COMRADES • Eren Jaeger

CHAPTER 43: Humanity

SALT WAFTING into your lungs and the shrieks of seagulls above your head was a familiar sight. Your wagons sped easily through the land, friendly current pushing you coastward. Five miles had never felt so long: a journey that would have taken roughly less than half an hour by flying boat, and only a bit more than cadets boasted they could manage during training in the sun.

Grey waves welcomed you when you reached the port. The results of the Rumbling could be seen by all the stray branches and large objects that weren't tied down littering the grounds after being thrown around by the stomps.

You volunteered to scout the area. In the distance, you could see soldiers in black Survey Corps uniforms guarding the base.

"Miss Azumabito is in there," said Armin, as the group peered over a sand dune to assess the situation. "As are the engineers from Hizuru."

"No doubt that scum Floch is in there too," said Jean, disgusted. "It looks like he's brought the whole faction to defend the port."

Connie looked uncomfortable. "You don't mean," he began. "That we're going to fight against our own fellow Survey Corps?"

A loud clang of metal made them jump. They turned to see you loading whatever vertical maneuvering gas was left in the canister into the crates with Annie. "For later," you mouthed grimly.

"You know we're here to save people, right?" Connie sputtered. "Why are you acting like we've got to kill our own kind?"

"You four don't need to fight," said Reiner. "Stay with Gabi and Falco. You'll be forced to make a decision on whether or not you want the Jaegerists to find you, but don't interfere."

"I'm not interested in acting as a spectator," Hange said firmly. "Time is running out for humanity. Judging by the Titans' speed, they've already crossed the ocean. The coastal towns of Marley have been annihilated."

Your insides twisted. Ramzi...

"I want to fight," you said. "Give me gas. I'll throw them off guard before our Titans enter the scene."

"But you're not—"

"I want to," you repeated. "It's only right that I atone for them this way, and prevent any more from happening. Besides, you know I have a shot."

"We'll all go," Armin said. "We have your back."

"I know where Eren is," you said. "I'll make sure you win. Dead or alive."

You locked eyes with Magath, who was looking at you with an expression that almost spoke of understanding and pity, maybe even forgiveness for what was left.

"I promise you, I will help you stop the Rumbling."

-

THE PORT WAS BITTER COLD and rough as you strode across the hard-packed concrete. A few soldiers noticed you, and gawked while you passed them by. You kept your face indifferent to their attention, like you were fully convinced they were beneath you. In a way, they were.

You imagined all the bitterness and anger swelling inside of you and registered the look on your face. The guards at the door opened them without a word, afraid to demand you for protocol formalities. You supposed you didn't need it after all — how could they ever think you were a traitor?

The building pattern was familiar, you'd been here before the first time Hizuru diplomats entered the island. You looked straight ahead as the heels of your boots clacked against the pristine floor. Any passing guards gave you second glances, but nobody spoke.

Finally you were standing in front of the room where you were certain Floch and the rest were. This time, two guards had the mind to ask you to state your reasons for being here. You lifted your chin and said in a monotone, "I believe there is no need for such conventionalities. Open the door and let me speak to my subordinates."