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It was empty and cold inside his room. It was fall now, it would be even worse in winter.
Their resources to heat up their home was limited, so sometimes you just had to live with falling asleep freezing. But that was alright, it didn't bother Reiner. Having a roof above my head is already more than I deserve.
A lot of Eldians in the world had it far worse, compared to that you were lucky if you were living in Liberio. Marley was merciful to them.
Reiner stretched his legs and put them on the very edge of his bed. The bed was too small for him, he didn't fit inside at all. It was still his childhood bed. Karina encouraged him to build a new one on his own or they could save money for a bigger one. But the small bed didn't bother Reiner either. Having a bed at all is more than I deserve.
This night he was glad to have some time on his own, he couldn't remember the last time he had some privacy. But as soon as painful thoughts rushed inside his head like a wild storm he came to the conclusion that privacy was maybe not so great. When was the last time he had a room for himself to sleep anyways?
Over the last four years he tried to oppress the emotional side of the thoughts and memories about his past although it didn't always work. But thinking about it was so painful now that he was glad he was distracted with his mission over the last years.
He could no longer ignore or suppress the emotions - the agony of his memories.
There was so much in his mind. He couldn't order his memories, it was a mess. 47384993 thoughts at once rushing through his head. About his mom raising him and telling him about a loving father, his determination to become a warrior, the training, his relationships with the fellow warriors, inheriting the armour, seeing his trash dad and eventually - reaching that island, losing Marcel and breaching the walls.
Reiner caught his breath and coughed as he thought about it. Today he learned he'd have to go back to Paradis. He'd have to face Eren and all his "friends'' again. He'd have to be ready to kill them if necessary. He didn't expect this would hit him so hard, he was overwhelmed in every way. He guessed knowing to go back to Paradis was the trigger to allow the memories to come to surface, to no longer oppress them, to accept the pain. He could no longer hold it back, even if he wanted to.
He held his chest, his doomed heart - Was it possible to die from anguish devouring you? That's how he felt.
He checked the clock - already 4 hours wasted reminiscing.
Tonight I won't get any slee-
Suddenly a sharp sting drilled through his heart. If he didn't know better he would have thought it's physical pain. It was too distinct.
He couldn't take his eyes off the clock.
There was written "Krista" on the clock. Krista used to be the name of a company producing clocks, but it became insolvent and stopped existing a long time ago.
A few minutes had passed and he was still staring at the clock.
Krista…. No, Historia…. Ymir confirmed her real name is Historia.
“Ymir....I-....I’m sorry”
He tried to oppress a tear that was going to come. Why would all of his emotions come to surface all of the sudden?
He tried to force back the thought of Historia in the last years - or at least the emotions connected to the memories. It would have only distracted him. I would have brought him even more pain. Of course he didn’t forget her though.
He promised Ymir to take care of her, but what could HE have done in the last years?
Due to the failed Paradis mission Reiner was almost fed to the next warrior and forced to fight in the next war. He couldn't just run off to Paradis to get her in the middle of the war.
Moreover, as long as they didn't attack Paradis or take away the founder Historia was safe for now. As long as the founder was in Paradis it was safer for her to stay there. It was terrible to ignore his own desires to have her near him, but he had to tame his feelings for her sake. For her safety. And in the end they didn’t have a future anyway, he would die soon.
No, don't come back to my mind Krista, I can't take this, stop!!
He kept commanding his mind. But it did not work. The more he fought against it, the more the emotions broke free. The last straw breaking the camel’s back. After holding them captive for so long it was only a matter of time when they would break free anyway.
Now he couldn't control the tear running down his cheek anymore. Then another one. Then another. It did not stop. His eyes were red.
Why are you doing this to me again? I'm bonded with my mission only, no emotions are allowed.
A feeling of déjà vu suddenly surprised him. It was just like this years ago and now it happened again:
In the warrior training they sacrificed their personal lifes for Marley, they were taught from an early age that there was no room for privacy, emotions or feelings for Eldians. His warrior comrades and him were friends and sometimes Magath seemed he actually cared, but still - he was constantly reminded to not invest himself too much, to control his feelings, to be a warrior committed to his mission only, ready to die at any time.
But this still didn't prevent him to hold on to his family and fighting for a reunion.
When he met his dad who turned him down in the most insulting way it was over though. All his illusions were taken, everything was a lie.
He couldn't handle the disappointment and cried in his sleep the night they were on the ship to Paradis. Though he couldn't really sleep. It kept hunting his mind and heart. His dream was taken away all of the sudden. Devastated. Lost.
On the ship he remembered they were constantly told to forget their personal feelings and be focused on the mission 100%.
And after the disappointment he just experienced, Reiner decided for himself to live up to the rule 100%. He didn't want to get hurt anymore. The only thing that was left for him was his desire to become a hero. To be acknowledged. To achieve that he needed to focus on his mission 100%. No personal feelings allowed anymore. No more crying. No attachment to anyone. After all HE was chosen as the inheritor of the armour!!
… He failed to go through his new resolve the next day already. Marcel telling him the truth made him insecure about himself. The morning after he felt demotivated to say the least. But then suddenly Ymir appeared out of nowhere and ate Marcel, who was protecting Reiner.
After this traumatic event he decided it was better to let Reiner die. Reiner was a complete failure, not worthy to be a warrior or a hero. Marcel however was strong. Being focused and being there for everyone while barely showing emotions. For Reiner this was the best way to go through his resolve and achieve his mission. If I’m strong Marcel I can be a hero.
In the two following years he learned to play his role really well. He managed to suppress his personal feelings and became strong in other's perspectives. As a result he felt completely numb and hardened, literally armoured against any sort of feeling. Yes, you could say he was armouring his heart. And it worked extremely well over time. He didn't feel like a human anymore and while this is what he wanted, it started to make him a bit melancholy sometimes. But before this feeling was able to properly embrace him he managed to abandon it so it could not get him. And it worked perfectly. He fully concentrated on his mission and was numb as a human being.
That was until I met YOU, Historia… You magically destroyed the armour around my heart.
I thought I'd be numb forever, never again being capable of feeling anything. Nothing was able to change that. But you just broke the armoured walls around my heart as if they were candy floss. He started to laugh ironically and almost fell off his undersized bed.
"What a ridiculous joke is that?! And now it is happening again. You’re not even here and still break the new walls around my heart I have built up in the last four years to survive"
His numbness disappeared and was replaced by more feelings and pain. It was hard to describe. There was this weird heaviness in the air. Capturing his heart like shackles. It was not possible, but he could physically feel how it was constricting him. Devouring him. He wanted to distract himself, but it didn't work. Nothing could stop the ache anymore. He just started to sob and cry even more than before, holding his pillow tight (and drenching it with his tears) as if it could give him any comfort. Memories of Historia came to his mind, to his heart, that he thought he would have long forgotten. Even the smallest fractions would come to surface, like her touching his abs. But everything was clear now. He remembered the incident where he first realised she was breaking his armour:
It was somewhere in his 1st week. Instructor Shadis, Jean, Krista and Reiner were on their way to a horse farm. They were gonna buy new horses for the training camp. Some trainees were with them as well, while other trainees were assigned for different tasks.
"You noobs will have to learn some basics about horses if you wanna become soldiers, it's part of your training", Instructor Shadis ranted while guiding them through a village somewhere near Trost.
"You'll have to learn what horses are like. What kind of horses we have, their strengths and weaknesses. Good communication with your horse can save your life on a mission, especially if you want to join the Survey Corps. There was once this Moses dude who bla bla rant bla bla…"
Jean yawned: “I'm not planning on joining the Survey Corps anyways, it's not like I'd ever be as suicidal to go on an outside mission and then suddenly my horse would leave me"
"Don't interrupt me, you pathetic worm", Shadis roared while turning around glowering at Jean. Shadis raised his hand in a threatening way, but it only stayed as a threat. Jean however was startled and lost his balance. As a result he stumbled and fell backwards, right where Krista was. Reiner was behind her. Of course he had noticed she was pretty, but it didn't affect him much more, he didn't really pay attention to her so far.
Right now he didn't pay attention to this moment either because he was lost in his thoughts. How can we decoy the founder....
Before Jean was falling on Krista she managed to push him up again, having a high sense of reaction speed. But he was so tall and heavy and she was so tiny that she lost balance herself and was about to fall on Reiner who still didn't pay attention.
How can we decoy it… Was it right to serve for the military? I can still quit. Trying my luck as cook at the royal court could also work, nobody makes a better steak than me. Oh I miss good beef. Maybe it’s smarter if Bertholdt, Annie and me seperate, but then again bla bla bla...
Meanwhile Krista tried to get balance again, but it made everything worse as she bumped on Reiner with heavy force. Since Reiner was lost in his thoughts it surprised him like a sudden wave and he lost balance himself, even if he was so big and Krista so small.
Shadis meanwhile kept moving forward and didn't give it any attention yet.
Reiner fell backwards, it would be an ungentle landing on the butt. Krista fell ever weirder. She did bump into him kinda sideways, but her head was 90° degree away from him, her feet almost touched the sky.
There was an edgy rock behind them. In the last second Reiner noticed her head was about to hit it.
Without thinking his body moved itself: He embraced her tiny body with his big hands from behind and turned her around quickly, like an armour. He was quick enough. She landed safely in his arms that shielded her tightly, pressing her body against his chest out of reflex.
Reiner however fell against the rock with full force. The scream of agony was preprogrammed.
"AHHHHHH FUUUCK"
While Reiner cursed the rock he still held Krista without thinking much about it. The two stayed like this for a few seconds, Krista was in little shock. But after a few seconds she collected herself and managed to finally move. She gently put his arms away, sat up and turned around.
"I'm so sorry, are you hurt?", she asked while looking at him sorrowfully with her big, bright blue eyes.
Reiner looked up, still cursing the damn rock. It was the first time he really looked at her. He had never seen such a beautiful face. Though it was not her pretty features that especially stood out, but the expression in her eyes. Kindness, sorrow, compassion. For a moment he forgot there was an island devil in front of him. A Goddess. It made him stop cursing the rock instantly, it made him forget the rock in the first place.
He just stared at her with an enchanted face and his mouth open. Silence.
She put her hands on his shoulders and asked again, her expression becoming even more sorrowful: "Are you okay?"
Her sudden touch felt like an electro shock, but at least he was able to speak now, all his anger leaving him completely: "Woah…. Yeah…. I guess…. I guess I'm fine. You alright?"
"I'm fine, thank you for shielding me. I probably would have been able to evade the rock myself at the last second, but I appreciate your help, I’m so sorry again"
A few cadets including Jean were standing around them. Some were just looking, some were asking if everything was ok, some were even laughing. Jean tried to apologize, even if it took all this pride. Another boy with ginger hair looking like a bird’s nest accosted Jean for causing trouble so early in the morning. Other people just ignored them and kept moving. Shadis however got tired and just roared from afar:"Move, what are you saplings doing on the ground? And what is there to watch? Do you want me to join you to experience your worst nightmare?!"
"Can you move?" Krista quickly stood up and reached out a hand.
He could move. But it was painful as he moaned.
He took her hand and she pulled him up. He was surprised how strong she was. Tiny statue, but strong arms. Probably the result of hard work.
Focus, he said to himself. Why did he feel so weird and confused so suddenly? The hit against the rock was probably just too strong.
They walked next to each other. Reiner tried to hide his physical pain, but Krista could see it in his face: "We almost reached the farm, they must have some treatments there, maybe we should check your back once we arrive", Krista suggested.
For some reason this thought made Reiner's confusion and weird feeling even worse and a part of him freaked out on the inside: "We?"
Focus. Abandon this weird feeling. It was just a hit against the rock. No weakness, no distraction allowed to achieve my mission. Focus.
Krista suddenly became more insecure and shifted her eyes to the ground: "Only if you want, of course it doesn't have to be me. I just think you should check, maybe there's a doctor nearby. I feel responsible, but I feel even more worried about you considering the painful look on your face"
Wuh? Why is she caring for me at all?! No, Focus.
"Thanks, but I'm fine", he replied with an expression full of ache, trying to ‘fOcUs’. But his effort to focus made his face look even more in pain.
Krista wasn't sure how to interpret his behaviour, but she came to the conclusion he wanted to be alone.
"Alright, take care", she simply said with a confused look before leaving him and walking to another group of people.
"Wait a moment", Reiner called, "What's your name?"
What is this question out of the sudden, it doesn't matter. Focus.
But I can't leave her like that. She was such a kind angel and I thank her being a grumpy ass.
No, focus. It doesn’t matter. She is an island devil, she deserves grumpy treatment.
She turned around and looked at him again. When she heard the word 'name' she looked sad for a moment, but then composed herself very quickly again. "I'm Krista. Who are you?"
"Nice to meet you Krista, you are very kind. My name is Reiner", he replied and smiled genuinely. Krista smiled back, nodded, turned around and left.
What the fuck was that, Reiner?!
He decided to distance himself from her once they arrived at the farm. He didn't know how to handle her being near him, she'd just bewitch his mind. Maybe this is a secret devil power Marley doesn’t know about . The pain in his back was already a bit better anyways. Even to imagine she'd treat his wounds, holy dammmn. Focus.
In the following hours they got lectures on horses and were guided through the stables. Shadis bought a few new horses for the training camp. These horses were specifically qualified for military missions, they were very expensive and valuable. When they were about to leave again Shadis assigned a few trainees to take a horse each and guide them home. Not everyone got a horse, but Reiner did. A grey horse with a brown mane. It was the horse Historia would later use for training a lot and even for the first Survey Corps mission in the future as the training corps donated horses and other things to the poor Survey Corps sometimes. The horse’s name was Jonah and she seemed to like Reiner, following him without any force.
The sun started to set already when they went back to camp. Shadis granted them a few minutes break in between and they rested by a river. Reiner tied Jonah on a tree apart from the others and sat down. He needed some rest on his own.
…
He slowly opened his eyes.
"I fell asleep?!?", Reiner startled and looked around in a confused way. It was completely dark. No voices, no steps, no sounds. Only the river pattered calmly and some crickets sang arias to fill the silence.
Seemed like everyone was gone and left him behind.
"Shit"
Only Jonah was still next to him tied on the tree, she was grazing with content. Reiner was just about to get up when he suddenly heard steps in the distance. These steps were light and quick. Reiner halted.
"Jonaaaaah!", a loud, female voice called.
"Jonaaaaah!"
Reiner startled again. That voice. Isn’t it...
It was the same as the one of…
"Krista?!?"
Reiner called back in surprise. Of course he remembered her name. He was surprised he remembered her voice. Was it really her? He stood up immediately and took Jonah.
"Krista!!" he called again while following the direction of the voice he heard, "Jonah is with me!"
"Is everything okay?"
A few moments later a source of light appeared in front of them.
"Oh it's you. Reiner, right?"
She remembered my name.
…
She remembered my name!
Stop this Reiner!! Not again!!!
BUT WHOOOA SHE REALLY REMEMBERED MY NAME...
He walked into her direction, his heart skipped faster, his hands began to sweat although it was cold…
“Yeah it’s me Krista, amazing you remembeAAHH-” Reiner suddenly stumbled over a root, if Krista didn’t catch him at last second he would have landed on his ass again today. She dropped the torch and embraced Reiner’s torso with one arm, with the other arm she took the reins of the horse Reiner released on accident.
“It’s okay, calm down sweetie”, Krista tranquilized Jonah who got frightened. She still held Reiner in the process who was electrified by the sudden embrace. But not only because of that embrace, also because of ‘sweete’, for a moment thinking it was about him.
The boy didn’t make any moves to put her arm away either until his brain regained consciousness again.
What the fuck are you doing Reiner?!
He pulled away a bit too quickly which gave Krista a confused look.
“I’m sorry”, she said, “Are you okay Reiner? Did I hurt you?”
“...No it’s fine, you saved me. Thank you Krista… I’m usually not that clumsy to stumble twice a day you know”, Reiner mumbled in awkwardness, putting his arm over his head.
“Well first time it was me who made you stumble, so I guess we’re even now”, Krista commented while giving him a cute smile that would eliminate his brain again...
He wanted to see more of that enchanting smile, fuck off the mission for tonight at least. No way this girl was an island devil, no devil can have such a stunning smile…
It was so dark, so he picked up the torch to get some light, he needed to see the smile again with better light conditions.
“Well I already noticed this afternoon, but it’s incredible how strong you are”, Reiner noted, trying to sound natural and not too nervous.
He watched Krista as she took care of Jonah. It was such an adorable view.
She blushed in surprise and gave him that beautiful smile again that gave him goosebumps and kinda satisfaction? Soul healing?
“Thank you Reiner”, she replied, “I barely ever hear I’m strong, so that’s very nice”.
He approached her again with the torch, happy to make her feel good and it was only the truth after all.
”But I want you to know I’m not saying this to be nice or anything, I’m serious. You are very strong Krista, you must have worked a lot to get these muscles to be able to catch me”.
Krista patted Jonah’s neck, now lost in her thoughts: ”I worked on a farm my whole life and it was hard work, so I guess you’re right”
Reiner put his hand next to Krista’s on Jonah’s neck who slowly calmed down.
“That would also explain why you are so good with horses”, Reiner noticed.
“I guess… But it seems like you’re too Reiner, Jonah likes you”
Both were staring at their hands, lost in thought for a moment. Reiner was the one to break the silence: “Oh does she? I don’t have much experiences with horses, so I’m not sure”
As if Jonah understood their words she suddenly licked Reiner’s other arm that held the torch.
Krista started to laugh: ”See, she loves you Reiner. She even doesn’t bother you have a torch in your hand, you gained her trust pretty quickly”
He hadn’t noticed, but she was right. It amazed him that this creature would trust HIM. He started laughing too. Jonah then licked Krista’s hand, then Reiner’s again, then Krista’s again and the two blondes looked at each other in amazement and just couldn’t stop laughing for some reason. It lasted for a few minutes and both couldn’t remember the last time they were laughing that much. It was beautiful.
What is happening? Why is she so kind to me? What is she doing to me?
...
When they calmed down Reiner asked her: ”Krista, we got so distracted I totally forgot why you are even here, why weren’t you with the others?”
“I could ask you the same Reiner”, Krista responded with a raised brow.
“Well… I was falling asleep when we rested, it was a mistake to stay isolated from the rest”, Reiner replied trying not to sound too insecure.
“At least you’re both okay, that’s the most important thing. I noticed Jonah was missing when we arrived at the camp, so I went back to search for her. I don’t know if anyone else noticed”
A shock thrilled through Reiner’s heart: “...So you just went away to search without telling anyone?”, A worried look appeared on his face, “This is dangerous, especially in the dark!!”.
Krista stared at the ground: ”I just wanted to save her as quickly as possible, I didn’t think about anything else…”
Reiner put his hand on her shoulder: ”It’s okay Krista, sorry for raising my voice. You are not only strong, but very brave as well it seems. But please think about your own safety next time as well, okay?”
Krista evaded his look and took the reins: “Let’s go back, Reiner”
“...Wait, did you hear that too?” Reiner listened attentively.
“Wuh?”
Rustling. More rustling. Steps. This was definitely more than one pair of shoes…
When they turned around it was already too late. Ten torches appeared. They surrounded them completely, there was no way to escape. They looked quite poor and squalid. Three horses accompanied them. They looked like the kind of horses they got from the farm today, these people probably stole them from there. Reiner didn’t feel like they came with any good intentions, but he had to act naturally. And no way he would expose any kind of fear in front of Krista! Without even noticing he automatically pushed himself in front of her, a gesture of protection, a shield, her armour.
“Good evening folks, can we help you?”, Reiner initiated, trying to sound as chill as possible.
The figures approached even closer, diminishing the circle in between them.
“What are kiddos like you wandering alone in the forest at night?”, a bald man with only one eye replied and grinned.
“We’re walking home, no time for talks”, Reiner replied quickly.
“You look hungry, I still have a loaf of bread if you want that”, Krista said.
“Not interested”.
“Then there is no reason for us to stay, have a good night”, Reiner spoke.
“You were quite loud and talkative yourself this whole time, let us join”, another man with greasy, long hair mocked. He was dirty, intimidating and cunning. These people were probably a gang of bandits.
Krista walked in front of Reiner, breaking his protection: ”What do you want from us?!”
“...Easy doll”, the long haired man tried to calm her down before pointing at Jonah with his dirty fingers, “That’s a good horse for good money. Just give us that horse and you are free”.
“...Not quite, you’ll satisfy my needs tonight blondie, it’s been a week since I beat up some young female meat”, the one eyed man yelled.
“Shut the fuck up Greg”, the man with the long hair shouted who seemed to be the leader of the gang, “You’ll just fuck her to death again like last time so there’s nothing left for the others. The babe is mine tonight and mine alone”, he changed his look to Krista, “I promise I can make you enjoy it more than anything else love, you don’t have to be afraid”
Reiner and Krista were in shock. Reiner went in front of Krista again to protect her. He gave her a look that communicated “This will not happen no matter what, don’t worry. I’ll protect you”.
Jonah got unsettled. They looked around. Running away without any distraction would not work. They were completely surrounded and the bandits pointed their torches at them. Just trying to escape could be difficult without distraction. Damn!
“But that’s unfair if only you can have her, boss!!”, another squeaky voice cried in the background, “I have my needs too and I saw them first!!”
“You and the others can have the boy and now shut the fuck up before I kill you”
Reiner was shocked and disgusted , but wondered if they could use their dispute as a distraction… No, too many still paid attention. DAMN!!!
“Alright”, Krista replied while Reiner was still in his thoughts, taking Jonah’s reins, ready to move, breaking Reiner’s protection once again. Her knees did not shake. She looked determined.
“Krista!”, Reiner called with concern. What was she doing?
Krista leaned towards Reiner and whispered: ”Please trust me Reiner. None of that will happen, I know what I’m doing. Trust me”
Reiner was shocked and mesmerized at the same time, she was so strong. It was hard to let her walk towards them, but he wanted to trust her.
He nodded: “Alright, I trust you Krista. You can count on my back-up and support”.
She gave him a quick smile and then slowly moved forward with the horse. Reiner followed, ready to fight. He was scared, scared they would harm Krista, probably way more scared than her. But he wanted to trust her. And in the worst case he would fight. Even with the armour if necessary. Everything will be okay.
Krista moved slowly. She didn’t look afraid. At least she was good at hiding it. The only thing that could expose her fear was her quick and loud heartbeat. But if it meant becoming a hero, saving Reiner and the horse, she’d be ready to die here.
She handed the reins of Jonah to the boss of the gang.
“Good girl”, the boss said, “now let’s get-”
Suddenly Krista made some weird gestures and whistled something that sounded like a jingle. Everyone including Reiner looked at her in confusion, but it was already too late.
The horses listened and started acting. To everyone’s surprise Jonah and the other three horses were suddenly kicking. Kicking around like crazy. Knocking down one bandit after the next. Some remaining bandits tried to kill the horses after failing to tame them.
“DON’T!!”, the boss who was still up screamed while trying to tame Jonah, “Don’t kill our wares, we need the money you idiots, go tame them!!!”
Reiner used the chaos to go rush to Krista while knocking down anyone who came in his way. Jonah managed to break free from the gang leader’s grip, but did not manage to knock him out yet.
Observing the situation the boss grabbed Krista: ”What are you doing, make them stop or I’ll kill you!!
She tried to move, but it did not work.
“AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! Let me go you filthy bastard!!”, Krista shouted while trying to break free from his rude grip.
“You can’t expect me to be nice anymore, so now STOP THEM!!”
He picked out a knife and threatened to stab her.
But there was one thing this man forgot. Reiner.
The hit came quickly, unexpected and from behind. To Krista’s surprise Reiner’s movements looked quite trained and professional already. Reiner’s hit was a success, but not enough to knock the boss out.
The filthy man turned around quickly and used Krista as a shield.
“Hit me again and she is dead, boy”
Reiner winced.
“You can’t kill me if you need me to stop the horses!!”, Krista mocked.
“But I can hurt you dear”
Reiner would not allow this. “Harm a hair on Krista and I kill you!!!” His blood was boiling with anger and fear.
The boss put his cold and dirty knife at Krista’s neck.
“Watch out what you say boy”. He grinned maliciously.
“Run Reiner!”; Krista pleaded, “It’s too dangerous, run and save your life, it’s okay!”
Reiner raged in response: “Are you kidding me????? I’d rather die than leave you here. I’ll protect you with my life Krista”
As Reiner approached for another attack the boss held the knife tighter. Reiner didn’t want to risk the man harming Krista if he hit him again.
Krista tried to kick and lash out, but the grip was too tight.
“HOLY DAMN, WHAT IS THAT?!??!”, Reiner yelled in total confusion while pointing behind them.
Affect based the boss and Krista turned their heads around to look.
Perfect. This was such a cheap trick Porco once ‘taught’ him, but it would always work, no matter how strong the opponent was. Of course there was nothing behind them and Reiner just acted like an idiot. But by that the boss was distracted for a second and that was enough for a trained warrior like Reiner. He used the time he had and disarmed the boss quickly while kicking him in the shin with all his power. The poor man exclaimed in terrible pain and lightened his grip. Krista used the opportunity to kick him in the balls which made him express his agony even more. As a result he finally released Krista. But as she rushed away he was still quick enough to hold her arm, trying to beat her next. But Reiner was faster:
He hit him in the head and kicked him from behind that made the boss fall. He was finally knocked out. Everyone else was knocked out as well, the horses did a good job.
Krista rushed to Reiner and he just couldn’t help, but taking her tightly in his arms. And she accepted the embrace. They were just relieved. He was so big and warm, she could feel all his muscles, she could feel his rushed heartbeat, the life inside of him. It felt really good and comfortable in that embrace.
“Are you okay Krista??!!” His voice was shaking.
“I’m okay. Thank you Reiner, you saved me”
To Krista’s dismay Reiner loosened the tight already to muster her, to check if everything was alright with her indeed.
“You are incredible Krista, you were so selfless and strong, showed no fear, I was truly amazed! And how did you manage to command the horses to kick around, what was that gesture!!”
Krista laughed and felt flattered: ”Oh that was nothing. These horses are trained horses from the farm. In the lunch break I was still so interested after the lecture and still had so many questions that I asked the horse trainer. And she showed me some special commands for these military horses only. And the other three horses look like they are from there as well, they must have been stolen”. They looked at the horses behind them who seemed to be content with their achievement, neighing contently in the night.
“Yeah… Poor things. And yet you managed to remember and implemented it perfectly at the first try. This is so incredible Krista, the horses feel your kindness and know to trust you”
“You think so?”, She mustered his expression, trying to comprehend his mind.
“Yes. I once heard that if you treat animals well and they trust you it is a sign you have a beautiful soul. And I have never seen anyone ever being so good with horses like you Krista”
Krista blushed and was overwhelmed, it looked like she was in an inner fight: “I don’t know, I-”
“No need to be humble Krista, it is the truth! I know you have a beautiful soul and my three buddies behind me agree, right folks?”
The horses neighed in agreement. Both Reiner and Krista started to laugh again as they looked at each other in happiness.
“Thank you Reiner...You weren’t bad either, the horses like you too and you know some nice fighting moves”
Reiner grinned, feeling proud and at bliss receiving that compliment: “Thanks, I learned them in Ma- ehh My Hometown”. For a moment he really didn’t think and almost babbled like an idiot, sharing secret information harming the mission. But he felt so comfortable around her that forgot everything. For a second his heart stang, reminding him that he can never be closer with her, that he needs to focus on his mission, that she is supposed to be an island devil (which he still couldn’t believe anymore). But before these thoughts were able to possess him again he shoved them away. The mission can wait until tomorrow, it wouldn’t hurt anyone to just enjoy her company for only this night, right?
Krista dragged him out of his thoughts anyway. There was it again, this enchanting and stunning smile that was probably able to move mountains: “I’m just so glad you and the horses are okay”. She wiped away a tear. Reiner was enchanted indeed. Gotta marry her. This thought came out of nowhere and it surprised Reiner, but the warrior side of him was too weak at the moment to curse him for that. That gorgeous smile, that selfless kindness, her pretty laugh, her electrifying touch… Krista turned his sad world into a beautiful heaven and Reiner wanted to dwell in that for a while. And she wanted him to leave her behind, this was outrageous!!! From now on he would do his best to make her happy.
“Krista... I’m almost mad you wanted me to leave you behind you know, you can always count on me Krista. Now and in the future. I’m there in any situation. No matter what. Please remember!”
He was aware of what he was saying and he was serious about it. He knew ‘no matter what’ would include his mission as a warrior. So it was not only a promise to her, but also a commitment to himself. To protect her forever. To make her happy. He ignored the fact he would be a traitor in her eyes if she knew the truth, at the moment he felt too happy to allow any negativity.
Maybe all the rest of this cursed Paradis were island devils who deserved to die, but definitely not her. She wasn’t an island devil, no devil can be a goddess. No devil can fake such a genuine kindness. And this kindness touched his heart more than anything else his dark heart has experienced in life. In this tough situation he has seen again how selfless she was. It was incredible. And the way she was able to speak to horses… Amazing. She just broke down the armour around his heart as if it was nothing. Reiner felt like human for the first time. He was just a boy and she was just a girl. Or maybe an angel, he wasn’t sure yet.
Reiner’s words and loving expression must have triggered something in Krista as well: “Reiner… Thank you so much. I will remember”. A tear ran down her eyes, she wasn’t used to getting told something like this, it felt so unreal. She could not help but hug him again, she needed more of that warmth, “I wanna be there for you too Reiner, so please rely on me whenever you need me”
“Krista….”, Reiner uttered, unable to express what he felt, heck he even did not understand what he felt, how could he possibly express it then? The hug however was enough. There were no words that were more capable of showing what he felt, what he wanted to show her. This hug was everything, he wanted to stay there forever.
Sadly it did not last long again.
“REINER, BEHIND YOU!!!”, Krista suddenly screamed.
Reiner turned around quickly. It was the gang’s boss. He really got up again. Damn it! They really forgot everything around them while talking.
Reiner managed to counterattack at the last second.
“Reiner!!”, Krista exclaimed.
“Krista, please stay away, I’ll finish him off”, Reiner responded with an annoyed voice while exchanging hits and kicks with the boss.
“HAH no, I will finish YOU off kid”, the boss roared while fighting.
“But Reiner, I can’t just leave you alone”, Krista yelled.
“It’s okay Krista, we have to avoid the situation earlier at all costs, please stay away, I’ll finish him off”, Reiner panted while exchanging more hits and kicks, “I trusted in you and your abilities earlier and now I ask you to trust me”
Krista understood even if it was hard to not interfere to help him. But she understood.
“Alright Reiner, I’ll gather the horses, you can do it!”
While Krista gathered the horses the fight continued.
“What a cute couple you are, too bad for not any longer once I have killed you!”, the boss mocked.
Reiner growled, but it gave him even more strength to fight. And the boss noticed.
“You are only a kid, why are you so strong and not dead yet?!”, he shouted in anger.
“I’m a warrior you filthy island devil”, Reiner roared. For a moment he was scared Krista heard it and looked around to search for her, but she was still busy gathering the horses who got unsettled again, running around.
The boss did not comprehend what Reiner meant, but what did it matter. Reiner being distracted for a moment was his chance: In a sneaky surprise attack he pulled his knife out of nowhere and sliced Reiner’s throat, just through the main artery. The perfect spot to die. Reiner gasped for air, fell down and held his throat. Krista did not notice, she was too busy gathering Jonah who ran further away. Every now and then she would look in the direction where Reiner was and tried to understand what they were saying, but it was so dark and they didn’t have a torch, she could not see them. It was hard to not rush at Reiner’s side, but she said she would trust him. So she would only make sure to still hear his voice and his growling to know he was okay.
“And finally you die boy”, the boss grinned.
As a response, Reiner grinned as well: “I can’t die yet you devil. I need to fulfill my mission as a warrior. And I just told Krista she can count on me, I won’t disappoint her!”
The boss was confused Reiner could still talk, how was that possible?
“I sliced through your throat and your main artery. Face reality. You can’t survive this. What you gonna do about it?”
In an over-dramatic gesture Reiner slowly stood up and took his hands off his throat: ”Heal. I will heal you bastard”
Dark steam evaporated out of his throat. The wound began to close, the blood started to disappear.
The boss was discombobulated to say the least. He could feel how the wind was directing the steam into his face: “What?? How is that possible?? And you said I’m a devil?? You are the devil!!! What is this magic???”
This dude had no clue about titan powers. Reiner could kill him now, but messing around with him was more fun.
Reiner raised his hand, pretending to form a magic spell: “You wanna see more?”
He quickly looked back and forth to see if Krista was looking at him, it was hard to see anything in the dark. But Krista had the torch and he only saw the light in the distance, she would not see them. But good to know she was still near enough for him to know she was okay.
Reiner risked to allow a few little titan lightings to appear, the wound was still not completely gone after all. These lightings provided some nice drama effects and seeing this poor island devil’s shocked face was too amusing. If Krista noticed and would ask about it later on he would come up with a silly excuse.
“You’re right, I’m a magician. And I can see whatever you do, no matter where you are. So if you ever dare to harm anyone, be it stealing, murdering, raping, whatever, I will see it and my lighting will strike you to death. Wanna challenge it?”
But the poor bandid already escaped in panic.
A minute later Reiner met Krista again who gathered the horses, he was glad the wound was already healed by then so she didn’t have to worry.
“Reiner!”, Krista exclaimed with joy, “You made it! I tried to watch you fighting from a distance. I did not see much, but you were amazing, you are stronger than an ox!”
For a moment Reiner was afraid she saw him using his titan powers, his joke was quite irresponsible after all. If Bert - or even worse Annie - knew they would kill him. But to his luck this wasn’t the case and she didn’t notice anything. For a moment he feared Annie and Bert would kill him either if they knew about Krista, but seeing Krista’s adorable expression just now made him forget about these worries completely again.
“Are you hurt?” She looked at him and used the light of the torch to muster him all over. “No, you don’t even have a scratch!”
Reiner smirked: “I told you you can trust me like I trusted you earlier. We are a good team. We understand each other. Thank you Krista”. The smugly smirk turned into a blissful smile. This made him truly happy. They started walking ‘home’, to the training grounds with the horses. They could take care of the stolen horses tomorrow, for now they just needed to arrive at the camp safe and sound.
“You know what is weird Reiner…”, Krista started.
“Mhm?”, Reiner replied while looking at her attentively.
“I have only known you since today, but I feel like I know you so much longer already. Apart from this terrible incident with the bandits you made me smile and laugh so much tonight and I want to thank you for that. I can’t remember the last time I have laughed for minutes. Thank you for saying I’m strong, and the fact you had faith in my abilities proves you were serious. And I think I can trust you as well, you seem to be very reliable and trustworthy”
Reiner was speechless. A storm of positive feelings raged inside of him like wild butterflies, but it was more than that… It was just absolute bliss.
Krista continued: ”I don’t know what it is Reiner, but I think there is something that connects our souls”
Reiner was completely baffled, but in a positive way, still comprehending this person was real: “Krista...I think I know what you mean. I cannot describe it, but I feel the same way. Something is connecting us. You expressed it in such a beautiful way. So much that I want to remember your words forever”.
There was no way he could not stop smiling like an idiot.
“I can help out with the remember part”, Krista ginned back.
“Mhh?”
Krista pointed her finger up in the sky: ”Look up at the stars Reiner, do you see this especially bright group of stars that look like a box with tails?”
He was able to see it immediately. It was quite big and brighter than all other stars.
“I can see it!”
“This is a star constellation. It's Pegasus, the winged horse”.
“It’s gorgeous!”
“This is visible every fall. These stars are connected to each other and shine so brightly together. Just like us. And just like them I think we might be able to create beautiful things together as well. So whenever you see the Pegasus, this star constellation every fall, it will remind you our souls are connected. And we’ll think about each other”
Reiner got up and opened the window. It was a clear night. He took a deep breath for some fresh air as if he tried to cleanse his soul with it. Then he looked up. And there it was, the Pegasus. Tears came into his eyes. There was no way he could still sleep. Instead Krista occupied his mind for the rest of the night, but he would allow it. And it felt good out of the sudden, it was healing now after remembering their moments. The pain would surely come back. But for this night, as long as he saw the Pegasus in the night sky he just wanted to dwell upon the bliss she gave him. He just wanted to feel human for this night.
“Thank you for breaking the armour around my heart”.
He wondered what she was doing, desiring to know how she felt in that moment, wanting to be there for her, to be with her. He could only hope she was safe and happy.
“Are you thinking about me too, Historia?”