Attack On Titan- Wings of liberty*

Chapter 55: Meeting the future cadets



After a few days of resting at home, Sana received a letter from the higher officials. It wasn't alarming—just a request to give a one-day lecture and interact with cadets about to graduate and join various services. Additionally, she was invited to guide future generations at a prestigious school in Wall Sina, attended by the children of nobles. 

Sana agreed without hesitation. But Levi, ever the pragmatist, was strongly against it. 

"You know who's in that batch," he said, his voice taut with concern. "The Armored Titan, the Colossal Titan, and the Female Titan. I just want to keep you away from all of this." 

Sana reached out, placing her hand on his. Her touch was gentle, yet her resolve was firm. "Levi," she said softly, her voice laced with warmth and determination, "I can't live in fear. They are just children—scared and searching for direction. These cadets deserve guidance, and I'll be surrounded by security. Nothing will happen." 

Levi sighed, running a hand through his hair, his expression caught between exasperation and love. The only thing harder than protecting her was saying no to her. She had always been like this: strong-willed, with a heart too big for the world she lived in. "You're impossible, you know that?" he muttered, but there was a trace of a reluctant smile. 

The next morning, as Sana prepared to leave, her little daughter Layina clung tightly to her leg, her sobs filling the room. "Mama, don't go! I want to go with you!" she cried, her tiny hands refusing to let go. 

Sana knelt down, brushing the tears off Layina's flushed cheeks. "My love," she said gently, "Mama will be back by evening. Be a good girl for Papa, okay?" 

Layina shook her head, her tear-filled eyes pleading. Levi stepped in, his strong arms gently lifting the little girl as he murmured soothing words. "She'll be fine, take her with you." he reassured Sana, though his own worry lingered in his gaze. 

Sana hugged Levi and departed, accompanied by a formidable security. 

When she arrived at the training grounds, the atmosphere was electric. News of her visit had spread, and the cadets were eager to meet the legendary scientist known for her brilliance and compassion. As she entered the lecture hall, thunderous applause erupted. 

Sana smiled, the warmth in her expression immediately disarming. "Hello, everyone," she greeted, her voice clear and inviting. "There's no need to be so formal," she chuckled when the cadets bowed deeply. "Please, sit. Let's have a conversation." 

The cadets gradually relaxed, drawn in by her approachable demeanor. One cadet hesitantly raised his hand, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Sana-san, are you married?" 

The question caught her off guard, and for a moment, she laughed—a sound so genuine it seemed to brighten the room. "Yes," she replied, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "I'm married to the most wonderful person I've ever met." 

Among the cadets, Eren and Mikasa exchanged glances, a flicker of recognition passing between them. 

Meanwhile, Layina, restless and curious as ever, had wandered into the hall. Spotting a tall cadet with a sturdy build, she tugged at his sleeve. "Aniki, can I sit next to you?" she asked innocently. 

Reiner, startled by the tiny voice, looked down to find Layina's wide, trusting eyes gazing up at him. He managed a small, uncertain smile. "Of course," he replied, motioning for her to sit beside him. 

Sana noticed the interaction from the stage and felt her heart swell. Her daughter's ability to connect with people was nothing short of magic. 

The lecture flowed seamlessly as Sana engaged the cadets in discussions about their dreams and aspirations. She listened intently, her questions thoughtful, her encouragement genuine. The cadets, initially hesitant, opened up, their smiles growing broader as the minutes passed. 

But as the session neared its end, Sana's tone grew serious. Stepping away from the podium, she faced the room with a solemn expression. 

"I want to share something from my heart," she began, her voice steady yet heavy with emotion. "I'm sorry. Truly, I'm sorry. We, the adults, have failed you." 

The cadets looked at her in stunned silence, her words striking a nerve. 

"You're so young," she continued, her voice trembling. "No one deserves to die. No child should endure pain and suffering.. You should be playing, studying, dreaming of the future—not preparing for war." 

One cadet hesitated before speaking up. "Sana-san, it's not your fault. This is just the way things are." 

Sana shook her head, her eyes glistening. "No," she said firmly. "It's the duty of adults to create a world where children can grow up safe and happy. And we failed. But I promise you, I will fight for a better future—for you, for my Layina, for all the children yet to come. A world without hatred, without fear." 

The room was silent, save for the sound of sniffles as a few cadets wiped their eyes. 

Suddenly, Layina climbed onto the stage, her small hands reaching up to wipe her mother's tears. "Don't cry, Mama," she said, her voice filled with innocent determination. 

Sana scooped her daughter into a tight embrace, smiling through her tears. "See?" she said, addressing the cadets. "Children deserve a world of peace, and I will dedicate my life to making that happen." 

The hall erupted into applause, a heartfelt, resounding sound that echoed with hope and admiration. 

As Sana left the lecture hall, she felt a renewed sense of purpose burning within her. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but for the sake of Layina, for the cadets, and for every innocent soul yearning for peace, she vowed to never waver.


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