Chapter 22: Akane is Tired
Eren and Miyuki walked into the briefing room where the Director had a slideshow pulled up. Eren was planning to stay for a short amount of time so he could head to the studio. Armin left after breakfast with Ai and the rest of the family so Eren would meet up with them there.
"I'm sure most of you saw the news." The Director said. "The event happened an hour ago, but this has been a significant low to the Air Seld Defense Force."
"You mean the Female Titan?" Eren asked, remembering hearing it on the radio on his way over.
"Annie Leonhart is her name, right?" The Director asked Eren.
"Yes." Eren nodded. "Blonde hair, always has a serious expression."
The director sighed as he moved the slideshow to the next slide. This was a picture Eren recognized. A student ID, a Japanese one, of Annie. She looked no different from the last he remembered her since her crystalized state halted her aging and she remained fifteen-years-old. The only main difference was that she was wearing a Japanese blazer that's consistent with the northern part of Japan.
"You found her?" Eren asked.
"Yes. it wasn't hard considering we had her name." The Director said.
"Should we try to do something?" Miyuki asked.
From Miyuki's perspective, now that they know who and where she is, they could potentially find a way to get her. Especially if they could get her to an area without people and isolate her from her allies.
"We can't." The Director said.
"Why not?" Eren asked.
"Annie is not only the daughter of an American, so a national of an allied nation, but she's the daughter of a high-ranking US Military Officer that moved to Japan five years ago." The Director said.
Which would explain how the Yakuza got their ODM training, Eren thought to himself.
"How's that an issue?" Miyuki asked. "If she committed a crime-"
"As of now, we haven't told any foreign nation about the Titans. They obviously know, but we're feigning ignorance on the specifics. Only saying we're investigating." The Director explained. "However, if we were to arrest the child of a high-ranking Military ally without reason, it would cause the US to get very upset. And the Government is cautious about that."
"So, we'd have to tell the US Government the whole story if we want to legally go after Annie." Eren said in realization.
"All we can do now is revoke her access to our bases... which won't be easy." The Director nodded.
"Why?" Miyuki asked.
"Families of Military Servicemen are allowed unaccompanied access on bases, especially since Annie and her mother live on base. So, we're about to piss off an American Officer by basically forcing her to move off base without a real reason and we're going to have to revoke her daughter's access." The Director explained.
"And that'll work?" Miyuki asked.
"Our bases, yes. But it's putting the Government in a weird position." He said. "Galliard and Pieck would be easier, but we're having difficulties locating them."
The slide changed to information about Pieck and Galliard. They were wearing clothes that showed a foreign style, maybe western Europe if Eren was right. It looked like the picture of a school ID in a language that Eren is unfamiliar with.
"Both are French nationals, probably how they found each other." The Director said. "They were reported missing about six months ago from their families. They would be easy to pursue since they're illegally in Japan, but without a valid reason to keep them detained, our only legal course of action would be to send them to their home country since they are technically underage."
"Perfect." Eren said in annoyance. "Our hands are tied in terms of taking them alive."
"And if we're caught killing them without reason, it would cause an international incident." Miyuki said.
"Not to mention we can't pursue them without creating collateral damage. Especially since the Government grounded all aircraft since the attack on the Airbase." The Director said.
"Meaning our best defense is useless." Eren said.
"Unless we declare martial law, which is being debated on right now in the Diet." The Director said.
"If we wait too long it could result in civil unrest for our lack of progress in these attacks." Eren said.
"And if we declare it too soon, we risk civil unrest from overextending the Self Defense Force." The Director said.
"Huh." Eren crossed his arms. "Damned if you do, damned if you don't."
"Pretty much." The Director nodded.
Right now, the Marleyans had the initiative. As long as Eren stayed confined by the Government, he'd be at a disadvantage. Clearly, the Marleyan Shifters have been planning this for a while. They have the full protections of both civilian shields and the legal immunity to move un-harassed. For now, all they could do was keep their distance, especially after the school situation.
"One advantage is, one of my allies is willing to help." Eren said.
"Another Shifter?" The Director asked.
"Yes, Armin Arlert." Eren nodded.
"I know that name." Miyuki said.
"You do?" Eren asked.
"Yea, Kagy-Chan said she was watching a show with some foreign kid, some kind of dating show." Miyuki said.
"If it's LoveNow, that's Armin." Eren said.
"Really?" The Director said. "My daughter is obsessed with that show. So that British kid is a Marleyan Shifter?"
"He's Eldian, and the second in command of the Scout Regiment." Eren said. "Back in our old world at least."
"And you trust him?" The Director asked.
"Armin and I were friends since we were children." Eren said. "He's trustworthy, though it would be better if we fought with those ODM prototype's Gan'an has." Eren explained.
"You did mention you could make the fuel source." The Director said.
"Ice Burst Stone is basically a type of Titan hardened flesh, so yes I can." Eren said. "It would be best to have Armin avoid transforming."
"He's the big one, right? The one from the mall."
"Yes." Eren said. "The colossal isn't very controllable in the amount of energy it releases in a transformation. Armin could cause a lot of damage if he does a full transformation. He can control much of the explosive force, but even a low force is still destructive."
The Director nodded in understanding. He wasn't too keen on involving an underaged teenager, but the rules don't really apply to reborn people. Especially Armin who was a high-ranking Military Officer in his own world.
"We'll schedule a time to meet him." The Director said. "Until then, we'll let you know if anything changes. We'll keep our distance and passively collect on the Marleyans until we can come up with a plan."
Eren nodded and stood up, deciding to head back to the Studio. Miyuki volunteered to stay since he wanted to get some work done. Eren nodded and left Miyuki to continue his work.
When Eren stepped outside he noticed that the rain was picking up. Ai would probably yell at him for not having an umbrella but Eren never cared much about getting a little wet.
AA: Hey, hope you're doing ok Akane.
Akane's phone displayed a message from Armin. She smiled a bit at his message. She quickly typed back a response.
AK: I'm fine, really. Just feeling tired. The rain also makes me sad sometimes.
When she hit send, she saw another pop-up from her Instagram. She knew it would be better to ignore the recent hate she's been receiving, but she couldn't help but look at it.
-Akane is such a brat. She hasn't even responded to the controversy.
-Akane is such a waste of space on LoveNow. She should just be removed.
-I hope she dies for what she did to Yuki! She should just kill herself!
Akane didn't feel any tears come from what they said. It's not like they would care anyway. She tried so very hard to be the best actress she could. She poured her heart out to learning about how her peers act and how to be a popular girl. But no matter what she did, she just couldn't do it.
Then there was just the trauma of what happened at the mall and learning about giant monsters and how the boy she likes is a giant monster. That in itself took time to come to terms with but it was only followed up by that stupid controversy over the accident she had with Yuki.
Yuki and Mem-Cho were so popular though. The boys gravitated towards them. Even Armin dated Mem-Cho. Not one boy would try to go after her and she didn't know why. Was she just not as pretty? Did she not like cat videos enough?
She tried to make herself a bit more of a villain type character, but it ended up backfiring so badly. She hoped that if she could make herself more aggressive in her pursuits then maybe the fans would come to respect her. Maybe she could build a narrative of true love by taking one of the boys from the other girls.
In hindsight, it was a terrible idea, because she only came off as a desperate girl who tried to sabotage a happy relationship.
For a moment, she pulled up a picture of the group posing together early on in filming. She glanced over at Armin and blushed at his smile. He was considered the most popular boy in the group and it was easy to see why. His western and exotic features, his boyish charm that held a level of maturity, and his fierce intelligence. Mem-Cho was lucky to date him.
It did make sense to Akane though. Armin was technically older due to the whole rebirth aspect. Of course he would be mature. Though he had such a genuine personality that Akane felt herself drawn to him. But she was too afraid to try and pursue anything because of the risks associated with it. She already had that plotline blow up in her face and didn't need to make it worse by going after the most popular boy.
-Akane should just disappear!
Maybe she should. After all, Akane was a disappointment. Her manager has been yelling about her lately, her okaasan has looked disappointed, and even the others seemed to have abandoned her.
Akane got out of bed and put her shoes on. She didn't even care that she had her shoes on in her room, she just wanted to go out and walk. She felt like her mind was empty and she just couldn't think.
It was raining when she stepped outside, but she didn't really care.
"I forgot my umbrella." Ruby whined to Ai as she walked into the studio.
Ai was finishing up some last-minute emails while Kana was going over the dance routine. Aqua was on a computer, helping to manage B-Komachi's social media since Ai trusted him to have a more mature approach to it. Mikasa and Kawachi were just running around and playing somewhere in the building.
Reiner and Armin were just sitting on a couch.
"I told you to never forget it Ruby-Chan." Ai shook her head.
Despite being in the rain for a bit, Ruby was partially soaked and slightly out of breath from running in the rain.
"It's not that bad." Reiner chuckled as she used a towel to dry off. "It's just a bit of rain Ruby."
"Humph." Ruby turned her head away from Reiner and crossed her arms.
"Uh..." Reiner had no idea why she was acting differently. Did he do something wrong.
"Enough with the tsundere act Ruby." Aqua said in mild annoyance.
"It's not an act." Ruby said. "I'm just doing what papa said."
"Huh?" Reiner asked.
"Papa says you could betray us, so I'm not going to date you." She said, turning away again.
"But... didn't you already decide that you weren't going to anyway?" Reiner asked.
"Well... yes, but I'm really deciding now." She said, crossing her arms.
"So... you were thinking about it before Eren said something?" Reiner gave Ruby a slightly sly smirk.
"Eh" Ruby asked. "I-I never thought about it. You're just misreading it." She said.
"So, I had a chance before." Reiner chuckled.
"No!" Ruby yelled out. "That's not at all what I meant!"
Ai was laughing quietly behind her hand. Ruby really was such an odd girl sometimes, mostly just saying whatever is on her mind. It seemed Reiner didn't take any offense to it. While Ruby was trying to maintain a serious face, Reiner was smiling and chuckling. Ai could admit her daughter's pouty face was very cute.
Which Ai felt a bit jealous of in a weird way. Ai's cute idol act was always just that, an act. Although she does still sometimes default to that act, it always has been a persona that didn't belong to her. It wasn't the real her.
Ruby though, Ai couldn't tell if it was an act. Ruby had an idol persona that was just so genuine that Ai wondered if she really was like this. Which is a weird thought since she raised Ruby, but it was odd to her.
It made Ai both proud, but weirdly jealous of her daughter. A kind of jealousy that fills Ai with a weird sense of pride to think that Ruby was her daughter. It's such a weird feeling.
"Come on Ruby, we need to practice." Kana said.
While both girls went to go over their routine, Reiner and Armin sat down and watched the family at work. Reiner and Armin glanced at each other for a moment, not really saying anything, then just went back to watching Ruby and Kana practice.
"So... Reiner." Armin began awkwardly.
"Yea?" Reiner asked.
"How uh... how have you been?" Armin asked.
"Good." Reiner shrugged.
Another slightly uncomfortable silence went by.
Armin wondered if this was the first time they actually talked since Reiner betrayed them years ago. Although they did talk with Eren and Zeke, this was really the first time in years they had a one-on-one conversation. Considering all that happened, it felt a little awkward.
"I think you and Akane should talk." Reiner said suddenly.
"Huh?" Armin asked.
"In your show." Reiner said. "Eren's daughter always watches it while we work, so I've seen glimpses. You two are a lot alike."
"Really?" Armin chuckled at Reiner's awkward attempt at advice.
"She's smart, like you." Reiner said. "And as awkward."
"Awkward?" Armin asked, slightly offended.
"You always were a bit of a shy recluse during training." Reiner said with a smirk. "Unless you were with Eren and Mikasa."
"I don't think I'm like that." Armin said.
"You've changed since then, gained a lot of confidence. Not surprising for the second in command of the Scouts." Reiner said. "Still, I see similarities in you two. I think you should talk."
"It's all fake anyway." Armin shrugged. "Trust me, I'm not nearly as charming in reality as the show."
"You really don't seem different from how I remember you." Reiner said.
Armin shrugged, not really caring much about how he changed. He never really thought much about how he used to be. In all honesty, he still felt like that scared kid on the room that was literally pulled from the jaws of death by Eren.
"Hand slightly higher Arima-San." Ai said as she moved from her computer and started instructing the girls.
"Sorry Hoshino-San, I'm still struggling with this." Kana said with a small and subtle bow.
Kana was a decent dancer, but she was primarily trained as an actress. She can dance, and has before, but she's still struggled a bit with the movements.
"Don't worry, Meimei was always much better than me. So, I'll make sure you girls are up to standard." Ai said with a smile.
The group continued to practice their routine, making sure that there are no issues and that they have it memorized. Ai showed Ruby and Kana different routines from when she was still an idol as well as some updated moves to stay relevant.
The main door to the room opened and Eren stepped through, carrying a small shopping bag filled with a few things he got from the convenient store. Eren was wet from the short trip from his car to the building due to the rain, but not overly soaked.
"Ohiyo papa." Ruby greeted as she finished a dance move.
"Hey." Eren said.
Eren reached into the bag and pulled out a small cup of ice cream that he had bought. He tossed it to Ruby who caught it with a surprise look on her face.
"Thank's papa!" Ruby smiled.
"Ruby-Chan, you shouldn't eat that now." Ai warned.
"It'll be a quick break." Ruby said as she opened it.
"You have to be careful Ruby, you don't want to gain weight." Ai warned.
"Eh?" Ruby asked.
"She's fine Ai." Eren said. "All the dancing is making her fit."
"Still..." Ai said with worry.
Weight was always a big concern for idols since even the most minor of weight change could either create rumors of overeating or starving yourself, depending on if you lost or gained weight.
"Here Kana." Eren threw one to her as well.
"Eh!?" Kana questioned as she caught it.
Kana immediately stood straight up again, like she was in the army. She stuttered a small thank you. Eren shook his head, annoyed they the girl was still terrified of him.
"It's not poisoned." Eren said when he noticed Kana inspecting.
"Sorry!" She yelled as she opened it and ate it as fast as she could.
"Where's Mikasa and Kawachi?" Eren asked, holding their own cups.
"Running around in the building." Ai said. "I'll put theirs in the freezer."
Lastly, Eren threw a cup of ice cream to Aqua and Armin, who thanked him for the treat. Eren glanced at Reiner, still upset about Ruby developing feelings for him. Reiner looked at Eren and shrugged, knowing Eren was still upset about him.
"None for me?" Reiner chuckled at Eren's glare.
"Eren, stop glaring." Ai said as she took her own ice cream cup.
"Yea papa... You don't have to worry... I won't date Reiner." Ruby said in between bites.
Eren sighed through his nose and sat down in a chair near Reiner and Armin. He didn't have any ice cream since he didn't really care for it, so he just sat down.
"Naicho is willing to meet with you to work together to deal with the Titan's." Eren said to Armin.
"No problem." Armin nodded.
"Working with a child?" Ai asked.
"I'm technically nineteen when I died, so I'm an adult." Armin shrugged.
"Still, it doesn't sit well with me." Ai said.
"He's an adult at sixteen by our standards, so it's not unusual." Eren said.
"Still, I wonder how the law would see that." Ai said.
"I don't think the law accounts for rebirth." Armin said.
"If this ever made front page news then there would be a discussion on how those laws apply." Ai said.
"No doubt there'd be a bunch of kids claiming to be reborn to get access to alcohol early." Aqua chuckled.
Ai raised an eyebrow as Aqua said that.
"And we got Annie to worry about." Armin said.
"I saw on the news." Reiner nodded.
"Did you know nothing about her being here?" Een asked in an accusing tone.
"No." Reiner shook his head. "Annie never really liked me, so she wouldn't have contacted me to even say hi."
"Are you sure?" Eren asked.
"Papa." Ruby said, subconciously preparing to defend Reiner again.
"Yes Eren." Reiner said. "I told you; I have no interest in picking sides."
"And if I'm in a position where I'm standing over the Jaws or the Carts broken bodies, prepared to end them... would you have the same desire to remain neutral?" Eren asked.
Ruby looked at Reiner and noticed a change in his expression. Reiner looked ready to say what he always did, ready to say that he had no stake in this fight. But she saw that expression change to a contemplative one, then to an unsure one.
For a moment, Reiner glanced at Ruby before looking down again.
Ruby could see the war going on inside his head. Maybe beforehand, he didn't really consider that this would end violently. She could tell he had some residual care for his old friends, and the thought of them dying made him sad.
"To be honest Reiner, I don't even think you know what you plan to do." Eren continued. "I do believe you when you say you'll avoid this fight, but when the time comes for this to end, I'm worried about what you'll decide when you see your comrades' broken bodies."
"I know." Reiner sighed. "I just... I don't want to have to make that choice again."
"The world is cruel Reiner." Eren said. "We don't have the luxury to not make a choice."
"So what, should I choose this life by killing my old friends? Or should I choose them and lose this life?" Reiner asked in a frustrated tone.
"I'll be honest Reiner; I don't care how just your reasons are or how unfair your situation is." Eren said brutally. "This life I built is all I care about. My new dream is to live and die an old man, surrounded by my family. And if anything threatens that, I will do what I have to in order to win."
"Maybe we could find a way to talk about it." Reiner suggested.
"I don't think that'll work." Armin said.
Armins response surprised even Eren. Armin always preferred to try words over violence. All throughout their war with Marley, Armin was always optimistic about the possibilities of peace. Even during the Rumbling Armin still wanted to talk Eren down over fighting.
"It's just that even before we had the chance to attack Marley, Willy Tybur declared war on us completely unprovoked." Armin said. "We really have no choice but to fight. I think it was foolish back then to hope that we could talk and come to an understanding."
Armin looked down in sadness as he said that. Eren guessed it made sense. From Armins perspective, Paradis was probably wiped out since the Rumbling was impossible with Eren dead. Armin didn't have the context of the Rumbling that happened after Eren's head was shot off.
"So whatever choice I make... people I care about will die." Reiner said sadly. Reiner had a face of complete shock and horror as he felt the reality of the situation finally hit him. "I'll have to make that choice all over again..."
"Reiner, come here." Ruby grabbed Reiner's hand and started to pull him away.
Well, inititially she struggled since Reiner was surprised. She wasn't able to move the ox sized man until after he actually go up and followed her. He was very confused why Ruby all of a sudden felt the need to drag him away.
"Ruby." Eren growled as Ruby dragged Reiner to the door.
"I'll be right outside the door papa." She said.
Eren growled but relented since he didn't think he could convince Ruby otherwise.
Reiner was dragged into the hallways by Ruby before she let go, turned around, shut the door, and crossed her arms.
"Uh... what?" Reiner asked.
"I just..." Ruby began to say, only now realizing she didn't know why she dragged him out.
"You don't know why you dragged me into the hall? Alone?" Reiner asked.
"I-it's not that... I just... I don't know. I just reacted." Ruby said honestly.
"Why?" Reiner asked.
"B-because..." She tried to find a reason.
Why did she react that way? Even Ruby didn't know. She just saw the indecision on Reiner's face and felt like she had to do it. It was just a reaction.
"I just... I don't want you to ever betray me-us. Betray us." Ruby corrected herself.
"Is that why?" Reiner asked.
Ruby felt so safe with Reiner. He protected her, much the same way that Eren protected them. It was a feeling of safety that she craved as a child. A feeling that no matter what happens, she'd be protected. When she was abandoned at that stupid hospital, her own papa didn't care. The one who protected her then was Doctor Goro.
Then Ryosuke happened, followed by the Yakuza, and her getting kidnapped. Her papa always protected her and made her feel safe. More so than her real otosan, both in this life and her previous one. Though Hikaru was not anything to actually compare to.
So, to have Reiner, another man in her life to protect her, was something that filled her with happiness. She didn't like his large build and his muscular body, but she felt safe with him because clearly, he was able to protect her. The same way Doctor Goro and Eren cared for and protected her.
"Ruby." Reiner said.
"But after what papa said, if your friends were in danger, why wouldn't you betray us?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby." Reiner tried again.
"It makes sense. You'd want to protect them people you grew up with and fought with. But even still, I just don't want you to betray-"
Ruby blushed as Reiner put a finger on her lips, silencing her. He stared down at her with a look of conviction and certainty. It was hard not to admire that convicted look of his.
"I just... I don't want to make this choice all over again." Reiner said sadly. "I have really grown to care about this life, and the people in it. My new family, although they're not like my mother. And my new friends, the people I've met, and even you." Reiner looked down and stared in Ruby's eyes.
"Eh?" Ruby asked.
"I don't know what I would do in that scenario... but even still... I don't want to hurt you..." Reiner said slowly.
Ruby blushed even harder. This felt like a confess-
"Kyaaaa!" Ruby yelled and pushed Reiner away.
Reiner barely even moved, his large size and weight completely negating Ruby's poor attempt to push him.
"You know, I didn't expect that reaction." Reiner chuckled.
"J-just d-don't forget that I am an idol, and you can't just say romantic things like that." Ruby glared at Reiner, though it came off as a halfhearted glare.
"I didn't know I'd have such an effect on you." Reiner laughed.
"You didn't." Ruby said, opening the door to go back in the room.
"There's a lot of drama going on." Kana said as she got ready to leave the studio.
"I'll admit I didn't expect something like this." Aqua said as he escorted her out.
"It's like something out of a movie. If it wasn't for the fact that there were no cameras around, I'd assume it was a drama." Kana said.
"You know, you don't have to stay. I'm sure my okaasan would understand-" Aqua began.
"It's fine." Kana said. "I don't like to walk out of a contract, even if it was dangerous. Besides, I have another reason for wanting to stay."
"Really?" Aqua asked. "Like what?"
Kana glanced at Aqua for a moment, blushed, and opened her umbrella before stepping out of the rain.
"Nothing." Kana said as she left.
Aqua thought that was kind of weird, but he's used to how they act by now.
"We'll be heading out too." Armin said as he pulled the hood up on his sweater and walked towards the door.
"I'll bring you to the office sometime this week so you can meet with Naicho." Eren said.
"Ok, that sounds like a decent plan." Armin nodded.
"It won't interfere with your LoveNow work?" Aqua asked.
"We'll be taking a short break after the last episode, so I'll have time. I'll just need to keep up a pretend relationship with Mem-Cho in the in between." Armin explained.
"I still think you should try Akane." Reiner said. "You two wouldn't need to pretend."
"I don't think she's interested." Armin said. "She was pursuing another guy for a while, mostly to make a rivalry with Yuki. Like I said, it's all fake drama."
"If you say so." Reiner shrugged.
Armin felt his phone vibrate and looked down to see the message. It was in their group chat so everyone could talk in between shoots or to schedule events for their Instagram.
YS: Akane! Please pick up!
MC: What's wrong?!
YS: Akane won't pick up and her okaasan said she's been gone for the past few hours.
AA: I'll go look for her.
"Eren, I need some help." Armin said.
"What?" Eren asked.
"Akane is missing, they can't find her." Armin replied.
"Do you think it's Galliard?" Reiner asked.
It was a stretch to assume they'd attack the LoveNow show, but Armin was concerned that the Marleyan's would target the cast if it meant eliminating Armin as a threat. It would just be one more leverage they could use.
"No, I don't think so." Armin said.
"Regardless, we'll need to find her." Eren said.
"I'll come." Reiner said.
"You?" Eren asked.
"Look, Armin was my friend too, so if one of his friends are in danger then it's my business too." Reiner said.
Eren scoffed slightly, but he did understand. Despite what Reiner did, Eren knew that Reiner did truly see them as comrades back then. Even when they did fight, Reiner cared about his time as a Scout.
"Alright." Eren said.
"But where would we look?" Armin asked.
"Do you have her phone number?" Eren asked.
"Yes, why?" Armin asked.
"I can trace her location." Eren said.
"Isn't that illegal?" Reiner asked.
"Very." Eren nodded. "But let's save that for later. I don't think my work will care if she is actually in danger." Eren said.
"Heh, it'll be like old times." Armin smiled softly.
Reiner smiled as well. He actually kind of looked forward to working with Eren again. It had been so many years since they served together. Really, their last time on a mission together was ironically their first, when they fought Annie on their expedition beyond the walls. After that, they never really had a chance to fight together again.
"Let's hope not too similar." Eren said, glancing at Reiner.
"Agreed, I'd hate to lose again." Reiner tried to soften the mood with some humor.
Armin noticed, that for the briefest of moments, Eren smiled slightly. It was one of his subtle smirks, the ones that are hard to spot. The one buried under his trauma and the small hint of the young and determined boy peeking out.
"My record is still zero to three." Eren said.
"No, I won the first time." Reiner countered.
"Berthold won due to a sneak attack from above. We both know I had you beat." Eren countered.
Eren wasn't quite as energetic as their time as scouts, but the small bantering reminded Armin of those better times. When Eren looked up to and respected Reiner. When they would jokingly tease each other and make everything into a competition.
Armin remembered how much he truly hated the training, but he was glad looking back that he got to have so many good memories with his comrades... before everything went poorly.
"Let's go." Armin said.
Akane didn't know how long she was walking in the rain. She was soaked to her core, but she barely felt it. Her whole body just felt numb. She felt like she didn't want to do anything other than walk.
She walked up a pedestrian bridge, the kind that allowed people to cross without disturbing traffic. Her feet felt heavy as she slowly made her way up the bridge, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
She felt so numb. It was a mix of emotions that just made her numb to the world. A feeling that she should be feeling something but didn't have the energy to even feel them. Barely enough energy to continue walking.
Her feet gave out from under her as she collapsed to the ground. All she wanted was to just stop feeling entirely. To just stop thinking. It was so tiring to think. So tiring to be awake. She wished she could just go to sleep and not wake up, then she wouldn't be so tired.
Yuki would get to continue the show with no issues. Her agent would be able to find another girl, probably one much better than her. Her mom wouldn't have to waste money on her and would be able to save up.
Before Akane realized it, she was standing on the edge of the bridge, looking down as the lights from the street blinded her. They looked so warm and inviting, so much better than the cold of the rain. It was so pretty to see.
Before she knew it, she fell forward, her body giving out and accepting an eternal-
Her mind was sobered when she felt hands wrap around her and pull her back onto the cold and wet bridge. She collapsed in the arms of a strange man who held onto her tightly. She felt trapped in his arms, deprived of the warmth of her plunge.
"No! Let Me Go!" Akane screamed.
"Akane... please calm down." A familiar voice said in her ear as he held her tightly.
Akane looked back, to see Armin holding her. Her eyes were wide in shock.
"A-Armin-San... why..." She tried to say.
"We thought something bad happened to you, and I'm glad we were right to be worried." He said.
"That was close." Eren ran up the stairs, trying to catch his breath.
"Y-you..." Akane tried to say.
"What the hell is wrong with you, you damn kid!" Eren yelled.
"Eren." Armin tried to chastise.
Akane looked up at Eren, who had a look of anger on his face. Why would he care?
Akane didn't know why, but suddenly her sober mind realized what almost happened. She didn't even remember getting on the bridge or even moving to the ledge. But now that she was sobered up, she realized what almost happened.
"Hey, Akane... it's ok." Armin tried to comfort her by rubbing her shoulder.
Akane cried as he held her, finally realizing what she almost did. She almost took her own life and one person she considered a friend almost saw it. All the pain and humiliation just broke to the surface as she cried from the experience.
"Damn kid." Eren growled.
"Eren!" Armin yelled out.
Despite Eren's anger towards Akane almost taking her own life, Eren knelt down and put a hand on top of her head to at least try to comfort her. Eren felt anger at the dumb girl who almost took her own precious life, but a lecture could wait once she was mentally sound and not crying.
"Need me to call the police?" Reiner asked as he finally reached the top.
"Yes, we need to get her looked at." Armin nodded.
Akane continued to cry in Armin's embrace.
Sorry for the delay lol. Work, as always.
I did somewhat break a story telling rule. Normally, I'd obviously show Akane's struggles so that her near suicide moment would be more impactful, but the show already did that, and I didn't want to add more scenes in the previous few chapters. I hope you guys don't mind.
This is also one of those moments where I don't follow the butterfly effect. Realistically speaking, she would have been successful since this whole plot point relies on Aqua being in LoveNow, so I hope you guys can suspend some disbelief because I honestly couldn't write Akane succeeding.
As always, hope you guys enjoyed.