Attack On Titan: Goodbyes

Year 851, Month : April

With the port completed, Paradis moved on to the next phase of its modernization plan: constructing a railway network across the island. To everyone's surprise, Eren volunteered to help with the railway construction, saying it'd be a good way to keep his muscles sharp and contribute directly to the island's progress—or, as I suspected, a distraction from the constant weight on his shoulders.

I eagerly volunteered as well, and before long, Connie, Sasha, and Jean were roped in too. We found ourselves working in the scorching heat, setting down rail ties and securing steel tracks that would soon link Wall Maria to Wall Rose. Eren and I handled the heaviest loads, with him using his Titan strength and me drawing on my Ackerman bloodline, while the others hammered in massive nails to pin the rails in place.

Year 851, Month: August

Months passed with us laboring side by side, slowly connecting Paradis from one end to the other. Captives from Marley and local laborers worked with us, helping extend the railway to connect small towns and villages along the route. The effort brought everyone closer and fostered a sense of unity, though none of us knew what awaited us at the end of those tracks.

One day, as we toiled under the sun, Commander Erwin, Hange, and Levi appeared unannounced. After the usual greetings and updates, Erwin cut to the main point. His voice was steady but grim as he said, "You were right about Hizuru, Eren. Their intention was never to form a true alliance—they aim to monopolize our resources for themselves, forbidding us from trading freely with other nations."

Eren's jaw clenched as he listened, his gaze fixed on the dirt beneath his feet, but his eyes held that familiar glint of defiance. This was the reality of our world: alliances marred by hidden agendas, and every "friend" carrying a blade behind their back.

Erwin's piercing gaze locked onto Eren, snapping him out of his reverie. "The other nations see Paradis as the root of all evil," Erwin continued. "This unites them against us. They've joined hands solely to crush us."

Eren's eyes drifted from the bare earth to meet Erwin's. "So, to protect their world, they'd destroy the one weapon we have—the one that threatens billions," he said, his voice bitter yet resolute.

A tense silence followed until Jean, unable to bear it, broke the quiet. "So, there's no other way? We'd have to use the Rumbling... and sacrifice Historia?"

Erwin nodded grimly, his gaze steady as it swept over us. "That's correct," he confirmed.

Connie shifted uncomfortably, his face clouded with an unspoken worry that had been weighing on him. We'd all noticed it in recent weeks, but whenever we asked, he would just cast a sympathetic look toward Eren and let the conversation drift away.

"Commander Erwin," Connie began, glancing at Eren before gathering his courage, "I know no one wants to bring it up, but... we all know Eren's time is limited. Has there been any talk on... who'll inherit his powers?"

I clenched my fists, biting back frustration. Why now? Why bring up something we all dreaded?

Levi crossed his arms, his steely gaze moving from Eren to the rest of us. "You're that curious to know whose turn it'll be to live on borrowed time?" he muttered, but even his tone held a trace of tension.

Erwin's expression remained stoic, but he nodded. "A conference has been scheduled to discuss the matter," he said. "After our return from Marley, this decision will be made."

Eyes widened in shock. Even Eren, the vice commander, looked taken aback.

"What?" Eren asked, his voice a mix of shock and disappointment. "Why wasn't I told about this?"

Hange cleared her throat, pulling a folded letter from her pocket. "Sorry, we meant to bring it up sooner. The plan is to infiltrate Marley under the guise of tourists," she explained, voice softening. "According to Azumabito, there's a significant conference taking place in Marley. Our goal will be to attend and gather information on their plans."

Erwin's voice boomed with finality. "In one month, we set sail for Marley. Prepare yourselves, Scouts. This may be our last chance to see if peace is truly possible."

With those last words, Erwin, Levi, and Hange left us to our work. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting orange hues over the ragged landscape, we boarded the train. The others fell into their usual banter, but Eren kept his gaze fixed on the sun—its red-orange glow slipping away into the horizon, much like the time that was slipping away from him since he touched Historia's hand.

Sasha's voice broke through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. "So that's what's been bothering you, huh?" she said, her voice carrying through the quiet.

"And why wouldn't I be?" Connie said, his voice thick with unspoken emotion. "I'd inherit Eren's powers without hesitation... even if he isn't there to see Eldia's freedom. I'd shorten my own life to carry on his dream." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as a tear slipped down his cheek.

"Man... it's hard to imagine he'd be gone," Connie muttered. "Just like Armin..." His words made me realize how much Eren meant to him, and to all of us.

Jean gave a small, awkward smile, his eyes flickering away from Eren. "Yeah, this guy's a pain in the ass. But he's... he's always been like a brother."

Sasha moved closer, placing a hand on Eren's shoulder. "Hey, Eren. I'll say something nice about you too if you buy me lamb tonight. Deal?" Eren managed a slight smile and nodded. Seeing everyone care for him brought a warmth to my heart, even if jealousy stirred as I watched Sasha so close to him.

Without thinking, the words slipped from me, soft but clear, "So, Eren... who do you intend to pass your powers to?"

Silence fell, then the three of them broke into a light-hearted argument. Jean boasted he was the best choice, citing his "intelligence," while Connie claimed he'd take over from where Eren left off. Sasha, grinning as she chimed in, said, "I just want to see if titan meat's edible..."

But amidst the laughter, Eren's quiet voice cut through. "I... I don't intend to pass my powers to any of you."

Jean, surprised, asked, "Why not? I mean, I'm obviously the best choice here." He was half-joking, but his heart was in the right place.

Eren's gaze softened as it shifted to me or was it really me? His words brought me back making my heart melt. "Because... you're important to me.." His eyes lingered, warm on me? "More than anyone. Thank you for sticking by my side. Find happiness after I'm gone.... and live a long, peaceful life."

Eren's face flushed a shade of red, and I looked down, my own cheeks matching his as I avoided his gaze.

Jean rolled his eyes but smirked. "Jeez... I never thought I'd hear that coming from you." His obliviousness only made me realize that Eren's words, though meant for us all, held a deeper meaning just for me or was I living in my delusional world like usual?