Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of Attack on Titan: A Warrior of Devils
If you want to Read the Following TWO Chapters, Search 'Drinor Patreon' in Google and Click the First LINK
Chapter 24 (First Day in the Survey Corps) and Chapter 25 (Even Lies Can Hold Love) are already available for Patrons.
The stone hallway echoed with their footsteps as they approached the meeting room. Mikasa's eyes hadn't left Eren since they'd started walking, studying his face for any sign of discomfort or fatigue.
"Eren, are you sure you're feeling alright?" she asked, her voice carrying that familiar protective tone.
Eren's shoulders tensed slightly. "For the hundredth time, Mikasa, I'm fine." He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice. "You don't need to keep asking me every five minutes."
"But—"
"Mikasa," Armin interjected gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He's okay. Let's focus on what happens next."
They entered a well-lit room where Commander Erwin stood near a large wooden desk, his commanding presence filling the space. Captain Levi leaned against a wall, arms crossed, while Hange sat at the desk, practically vibrating with excitement.
Armin stepped forward, his blue eyes fixed on the Commander. "Sir, what are your plans for Eren?"
Erwin's expression remained neutral, his thick eyebrows casting shadows over his eyes. "Those details are classified for now, but I can assure you that Eren Yeager will be safe under our supervision."
Mikasa's lips pressed into a thin line, her hand instinctively reaching for her red scarf. She wanted to demand more information, but she knew it would be futile.
"EREN!" Hange suddenly sprang from her chair, closing the distance between them in two long strides. Her glasses gleamed with an almost maniacal light. "I have SO many questions! When you transform, do you feel hot? Cold? Does it hurt? Can you control the size of your Titan form? Oh! And the regeneration! How conscious are you of—"
"Oi, four-eyes." Levi pushed off from the wall and grabbed Hange's ear, pulling her away from an overwhelmed-looking Eren. "Give the brat some space to breathe."
"But Leviiii," Hange whined, flailing dramatically as he dragged her. "This is crucial research! We need to understand—"
"You'll have plenty of time to experiment on Yeager later," Levi cut her off, releasing her ear with a slight push.
"That's right," a nasally voice called from the doorway. "Can't have you breaking my client before he's even settled in."
Jimmy SGM sauntered into the room, his slightly ill-fitting suit a stark contrast to the military uniforms around him. His combover caught the light as he adjusted his colorful tie.
"Mister Jimmy," Eren stepped forward, relief evident in his voice. "Thank you for everything you did at the trial."
"Yes, thank you," Armin added earnestly, while Mikasa nodded in agreement.
Jimmy waved his hand dismissively. "Save your thanks for Jaime, kid. If it weren't for him calling in that favor, I'd be here with an invoice longer than the Captain over there." He jerked his thumb toward Levi, who scowled in response. "And considering what you Survey Corps soldiers make – and how long you typically last – well, let's just say I wouldn't bet on seeing that payment anytime soon."
Erwin stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "What can we do for you, Mr. SGM?"
"Ah, straight to business. I like that." Jimmy reached into his breast pocket and produced a business card with a flourish. "Just dropping this off. If you find yourselves in need of my services again – and let's be honest, with these kids? You will – you know where to find me." He handed the card to Erwin with a practiced smile. "But fair warning: next time won't be a free ride."
Erwin examined the gaudy card, his expression unreadable. "I'll keep that in mind. Have a good day, Mr. SGM."
"It's all good, man!" Jimmy called over his shoulder as he headed for the door, his voice echoing down the hallway. "It's all good!"
As soon as Jimmy's footsteps faded, Mikasa turned to Erwin. "Commander," her voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of concern. "When will I be able to see Eren again?"
Erwin's blue eyes studied her for a moment. "From what I understand, you plan to join the Survey Corps?"
"Yes, sir." Her response was immediate and firm.
"The ceremony will be held tomorrow at dawn. After you officially join, you'll have opportunities to see and speak with Eren, though those interactions will need to be supervised initially."
Mikasa's hands clenched at her sides, but she nodded in acceptance.
"Speaking of supervision," Hange piped up, having somehow escaped Levi's grasp again. "Eren, about those experiments—"
"Hange," Levi's voice carried a warning tone.
"Just one tiny question!"
"No."
"But—"
"Erwin," Levi cut across Hange's protests. "We should get the brat settled in before four-eyes here loses what's left of her mind."
Commander Erwin nodded. "Agreed. Eren, you'll be coming with us to the old Survey Corps headquarters. Arlert, Ackerman, you're dismissed. We'll see you both at tomorrow's ceremony."
Mikasa took a half-step toward Eren, hesitating. "Eren..."
"I'll be fine, Mikasa," Eren's voice softened slightly. "Really. Go get some rest. Both of you," he added, looking at Armin.
Armin gently tugged on Mikasa's sleeve. "Come on. We should prepare for tomorrow."
As they turned to leave, Hange's excited voice carried through the closing door: "Oh! Eren! I just thought of another question about your Titan form's cellular structure—"
Walking down the hallway, Armin glanced at Mikasa's troubled expression. "He really will be okay, you know. The Survey Corps needs him. They'll protect him."
"I know," Mikasa replied quietly, touching her scarf. "I just... I need to be there to protect him too."
"And you will be," Armin assured her. "Starting tomorrow, we'll all be Survey Corps soldiers." He paused, a small smile forming. "Though I have to admit, I'm glad Jaime knew that lawyer. The trial could have gone very differently."
Mikasa nodded, remembering how close they'd come to losing Eren to the Military Police. "We should thank him properly when we see him next."
"Assuming Krista and Ymir aren't monopolizing all his time again," Armin chuckled. "Or Annie, for that matter."
A slight frown crossed Mikasa's face at the mention of Annie, but she quickly smoothed her expression. "Let's focus on getting through tomorrow first."
Jaime
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Wall Sina as Jaime and Annie emerged from the Military Police headquarters. The air carried the fresh scent of spring, a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere inside the building. Jaime glanced at Annie, admiring how the sunlight caught in her blonde hair.
"Hey," he said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Want to go somewhere?"
Annie turned to him, her ice-blue eyes showing a hint of confusion. "Go somewhere?"
"Yeah," Jaime rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling nervous. "I just realized we've never been on a proper date. I'd like to fix that, if you want to."
Annie's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the suggestion. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but there was a shadow of sadness in her eyes that Jaime missed. *Soon, everything will change,* she thought. *Soon, you'll hate me.*
"Yes," she said softly, pushing away the dark thoughts. "I'd like that."
Jaime beamed at her response, but then hesitated for a moment, his usual confidence wavering. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and gently took her hand in his. Annie's fingers were calloused from years of training, just like his, but they felt small and somehow delicate in his grip.
A light blush dusted Annie's cheeks as she looked at their joined hands. "I... didn't know we were supposed to hold hands like this."
Jaime let out a nervous laugh. "To be honest, I have no idea either. I've just seen other couples do it." He loosened his grip slightly. "Does it make you uncomfortable? We don't have to—"
"No," Annie interrupted, tightening her grip on his hand. "I like it."
They began walking through the streets of Wall Sina, their joined hands swinging slightly between them. The district was busy with people going about their daily lives, some throwing curious glances at the young couple in their cadet uniforms.
"So," Jaime broke the silence, "tomorrow's the big day."
Annie nodded, her expression becoming more guarded. "The Survey Corps for you."
"And the Military Police for you," Jaime continued, his thumb unconsciously tracing circles on the back of her hand. "We'll make it work, though. I can write to you whenever we're not on expeditions, and maybe I can visit when we're in Wall Sina for supplies."
"Just..." Annie hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Don't take any unnecessary risks out there. The Survey Corps is dangerous enough without you trying to be a hero."
Jaime squeezed her hand gently. "Hey, you know me. I'm too short to be a hero anyway."
That earned him a small snort from Annie, which he counted as a victory. "Besides," he continued, "I have something important to come back to now."
Annie turned her face away, but not before Jaime caught the slight reddening of her ears. They walked a few more blocks before Jaime guided them down a side street.
"There's this place I heard about," he explained. "They're supposed to have the best sweets in Wall Sina. I know you have a sweet tooth, even if you try to hide it."
"I do not have a sweet tooth," Annie protested weakly.
"Oh? So it wasn't you who ate all the sweets that I brought you for your birthday."
"That was... for training purposes. Extra energy."
"Right," Jaime drawled, grinning. "And I suppose the way your eyes light up when I mentioned it is also for training purposes?"
Annie elbowed him lightly in the ribs, but there was no real force behind it. They arrived at a small shop with a cheerful sign displaying various pastries and sweets. A bell chimed softly as they entered, and the sweet smell of sugar and fresh-baked goods enveloped them.
"Welcome!" called a melodious voice. Behind the counter stood a woman perhaps five or six years older than them, with flowing dark hair and bright green eyes. Her face lit up when she saw them. "Oh my, what a handsome young man! How can I help you today?"
Jaime shifted uncomfortably, very aware of Annie's grip tightening slightly on his hand. "Uh, what kinds of sweets do you have?"
The woman leaned forward on the counter, giving Jaime a warm smile. "We have all sorts of delicious treats. Our cream-filled pastries are very popular with young couples." She winked at him. "I'd be happy to give you some recommendations."
"That would be... nice," Jaime managed, feeling increasingly awkward. He could practically feel the cold aura emanating from Annie beside him.
The woman proceeded to show them various pastries and sweets, somehow managing to touch Jaime's arm several times while pointing out different items. By the time they made their selection – a box of assorted pastries and some chocolate-covered strawberries – Jaime was ready to sink into the floor.
As he paid, the woman slipped him an extra cookie with another wink. "Come back anytime you like, handsome. We always welcome such charming customers."
Once they were outside, Annie spoke in a tone that could have frozen water. "She seemed... too friendly."
Jaime looked at Annie's carefully blank expression and couldn't help but smile. He stopped walking and turned to face her, still holding her hand. "You know, the only girl that matters to me is the one whose hand I'm holding right now."
Annie rolled her eyes, but Jaime caught the soft smile that appeared on her face. "That was terrible."
"But true," he said, pulling out one of the chocolate-covered strawberries. "Here, try this. I got these specifically because I saw how you looked at them in the display."
Annie accepted the strawberry, her expression softening further. They found a quiet spot in a nearby park to enjoy their treats, sitting close together on a bench. The late afternoon sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over everything.
"This is nice," Annie said quietly, looking at the remaining strawberry in her hand.
"Yeah," Jaime agreed, watching her profile. "We should have done this sooner."
Annie's expression flickered with something – regret? sadness? – but it was gone so quickly Jaime wasn't sure he'd seen it at all. "We should," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, sharing the pastries and watching people pass by. A group of children ran past, playing some sort of game involving a ball and lots of shouting. An elderly couple walked by arm in arm, smiling at the young pair on the bench.
"Jaime," Annie said suddenly, turning to face him. "I..." she trailed off, seeming to struggle with what she wanted to say.
"What is it?"
She stared at him for a long moment, her blue eyes intense. Finally, she shook her head. "Nothing. Just... thank you. For today."
Jaime squeezed her hand. "We'll have more days like this. I promise."
Annie's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, but she leaned against him slightly, her head resting on his shoulder. Jaime felt his heart skip a beat at the unexpected display of affection.
As the sun began to set, they knew they needed to head back. Tomorrow would be a big day for both of them – the day they'd choose their paths and officially begin their military careers. But for now, in this moment, they were just two young people enjoying each other's company, holding hands and sharing sweets in the fading light of day.
"We should get back," Annie said reluctantly, standing up.
Jaime stood as well, still holding her hand. "I'll walk you to the barracks."
They walked back slowly, neither wanting the evening to end. The streets were quieter now, the bustle of the day giving way to the peace of evening. Lanterns were being lit along the streets, casting warm pools of light on the cobblestones.
As they stood in front of the female barracks, Jaime gazed up at the darkening sky, his purple eyes reflecting the first appearing stars. "You know," he said softly, his voice taking on a melancholic tone, "this reminds me of the day I left the Underground City."
Annie turned to him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"I'd never felt as free as I did that day," he continued, his mind drifting to the memory. "I was nine years old, and it was the first time I'd ever felt sunlight on my skin. The world up here... it was so vast, so incredibly big compared to the dark place below." A wistful smile crossed his face. "I felt something similar when I found out there was even more territory beyond Wall Maria. Though the Titans make sure we never get to explore it."
Annie's expression fell into a slight frown, knowing the harsh reality that lay beyond those walls. "The world might not be as good as you imagine it to be," she said carefully.
Jaime sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Yeah, Ymir said something similar, actually."
Annie narrowed her eyes for a moment, wondering how Ymir would know what the world out there was like. She wondered if this was just Ymir talking out of her ass, or maybe there was more to it.
Turning to face her fully, Jaime's expression grew more serious. "You know, before joining the Training Corps, exploring the outside world was all I cared about. I never really thought about whether I'd live or die doing it." He reached out, taking both of Annie's hands in his. "But now, I want something else too."
Annie's blue eyes met his, waiting.
"I want to protect the people I care about," he said softly. "You, Krista, Ymir, Eren, Mikasa, Jean, Armin... all of you. As long as those bastards – the Armored and Colossal Titans – are still out there, none of you will ever be truly safe." He looked down at one of his hands, clenching it into a fist. "I might not be able to transform like Eren, but I can still help. I have to."
Annie watched him, conflict dancing behind her eyes. Part of her wanted to tell him everything, to warn him about what was coming, but she remained silent. Instead, she found herself oddly touched that despite his feelings for her and the others, he hadn't abandoned his original dream of exploration.
"You're still holding onto that dream of yours," she said quietly. "Of seeing the outside world."
Jaime smiled, gentle and determined. "Some dreams are worth holding onto, even if they seem impossible. And some people are worth protecting, even if the odds are against us."
In the soft glow of the street lamps, Annie looked at this boy who had somehow worked his way past her carefully constructed walls. This boy who dreamed of exploring the entire world and protection with equal passion, who held her hand like it was something precious, who had no idea of the storm that was coming.
Before she could stop herself, Annie reached up and pulled Jaime down into a kiss. It was gentle at first, then deepened with a desperate edge that surprised them both. Jaime's hands moved to cup her face, while hers gripped the front of his uniform.
When they finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless, Annie's usual composure was nowhere to be seen. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears that she quickly blinked away.
"Annie?" Jaime's voice was concerned.
She shook her head, composing herself. "Just... remember what you said about being careful out there."
"I will," he promised, pressing his forehead against hers for a moment. "Sweet dreams, Annie."
As she watched him walk away, Annie touched her lips, the ghost of their kiss still lingering. "Goodbye, Jaime," she whispered so quietly that not even the night air could catch her words.
Tomorrow
The marketplace buzzed with activity as Jaime, Krista, and Ymir wandered through the stalls. The air was filled with the mingled scents of fresh bread, spices, and the general bustle of commerce. Jaime had been trying to keep his mind off Annie's absence – she'd told him she needed time alone today – but Ymir wasn't making it easy.
"Maybe she finally realized she could do better than a shorty like you," Ymir teased, ruffling Jaime's dark hair.
Jaime swatted her hand away. "At least I can reach the top shelf without having to transform into a giraffe, Ugly Freckles."
"Now, now," Krista intervened, though she was fighting back a smile. "Can't you two behave for five minutes?"
"He started it," Ymir said, at the same time Jaime protested, "She started it!"
Krista shook her head, blonde hair catching the sunlight. "You're both impossible."
"That's why you love us, Krista," Jaime grinned, dodging another swat from Ymir.
"I'm going to check out that stall over there. Try not to miss me too much, shorty."
As Ymir strode ahead, weaving through the crowd with her tall frame, Jaime noticed something odd. Krista's usual bright expression had dimmed, replaced by an unusually tense look. Her blue eyes were distant, and her small hands were clenched at her sides.
"Hey," Jaime said softly, touching her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Krista startled slightly, as if pulled from deep thoughts. She looked up at him, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "Jaime... where did you hear the name Historia?"
The question caught him completely off guard. "Historia? Who's that?"
Krista opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again. Her eyes searched his face intently. "When we were resting... you called me Historia."
Jaime's purple eyes widened in confusion. "What? No, I didn't."
"You did," she insisted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I heard you. Before the battle, you talked with us, telling us to be careful, and then – you called me Historia."
Jaime furrowed his brow, trying to recall that moment, but nothing came. "Krista, I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. I've never heard that name before, and I definitely don't remember calling you anything but Krista."
The tension in Krista's shoulders seemed to increase. "You're sure?"
"Positive," Jaime said, growing more concerned by the second. "Why? Is this name important somehow?"
Krista stood frozen for a moment, conflict clear on her face. But before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through their conversation.
"What's with the serious faces?" Ymir appeared suddenly, draping a delicate silver necklace around Krista's neck. "There. Much better than those overpriced things in the fancy shops."
Despite her casual tone, Jaime noticed how Ymir's eyes darted between them, picking up on the tense atmosphere. "Did something happen?"
"No," Krista said quickly – too quickly. She forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I just... I made a mistake. I must have misheard it."
Ymir's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she slung an arm around Krista's shoulders. "Well, whatever it was, it's not worth getting worked up over now. Come on, I saw some sweet buns that have your name on them."
As they started walking again, Jaime hung back slightly, his mind racing. The name 'Historia' echoed in his thoughts, though he couldn't place why it felt significant. He watched Krista laugh at something Ymir said, but there was a new awareness in his observation. The way she sometimes seemed to wear her smile like a mask, the occasional distant look in her eyes when she thought no one was watching...
"Oi, shorty!" Ymir's voice broke through his thoughts. "Stop brooding and come help me convince this angel to splurge a little. It's our last day as cadets, after all."
"Coming, Ugly Freckles," Jaime called back, pushing his concerns aside for now. He jogged to catch up with them, throwing an arm around Krista's other shoulder. "Though I have to say, watching you try to be romantic is like watching a Titan try to dance – painful and slightly disturbing."
Ymir snorted. "Better than watching you try to flirt with Annie. It's like watching a puppy try to charm a glacier."
"At least I can get a date," Jaime retorted with a grin.
Later
As they walked back to the barracks, Jaime looked at Ymir and Krista with a bittersweet smile. "I'm going to miss having you two around when I join the Survey Corps. The place won't be the same without Ugly Freckles making height jokes."
Now, standing among his fellow cadets before the platform, those lighter moments felt like they belonged to another lifetime. The atmosphere was heavy with tension and fear. Jaime could see the haunted looks in many of his comrades' eyes – the same eyes that had witnessed their friends being devoured by Titans. Some still hadn't stopped trembling since that day.
Commander Erwin Smith's commanding presence drew everyone's attention as he took his position. His voice carried across the gathering with unwavering authority.
"Cadets, Good Evening. I am Erwin Smith, the Commander of the Scout Corps, also called the Scouting Legion, or Survey Corps. Today, you will choose which military branch you will join. Speaking plainly, I have come today to convince you to join the Scouts Corps. During the past offensive, all of you have seen firsthand just how terrifying Titans can be... as well as the limits of your strength."
Jaime's chest tightened as he saw Jean flinch beside him. He knew they were both thinking of Marco's mangled body. The memory of his friend's half-eaten corpse. Jaime remembered Shadis's talk about the dead. The dead should never be allowed to be chains of the past.
But Wings of the Future.
"However, in this battle, humanity was closer than ever to victory thanks to the existence of Eren Jaeger," Erwin continued. "Without a doubt, he proved to be an important ally to the human race by putting his own life on the line. Furthermore, with his help, we have not only stopped the advance of the titans, but we have also obtained a clue to discover their origin."
Jaime's purple eyes widened slightly. His conversation with the Commander about the Colossal Titan possibly being human like Eren flashed through his mind. Commander Was Erwin actually considering his theory?
"We believe that in the basement of Eren Jaeger's old house in Shiganshina lies the answer to the mystery of the titans. If we get to that basement, we'll find the information that will help us end the century of titan rule."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Jaime glanced around, studying the reactions of his fellow cadets. Some faces showed disbelief, others desperate hope. His eyes lingered briefly on Annie's distant figure, but her expression remained unreadable.
"Our goal is to get to that basement in Shiganshina, But to achieve that, we have to take back Wall Maria. In other words, the objective remains the same, but now that the Trost gate is blocked we must take the long way from Karanes to the east. The four years we spent after the fall of Wall Maria in establishing a route for a large-scale army is now completely useless to us. During those four years, more than 60% of the members of the Scout Corps died. 60% in four years! Those who join the Scouts will participate in our expedition outside the walls in a month. And we estimate that 30% will not survive."
Jaime swallowed hard, forcing down the instinctive fear that tried to rise in his throat. But as he listened to Erwin's brutal honesty about the casualties, something clicked in his mind. The Commander wasn't just being transparent – he was fishing. This was a trap, carefully laid out to force any potential traitors to reveal themselves during the first expedition.
His eyes darted to Erwin's face, searching for confirmation of his theory, but the Commander's expression remained impassive. Jaime's mind raced with the implications. If there were indeed humans who could transform into Titans, like the Colossal Titan, they would likely try to sabotage the expedition. And Commander Erwin was counting on it.
The weight of this realization settled heavily on Jaime's shoulders, but it only strengthened his resolve. He'd made his choice long before standing here tonight.
Kenny's voice echoed in his memory: "The world's cruel, kid. But sometimes, the cruelest thing you can do is nothing at all."
As Commander Erwin's words hung in the air, he delivered his final words. "Those who wish to join other regiments are dismissed. Those willing to offer their hearts to humanity, remain here."
The sound of boots turning on gravel filled the night air. One by one, then in groups, cadets began walking away. Jaime stood firm, his purple eyes fixed ahead, though he caught Annie's brief glance before she turned away.
Movement to his left caught his attention. Reiner and Bertholdt stood steadfast, their faces set with determination. Jaime furrowed his brow, surprised by their choice. Reiner had always been the big brother figure of their class, reliable and strong, but he'd never struck Jaime as someone with a death wish. And Bertholdt – quiet, nervous Bertholdt – choosing the Scouts seemed completely out of character.
Jean's presence was no surprise; Jaime had known his friend would choose this path after Marco's death. But when his eyes fell on Sasha and Connie, both trembling like leaves in a storm yet rooted to their spots.
Then his heart nearly stopped. There, standing resolute among the remaining cadets, were Ymir and Krista. No, he thought, this can't be happening.
Commander Erwin surveyed the small group that remained. "Will you lay down your lives for humanity's future?"
"I don't want to die!" Jean's voice cracked with emotion. "None of us do!"
Erwin's expression softened slightly. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." With those words, he turned and walked away, leaving the new recruits to process their decision.
The moment Erwin disappeared from view, Jaime strode toward Ymir and Krista, his shorter stature doing nothing to diminish the intensity radiating from him. Even Ymir, usually quick with a joke about his height, seemed to shrink back slightly from his approach.
"What do you two think you're doing?" His voice was low but intense.
Krista stepped forward, her blue eyes flashing with unusual defiance. "We can make our own choices, Jaime."
"Why?" He turned to Ymir. "Why are you letting her do this? You know how dangerous—"
"Hey, don't look at me," Ymir raised her hands. "This was her idea. I just follow where she goes."
"This isn't a game!" Jaime's voice rose slightly. "This isn't like training anymore. People die out there – good people, strong people. The Garrison is safe. You two could have a life together there, protect the walls, be together without worry, you two can finally marry each other, you two can be happy together—"
"Stop it!" Krista's voice cut through his words like a blade. Her small frame seemed to grow as she stepped closer, eyes burning with an intensity that made her almost look like a different person. "Do you really think we could live with ourselves? Sitting safely behind the walls while you risk your life out there?"
Jaime's eyes glittered for a moment. "This is different, Hist -"
"Do you think we could eat dinner together, knowing you might be fighting for your life? Sleep peacefully while wondering if you're even alive?" Her voice cracked slightly. "How dare you think we could abandon you like that?"
Before Jaime could respond, Krista threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "We've been friends since the beginning," she whispered fiercely. "The three of us, we're family."
Pulling back, she met his eyes with unwavering determination. "As long as the three of us are together, nothing can stop us."
"Besides," Ymir added, ruffling Jaime's hair roughly to hide her own emotion, "someone needs to keep you from doing anything stupid, shorty."
Jaime looked between them – the tall, sardonic girl who pretended not to care but would die protecting those she loved, and the small, fierce girl who carried more strength in her heart than anyone knew. His throat tightened.
"You're both completely insane," he managed finally, pulling them both into a group hug. "But I guess that makes three of us."
"We learned from the best," Ymir smirked. "Now, are you done with the dramatic speech, or should we expect more lectures about our life choices?"
"I just..." Jaime ran a hand through his hair. "I wanted you both to be safe."
"And we want you to be safe," Krista said softly. "That's why we're coming with you."
"Yeah, what she said," Ymir draped an arm over each of their shoulders, having to bend down significantly to reach Jaime's. "Though if either of you tell anyone I said something that sappy, I'll deny it."
A small laugh escaped Jaime despite himself. "Your reputation as an uncaring jerk is safe with me, Ugly Freckles."
"Good to know, shorty."
The three of them stood together under the stars, the weight of their decision settling around them.
"Well," he said finally, "I guess we better start training harder then. Can't have you two slowing me down out there."
"Big words from such a small package," Ymir grinned.
"I'm still ranked first in our class, Ugly Freckles."
"Only because I let you win."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that."
A few feet away from where Jaime was confronting Ymir and Krista, Jean turned to Sasha and Connie, who were both still shaking.
"What are you two doing?" Jean asked, his voice rough with concern. "Why are you still here?"
Sasha's hands were trembling as she clutched her arms around herself. "I-I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so scared I think I might throw up."
"Me too," Connie nodded vigorously, his face pale. "I don't know what got into me. My legs just wouldn't move when everyone else left."
Jean ran a hand through his ash-brown hair in frustration. "Look, you can still leave. Just... I don't know, say you temporarily lost your minds or something. Say you're suddenly thinking clearly now and want out." He gestured vaguely toward the direction where the others had gone. "Hell, you could probably just start running right now and no one would stop you."
"But Marco..." Connie started, then stopped, his voice catching.
Jean's expression darkened. "Marco died because we weren't strong enough. Because none of us knew what we were really up against." He looked at his trembling friends. "But that doesn't mean you have to—"
"We saw them too," Sasha interrupted, her voice stronger despite her shaking. "We saw our friends die. We saw what the Titans did. And..." she swallowed hard, "and if we run away now, we'll never be able to face ourselves again."
Connie nodded, though he looked like he might pass out at any moment. "What she said. Though I really wish she hadn't said it so convincingly."
Jean stared at them for a long moment before letting out a heavy sigh. "You're both idiots," he said, but there was a hint of pride in his voice.
"Says the guy who just shouted 'I don't want to die' at the Commander," Connie managed a weak smile.
"At least I was honest about it," Jean retorted, but he was almost smiling too.
They fell into silence, watching Jaime argue with Ymir and Krista nearby. The night air was cool around them, carrying the weight of their decision in every breath.
"Hey Jean," Sasha said quietly, "if I really do throw up during our first expedition, will you pretend not to notice?"
"Only if you do the same for me," Jean replied, and for the first time that evening, they all shared a genuine laugh, even if it was tinged with nervous hysteria.
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