Kapitel 11: "Goodbye Forever, My Friends"
Eren knew it wouldn't last forever, but for now, it was enough. He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to Aiden's forehead before resting his head against Mikasa's shoulder. The future could wait—just for a little while longer.
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The Same Day
Hange, Levi, and his squad woke up shortly after Eren had left Utgard Castle and headed back to the cottage where Mikasa and Aiden were waiting for him. Levi was the first to prepare for the next round of discussions. Hange and Historia stepped out of their rooms simultaneously, and soon after, the rest of the group began to gather in the dining area. For now, only the main group had awakened; the other soldiers were still deep in sleep.
"Where's that brat? Don't tell me he's gotten lazy after all these years of peace. Armin, go get him," Levi commanded.
"Yes, Captain Levi, I'll go get him. In the meantime, why don't you all start without us..." Armin suggested as he got up from the table and slowly made his way to Eren's quarters.
On his way over, Armin felt anxious. Eren had never been the type to be late before. Standing in front of Eren's door, Armin decided to knock first.
"Eren... Eren, are you up? Everyone's waiting for you in the dining area..."
But even after waiting for a whole minute, Eren didn't answer. Concerned, Armin opened the door. Inside, the bed was neatly made, and a small note lay on the pillow. Seeing the note, Armin's heart sank—he knew Eren had left again, without telling them. He walked slowly toward the bed, his heart pounding with anxiety as he picked up the note.
"Sorry... I had to leave... I guess this is goodbye, everyone. Look after Mikasa and Aiden for me..."
As Armin read the note, a wave of dread washed over him. He turned and sprinted back to the dining area, his hurried footsteps echoing through the silent castle.
Back at the Table
"Why is he taking so long?" Jean asked, his impatience growing.
"Now, now, Eren must still be asleep. Commander Hange, could you arrange for me to return to the castle? I need to get there soon," Historia requested.
"Yes, as soon as you finish, I'll have the soldiers escort you to the ca—"
"Guys! Eren left, and he left behind this ominous note..." Armin gasped, out of breath as he burst into the room.
"What?! He left again? Without telling us?" Jean said, his frustration evident.
"Give me the note!" Hange demanded, frustrated that she hadn't anticipated Eren's departure. Levi frowned, sharing her frustration.
Hange read the note and leaned back in her chair, trying to make sense of Eren's words.
"It's just a hunch, but this might have been the last time we see him..." she said solemnly. A heavy atmosphere settled over the dining area as she passed the note around for everyone to read.
The following hours passed slowly, the tense mood lingering. Soon, Connie and Sasha arrived, with Sasha helping Connie settle his mother in a separate room. Although Connie's mother remained unconscious, her breathing was stable. Rumors spread quickly that Connie and Sasha had returned.
Connie's mother was wrapped in a standard-issue Scout coat. As Connie sat by her side, waiting for her to wake up, Sasha comforted him, assuring him that everything would be fine and that his mother would awaken soon. Connie listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
The door burst open as Jean and Armin rushed into the room, their expressions hopeful, eager for Connie's mother to be alright. They sat beside Sasha as she filled them in on everything—how they found Connie's mother and how they made their way back.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein