. "What did they want?"
The soldier's words sent a chill through the room. "Surrender, ma'am. They had a letter addressed directly to the Queen and the Premier."
The morning sun had risen, proudly casting its light upon the earth. The clear blue sky stretched out, with only a few fluffy clouds scattered here and there. This winter had proven to be unusually warm, with little snowfall below the southern area of Wall Sina. While the absence of snow didn't guarantee a mild winter ahead, it was a rare opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without being hindered by harsh weather, a novelty at this time of the year.
Laure's attention was divided between the map in her hands and the unfamiliar terrain before her. She relied on the knowledge passed down from Eren and, specially, Mikasa to navigate this area. A sense of excitement washed over her when she spotted a cabin nestled amidst a thicket of trees. As her horse carried her closer to the structure, she couldn't help but notice its apparent abandonment. The once-tidy garden had surrendered to unruly grass and encroaching weeds. Dust-covered windows concealed the interior of the cabin, and the door remained firmly shut, or so it appeared to be. It was abundantly clear that the place had remained untouched for years, intensifying her sense of curiosity.
She cast another glance at her map, and something quickly caught her attention. Not far from that place was one of the many so-called "hidden valleys" within Wall Maria. This realization was like a lightbulb moment in Laure's mind and, without wasting a moment, she spurred her horse into action, leaving the ghostly house behind in the forest.
The rhythmic thud of the axe hitting the pieces of wood was hypnotic. Each time, a log would be placed on the tree stump, and the axe would swiftly descend, cleanly splitting it in half. Every few swings, Eren wiped the sweat from his forehead, pausing to catch his breath. The sun's washed-out rays made his shirtless torso glisten with sweat, allowing for his lean physique to shine, while his long hair moved gently with the slight breeze.
Eren gathered a handful of the firewood he needed and made his way back inside the cabin. The natural light enhanced the already cozy atmosphere, making the place even more comfortable and pleasant, cementing it as, indeed, a slice of paradise. He loaded the logs into the wood stove and, with a match, lit it up. Then, he reached for the freshly ground coffee beans in a bowl on the table and began to prepare some coffee. As he strained the fragrant liquid, a pair of arms encircled his waist, and a delicate kiss graced his exposed shoulder, taking him by surprise.
"Your coffee always smells so good," Mikasa whispered, tightening her embrace around Eren, savoring the feeling of his skin against hers.
Eren chuckled softly. "It just smells like coffee," he said, downplaying his skills. "But this one was supposed to be special. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed."
Mikasa shifted in her embrace, looking up at him with a hint of guilt in her eyes as he turned his head to try and look at her. "Sorry. I know I overslept a bit, but I couldn't stand lying down for longer."
Eren raised an eyebrow playfully. "Why? Last night was enough for you to get sick of the bed?" he teased.
Mikasa smiled and shook her head. "Not at all," she replied, a faint blush gracing her cheeks, and she looked away. "But I don't know, something just feels... off."
Eren finished with the coffee and turned to face her, concern in his eyes. "What's the problem, Mikasa? Have the last few months been bad?"
"All of this has been the best thing to ever happen in my life," she replied, her eyes glowing with genuine gratitude for their life together, far from everything they knew. "I love you so damn much. But I feel a bit worried about... you know, Armin and the others. I wonder how things are out there? Were we wrong for leaving?"
"Selfish, maybe," he answered, gazing into her eyes. "Though I wouldn't call it wrong. You know things are alright. I don't regret it one bit. Do you?"
"No, not at all," she said firmly. "But you... you're still Eren Yeager. The carrier of the Founding Titan and the Attack Titan. They aren't going to leave you alone. And I don't know if I will be able to protect you."
He took her hand, his touch steady and reassuring. "It's been four months and no one's found us. Besides, I only have four years left..."
Mikasa's eyes held a mixture of sadness and love, the thought of losing Eren weighing heavily on her heart, especially after they had finally found their way to each other.
"... So, let us enjoy these years," he finished. "I want to spend every possible second with you until the end. And when the time comes, I will do whatever I have to."
He gently released her hand, returning to the coffee-making task. "Now, have a seat. I'll pour you some coffee. Are you still up for that fishing trip at the river today?"
"It is quite chilly, but I suppose we should make the most of it while the water hasn't freezed", Mikasa responded as she settled into her seat, savoring the first sip of her coffee.
Meanwhile, Laure explored the valley, scanning for anything of interest. Soon, her eyes locked onto what seemed to be a stone fence encircling a modest, wooden cabin not much different from the previous, abandoned one, resting besides a hill that sloped down to a stream.
'This has to be it', she whispered to herself, lowering her hand that had shielded her eyes from the sun. Her horse carried her towards the cabin.
Eren paused, taking a sip of his coffee before continuing. "Speaking of which, remember that time when one of our colleagues from the 104th collapsed during winter training?"
"Daz, Eren," Mikasa corrected with a smile, taking another sip of her coffee. "His name was Daz."
"Oh, right, Daz," Eren admitted. "We were so ready to go look for him and Historia. And Ymir."
"You were 'so ready' to go after them," she said, "while I was just going to make sure you didn't freeze to death. Everyone else... I guess you have a talent for getting people to do dumb things."
"Doesn't that mean you're also one to do dumb things?" Eren countered.
"I'm the one who makes sure you don't get yourself killed," Mikasa replied. "How many times did I save you from being beaten up?"
The casual moment between the two came to a chilling halt as a knock suddenly echoed through the cabin. They both froze, their eyes locking onto the cabin's entrance, which was closed but not locked. The pair exchanged uncertain glances, confirming that they had both heard the knocking. When another set of knocks followed, it became clear that they were no longer alone for the first time since their arrival.
Instinctively, Mikasa rose, moving with practiced precision to their bedroom and, from a drawer, she retrieved a pistol. The knocking continued, and with a meaningful look, she alerted Eren to her concealed weapon, signaling him to approach the door. He responded by taking hold of a knife, keeping it hidden behind his back.
As they pondered who could be outside the door, Mikasa remained vigilant, poised and partially concealed in the doorway, while Eren, his heart pounding, approached the door. With a deep breath, he reached for the handle, and then opened it to reveal the unexpected guest.
Eren was instantly met with a much too familiar gaze.
"Hey there, Eren. Enjoying yourself?" Laure's voice held a casual tone as she reached into her pocket, pulling out a carton of cigarettes. Seeing her completely disarmed Eren.
"Laure? What- how did you find us?" Eren asked, his surprise completely palpable.
She lit her cigarette, taking a deep drag and letting the smoke fill her lungs before turning her head to the side, exhaling it into the breeze. She locked her eyes right into Eren's, nearly staring into his soul.
"We need to talk."
Eren once more found himself sitting at the cabin's kitchen. The polished wood of the table felt cool beneath his fingertips as he watched Laure on the other end, her makeshift ashtray, a humble bowl, placed between them. Mikasa, standing behind him, shared the aura of surprise that hung in the air, creating a palpable tension. The trio remained in silence for a moment as Laure finished her cigarette.
As she stubbed out the remains, tossing it into the bowl, she leaned back in the chair, her body movements deliberate and measured, carrying an aura of casualness. Her left hand disappeared into the pocket of her overalls.
"So, how's the past few months been?" Her question was direct, her tone veiled in mystery. "Alone in paradise, away from our everyday problems, just enjoying each other. Sounds like fun."
"It's been great," Eren replied, his voice still tinged with shock. He gazed out of the window, the view of the surrounding forest casting dappled shadows across the room. "The area is beautiful, we have a river all to ourselves. We take care of everything we need, only rarely do we ever need to go to the nearest village to get something."
A single "Hm" was Laure's response. The scent of lingering coffee filled the room, adding a sense of comfort and normalcy to the peculiar situation. "I'd assume as much."
She turned her attention to Mikasa, her sharp eyes noting the familiar features but landing on a particular detail that left her genuinely surprised.
"Mikasa... are you...?"
Mikasa's hands instinctively reached for her womb, where she caressed it, almost as if she were protecting a precious secret. Her belly was larger than usual.
"W-we... we think it's been... three months since." Her words were soft, filled with both anticipation and joy, echoing in the room like the revelation of a blessing.
"Congratulations to the two," Laure said, her voice filled with warmth and genuine happiness. "I'm really happy for you both. You couldn't ask for a better time to have a child. Any idea for the name?"
"Not yet," Mikasa answered, her fingers gently resting on her rounded belly. "But we thought of naming them after my parents."
"I still want to know," Eren intervened, curiosity lighting up his eyes. "How did you find us?"
Laure chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "It's easy. Mikasa's mentioned a long, long time ago how she'd like to abandon everything and live peacefully with you. She also talked quite a few times about her childhood home."
Eren turned to Mikasa, a tender smile on his face, appreciating her dreamy expressions from their past conversations.
"And you," Laure continued, bringing his attention back to her. "I never forgot our little talk in Marley." Her eyes bore into his, holding a hint of unspoken understanding. "Once I heard you had 'left', well, it was a no-brainer."
Her eyes shifted between the two, keenly observing their reactions. "Neither of you seem that surprised, honestly."
"Well, we knew Armin or maybe you could figure out where we were," Mikasa replied, a slight edge of concern in her voice. "But we didn't expect it to happen now."
"Fair enough. Still, I'm not here to chit chat," Laure's tone shifted, growing more serious, signaling a change in direction. "I have something to discuss with Eren. Alone."
Mikasa's features tightened, a mix of frustration and apprehension flickering across her face, the tension in the room thickening as she contemplated the implications of such a private conversation.
Eren raised his hand and reached backwards, touching Mikasa, as if halting her concerns. "It's okay, Mikasa. Don't worry about it." She hesitantly, silently agreed, disarming her posture, but her eyes remained watchful.
He rose from his seat, signaling with his head for Laure to join him outside. She promptly stood up, following his lead. "We'll be outside. Be back soon."
Laure and Eren strolled down the narrow dirt path leading to the edge of the hill, where they settled, overlooking the valley. The nearby waterfall and the birds provided a soothing backdrop to their impending conversation.
"You know," Laure sighed, a tinge of annoyance in her voice, "you used to be quite the reckless hothead, doing things without thinking twice. I thought that had changed, but I guess I was wrong."
"What are you talking about?" Eren retorted, his tone devoid of emotion. "Are you implying I did something wrong? It was you who told me to leave and not look back."
"I told you to do that once it was all over, Eren," Laure replied, her voice growing harsher. "Stop getting yourself tangled in trouble and live what little life you have left with the person who has always cared about you once our fight ends."
"It is over, Laure," Eren responded. "The enemy has been destroyed. We won. People fear us and want to be our allies to avoid facing the same fate as Marley. There's nothing left to do."
She angrily turned to Eren, pointing at him. "Marley is not done, Eren. As long as that nation stands, it will come back for us. We brought it to its knees, and Erwin is too much of a fucking pussy to deliver the final blow."
"If you're looking for a fight, Laure, you can do it on your own," Eren declared. "I'm done. I was too foolish and naive for the longest time. Everything I wanted and ever needed was right there, under my nose, risking her life every single day because of me. Whatever it is you want, I'm not going to be a part of it."
She scoffed. "Oh, is that so? Well, let me tell you something. We are going to act. Many of those that were in Liberio with us are willing to take that extra step, and that's not even mentioning how half the population supports an anti-Marleyan stance. The volunteers wouldn't think twice before aiding us, either. And you know what we're going to do?"
Eren continued to look at her, his expression unchanged.
"We are going to take Historia."
His face swiftly changed as he heard her words. The mention of Historia clearly struck a chord.
"The hell are you talking about?" Eren questioned, his voice tinged with incredulity.
Laure leaned in, her eyes locking onto his, an eerie determination in her gaze. "It's simple. We are going to strike Mitras, and we're going to kidnap the Queen. After all, she is the last Eldian of royal blood left in this world. And once we have her, we are turning her into a Pure Titan," she confessed, a malevolent edge in her tone.
"What in the fuck?!", Eren's disbelief deepened. Laure continued, unfazed.
"You see, the only way to save her is through the Power of the Founding Titan. Which means, only you can turn her back."
"Yeah?! And what if I still refuse to be a part of this?", Eren's eyes narrowed, his face contorted with anger. As much as it would hurt to lose Historia, their queen and close friend, would he not take action, Laure's plan would be useless.
Her response came with a chilling calmness, however. "You don't do anything, the Queen is lost, and so is the only way to properly use the Founding Titan. Maybe the Military will be able to hold the population and keep the Government under control, maybe not. But you know what would be a fact? Our biggest and most powerful card would be permanently lost. And it would leave us vulnerable. You know why? Because without the Founding, the threat of the Rumbling doesn't exist anymore. And being decades behind the rest of the world, technologically... well, I can assure you your unborn child won't have a good time. That is, if Mikasa even lives long enough to give birth."
Eren's teeth clenched, his eyes opening wide. He was overwhelmed with frustration, anger, and disgust, not only at Laure's attitude but also at the implications and her well-covered, indirect threats.
"When we were escaping Shiganshina as kids, I was completely devastated. I had just witnessed my mother and father being crushed right in front of me," she continued, her voice brimming with raw emotion, her eyes blazing with an unhinged fire. "I would've been lost to despair if not for a little fucking brat — you. The moment you stood up and promised revenge, promised to kill every single Titan with your own bare hands, you planted a seed in my head. One that I couldn't stop thinking about for the past two years. One that sprouted into my desire to enlist, and that has brought us here, today. Like it or not, Eren, but you started this. Your father's goals weren't that different from ours, were they? So why do you refuse to acknowledge your promise?"
She leaned in close, her breath mingling with Eren's, their faces just inches apart. His eyes blazed with anger and frustration, his body trembling. Laure's voice was a whisper, but it cut like a knife. "So what's it gonna be? Aren't you going to kill them all? Don't you want your child to live free? Don't you want to protect those you love? Then let's finish this. Let's make sure every Marleyan down to the last is rotting in Hell. Let's bury them under the regret of ever cursing a single Subject of Ymir. Fight, Eren. Fight."
Eren could feel the urge to scream crescendoing from within, taking over him. The world around him seemed to blur, his thoughts drowned out by a tidal wave of emotion.
"Fight, Eren. Fight!"
And then, he let out the most primal, vicious roar he ever did, straining his vocal cords until his voice gave way, a sonic burst echoing through the serene valley, as if it carried the weight of every promise, every burden, every life lost, every life taken, and every ounce of fury that had been building within him for years, sending all of the nearby birds flying away, startled by the animalistic cry.
In that moment, Eren made a choice. And it was exactly the one Laure wanted him to. She smiled.
Hey there. Did you like it? I hope you did. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter.
So, in the last chapter, I announced a Q&A where you were free to ask me questions about the fic, me, or AoT in general. I did receive a few questions through my DMs here and on Reddit, not to mention questions from two special sources: SuperComrade, my friend and the writer of the beloved AoT fic "The Wings of our Dreams", and ThunderStruck60, one of the first fans of "Our Friend" who's been following the story since December 2021! Thank you to all of those who sent in their questions.
Without further ado, let's begin!
Q: "I've been curious about Eren's thoughts and opinions about the situation that's been developing with this story. He obviously went the 'run away'route and isn't hell bent on the Rumbling, while in the official story he screwed over his friends (and he knew it). In this story, though, it's all a bit different. This time it's Laure moving the pieces. What's going through his mind?"
A: Lucky enough for you, the ending fourth of this chapter was supposed to give some insight into that. As you could see, Eren isn't as violent and obsessive as he is in canon. Laure is loosely based on the protagonist of the "Attack on Titan 2" videogame, and just like you can do in game, Laure became close friends with Eren over the course of their Cadet Corps days and the events of the main story. Her presence as a wild card affected those she got close to, particularly Eren, who was reminded time and time again by her about the things that really matter in life. Having Armin and specially Mikasa by his side, Laure couldn't help but try to nudge him into realizing how lucky he was. With that, by the time the attack in Liberio occurred, Eren was a much calmer man, looking to end this mess as soon as possible so he could spent what time he has left with the woman he loves. He dislikes Marley and the Marleyans, as Laure and Erwin made sure to point to him that they are the ones to blame about everything, but to him, what they did was enough. That is, until now.
Q: "What were your inspirations for Laure?"
A: Laure was inspired by a lot of different characters, honestly. I proudly wear my influences and inspirations on my sleeves, and so she is a mix of many characters in fiction I enjoy. Some that stand out in particular are Captain Martin Walker from "Spec Ops: The Line", Heather Mason from "Silent Hill 3", Nina Sayers from "Black Swan", A2 from "NieR: Automata", Zero from "Drakengard 3" and Agu from "Beasts of No Nation", while others aren't as influential. However, a part of Laure's character (or, at least, the concept behind her) is directly inspired by Attack on Titan itself. Not only due to the obvious connection to the AoT2 videogame, but also because she is, essentially, the materialization of the raw, unfiltered hatred coating the patriotism and motivation behind the characters - and the community - during Season 1/the beginning of the story.
Q: "What was your original vision for the story?"
A: Honestly, what we have right now is my original vision. Well, sort of. You see, when I started "Our Friend", all I had in mind was a plot where Erwin survived the Return to Shiganshina arc without Armin's death. The very idea of Laure back then was just an excuse, a reason, to justify this happening. I had a few loose ideas about how it could end, but it took me only about five chapters to figure out the majority of the plot points that would occur. Even the ending itself was decided soon enough, though, of course, the details surrounding everything have gone through alterations and iterations.
Q: "Do you have any regrets about the story?"
A: Yes, I do have one major regret. Although I am very happy about what's here, I often find myself regretting not having the story start at the very beginning. Deep down, I believe it was the right decision to have the story begin exactly where it needed to (within the Return to Shiganshina arc), and although it wouldn't have been that interesting to read as the main story itself is unchanged, I think witnessing the uncorrupted, eager Scout version of Laure from the start would've allowed for her downfall to be more impactful to readers (and even to me). At the end of the day, for as formulaic as AoT fanfics with original characters can be (specially those based around AoT2), they allow for an emotional attachment as the characters grow from zero. When "Our Friend" begins, Laure is already an established character with major defined conections and friendships. It is very, very hard to write a character like this while still have it be appealing to people.
Q: "What inspired you to write Our Friend?"
A: "Our Friend" popped into my mind for a very silly reason. I was playing some Call of Duty while listening to music on YouTube, and at that time, I was listening to Attack on Titan's soundtrack. Eventually, I found myself listening to an orchestral mashup of Before Lights Out x Ashes On The Fire, and the video for the mashup had an artwork of Erwin wearing the Season 4 Scout uniform. I thought it looked so damn cool that it got me thinking about the what-ifs of his survival, which led me down several Google searches, which eventually led me to a specific fanfic here on this site. While I did enjoy what I read, I wasn't satisfied with the result, so I took it upon myself to write what I think would happen. Obviously, the story grew from there, including the addition of alterations. Which leads me to the next question...
Q: "The story takes place in a very similar canon to the original, but at the same time, there are a few small changes that I feel change everything. What's up with your timeline?"
A: I will go straight to the point: the original AoT timelime brought a lot of issues to my plans with the story. There are many things within it, both solved and unsolved, loose ends or not, that would simply get in my way when writing. So, starting with Grisha's murders in the Reiss chapel, I tweaked a few subtle things in the universe to not only make it more fitting for my story, but to also make it more interesting to read, adding a much necessary spice to the story. Also, there's another reason for all of it, being that I just wanted some things to be different to make me happy lol. A very major example of that is Ymir Fritz. Which yet again leads me to another question...
Q: "Is it just me or is the Ymir in your story a valkyrie?"
A: Close enough! The Attack on Titan story has some very explicit roots within Norse mythology, so what better way to hug these roots than by literally making the Titans Norse in origin? Ymir, the Destroyer (or Liv Grímsdóttir, as she was born) is literally a skjaldmær (transl. "Shield Maiden"), the name given to a group of female Viking warriors, which are in turn possible inspirations for the myth of the Valkyries. Ymir was born in a stand-in for Norway and, although I'm not sure if I'll give out the details later or keep them up for your speculation, her origins as a Titan Shifter are directly adapted from Norse mythology, giving some more meaning to the name "Ymir". Also, I really just wanted to remove the "Fritz" equation of her character, which I heavily dislike and think to be a wasted opportunity.
Time for the final question!
Q: "I like your writing. Sucks that the fic is almost over. Will you keep writing?"
A: I feel sad that Our Friend is coming to an end. There are only five chapters left and the realization dawns on me frequently. I mean, it's been almost two years since I published the first chapter! However, I really, really enjoy writing, and I've learned and improved soooo much over the course of this story. Even with my life being busy, I want to keep creating stories and characters. So yes, I will keep writing. In fact, I already have the next project ready for once Our Friend ends, with a few drafts of its first chapter written. Spoilers: it's completely different from Our Friend. It's an Attack on School Castes fanfic with a major emphasis on comedy and the potential universe behind the School Castes panels. Seriously, they are one of my favorite things ever, and with the recent Isayama illustrations and the upcoming Vol. 35, I can't express how excited I am for more School Castes content!
Once again, thank you so much to everyone who's been a fan and supported the fic this far. It means the world to me to be able to share this story with all of you. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and the Q&A session.
See you guys next time!
- RememberShiganshina