Ani came to her senses when she heard the raindrops crashing on the roof. Pen × fun × Pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 ｉｎｆｏ

This sudden burst of rain may have just begun to fall, and it seems a little sparse and irregular rain. The rainfall is so small that there is even a way to name each raindrop. The sound was so faint that it seemed to stop abruptly, but it was enough to wake Ani from her sleep.

The cold air outside made Ani shrink into the quilt, but her little snow-white hand was placed outside the quilt, and she still held a silver seal in her hand.

The room was dark, and there was barely any sound other than the rain.

“―――”

The rain outside the window was getting heavier and heavier.

Stepping on the creaking stairs, Arnie came downstairs.

The rest of the team had been waiting downstairs for a long time.

"Yo yo, good morning, did the beauty princess sleep comfortably last night?" Fidi, the most famous poisonous tongue girl in the team. Although the strength is not very strong, the mouth is very sharp. Usually extremely hostile to Ani, as if there is a natural enmity between the two people. However, it is usually Fidi who takes the initiative to provoke, and Arnie basically ignores this low-level taste.

“…………”

Arnie walked silently to the end of the line and stopped against the corner. She looked calmly ahead, automatically ignoring the noise in her ears.

"Tsk, you this!"

Fidi was furious when Ani ignored him, and when he tried to go up to do something at Ani's cold face, he was stopped by the captain who suddenly appeared.

"Shut up, Fidy!"

Nadel, the leader of the detachment, stepped in and forcibly separated Fidi and Ani.

"You're too much to do, Fidy! Even if you're the girlfriend of the captain in Toronto, you can't always be so foolish, don't forget what day today wants me to report to the captain in Toronto on your recent performance?! ”

Phiddy was anxious when she heard that Nadel was going to tell the captain of Toronto, but she didn't dare to continue to do anything out of the ordinary.

Glaring at Arnie fiercely, Fidd turned her head angrily and stopped talking. After all, Nader is still her chief, so Fidi doesn't dare to mess around.

Just as the rain began to turn to a light rain, Ani felt a familiar sound of footsteps approaching the utility room.

The person who came was a middle-aged man.

「…………」

Arnie just glanced at the visitor and lost interest. There is no memory of who came, just an ordinary clerk who is usually responsible for issuing tasks to them.

The man and the captain had a few conversations, and the two of them glanced at Anina from time to time while chatting. It didn't take long for the two to seem to be arguing, and the captain's face turned blue.

- Smack!

"What a bastard!!"

"The mission has been issued, and if you don't do it, you will disobey the order! You'd better figure out who you are, Naddell! ”

There seems to be a bit of a runaway between the two. The team members looked at them in amazement. Nadel looked at the players as their throats squirmed, but he didn't say anything. Turning around, he whispered a few words to the civil official, who only snorted coldly, but left without continuing to entangle.

「…… Have you compromised?"

Although he didn't know what was going on, Arnie thought it was the captain who agreed to the clerk to get out. It's just that the captain's face is very ugly, and the way he looks at himself has become strange from the beginning.

「…… Something seems to have happened, but it's best not to be nosy, lest you get into unnecessary trouble." Thinking like this, Ani lowered her head and didn't say anything, her eyes just staring at the silver badge in her hand as if nothing had happened.

The curtain came down on such a noisy atmosphere.

"Let's go!!"

The captain gave the order, and the team of eleven people slowly left the dormitory. Step out of the tall buildings, past a brightly coloured garden, and finally head straight into the city center via Central Boulevard. The road seemed calm and safe. After all, this is the capital of the whole of humanity, and the center of power.

Walking on the clean and tidy stone road, the crowds come and go very densely. Roadside stalls are lined with handicraft goods, and you can occasionally find some good items from them, but they are usually not cheap.

Today's weather is very gloomy, but it gets brighter after noon.

Especially when the first light broke through the thick dark clouds and shone on Ani's body, it was as if a faint golden light enveloped her, like a blonde angel coming out of the divine realm.

……………

Walking ahead, Captain Nadel suddenly stopped.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I have some things to do next, so I'll ask someone else to lead the patrol later. Nadel said with an unnatural expression. He handed over command of the team to another member of the team, and his face hurriedly disappeared into the sidewalk. This scene is a little strange to everyone, but since it is an order, it can only be followed, right?

With that in mind, the team began to act again.

「…… Like, something is wrong."

Although Arnie still walked at the back of the line with her head down and not saying a word, she was actually gradually becoming alert.

"Delusion? It always feels like there are fewer and fewer people around here."

This Marian Road is not as busy as the Central Plaza, but it is the only way to the Central Plaza. In normal times, there are trade vendors, horse-drawn carriages, and the crowded roads are often so crowded that the gendarmerie has to maintain order.

Whew, a fallen leaf blew under Ani's feet.

Arnie stopped and looked behind her.

There was not a single pedestrian in the cold streets, and even the noisy cries of the past had disappeared. The houses on both sides of the street are closed with their doors and windows, and the shops and the like have long since closed. As for the human beings, there is no trace of them, and it is like a town after being attacked by giants, with a hint of gloom in the silence.

"Hey! Ani, what are you doing in a daze? Hurry up and keep up. ”

The acting captain noticed that Arnie had fallen behind and shouted at her.

Ani saw the acting captain's arm waving at him and nodded to him, and ran up trotting all the way to catch up with the group.

In the process of running, Ani's vigilance has been raised to the highest, and the silver badge in his hand is even more cold sweat on his hand.

"What's wrong...... It's going to happen."

――――――――

A month ago.

Char carried Ani to an abandoned hut and hid him, and then immediately began to talk about the plan without taking him to rest for a while, but was immediately silent. Because he noticed that something was not quite right with Ani's appearance.

Although it was difficult to see her expression due to the darkness of the room, her eyes could still be seen with slight pupils, and they even looked like they were congested.

「…………」

The correct way to say it is that I just finished crying.

It was as if the excitement had not calmed down.

But I can't feel the sadness from Ani's body, this must be some kind of crying of joy, right?

However, Char couldn't ask why. Judging from Ani's expression, it is not difficult to imagine that this is a matter of personal privacy, and casual inquiry is certainly not the best way.

Again.

The relationship between the two is completely different now. Questions that can be asked casually without any psychological burden are now difficult to ask. Ani and Char are now in a period of ambiguity above friends and below lovers, and during this time, the emotional boundaries between the two are the most blurred, and one may accidentally cross the line.

Of course, it's not a shameful question, it's just a little overwhelmed.

Ani is a girl anyway, and she has already said something like "entrusting my body and mind to you", which is already a confession in a way, right? However, Char is still a little entangled now, and for more than two years, he has been used to the kind of friend-like relationship with Ani, and it is naturally a little awkward to suddenly turn into a lover-like relationship.

But as time goes by, the estrangement and awkwardness between the two become less and less, and the hearts of the two will be like magnets at the north and south poles to unconsciously attract each other's approach. Hmm, is this the legendary scientific interpretation version of a thousand-mile marriage?

"Are you alright, Ani?"

Char gently supported Ani's face with both hands, and the moment the two looked at each other, the uneasiness and excitement in Ani's heart instantly calmed down.

Today's Char can only show this level of thoughtfulness in this stupid way.

There was probably two or three minutes of silence.

Ani sighed deeply, and then said in a heavy tone:

"Now...... It's really inseparable, Char. ”

"What's wrong?"

"Char, I'm a murderer. Do you know how many people I've killed along the way? They are all innocent human beings, but I killed them mercilessly for my personal ends. Are you going to accept such an executioner? ”

"Of course, isn't it?"

"But when I kill humans, I naturally become enemies of them. So Char, do you also plan to stand on the opposite side of humans? Including Mikasa, Allen, and Amin, did they become enemies together?! ”

Ani's eyes were red, and her hands were gently placed on Char's arms. This may be a kind of temptation, as if he was afraid that Char would refuse in the next second and turn away, Ani grabbed Char's arm with a lot of force, and even faintly heard the sound of bones.

Char sighed heavily.

"This idiot is still worried about this kind of thing. But it's not so much that she's worried about me betraying her, it's more that she's worried about what I'm going to become, right?"

"Stupid, you're thinking too much." Char gently stroked Ani's head, although Char's expression could not be seen in this room, Ani could also imagine that the other party must be looking at him with a helpless smile. That kind of doting eyes like looking at a child in his own family who has not grown up always appear in Ani's mind.

Not......

Ani shook her head gently as if she was resisting, but this action was like rubbing her body against her master's cat, more like she was coquettish than resisting.

Char smiled and rubbed Ani's hair, then withdrew his hand and whispered, "Hmph, don't worry about that Ani." I have already made a choice between humanity and you, and of course nothing has changed in the end, but I have chosen you. Can you understand my feelings a little bit by saying that? ”

"Even if you are enemies of humans?"

"Even if you destroy them as a demon king, it doesn't hurt."

Char responded categorically.

Things ahead can be hard and bloody, and Arnie knows best.

But Char chose her without any hesitation, which made Arnie very relieved and felt a little guilty at the same time. After all, Char was originally the hero of mankind and the strongest hope, but because of himself, Char had to bear the name of a traitor. As soon as he thought of this, Arnie's heart was not happy because Char chose himself.

And Ani thinks that her ability to adapt to this hellish life has a lot to do with her own childhood experiences. I can bear a lot, even if I have the consciousness of killing my companions. But Ani doesn't think that Char can kill Mikasa, and there are so many student companions besides Mikasa, Char will definitely not kill them, which is Char's biggest weakness.

Although Char looks very cold on the surface, Arnie knows Char's heart very well. Always likes to arm himself with a cold appearance, but in fact he is a very kind person. He never stays out of his friends when they are in danger, and is often the first to rush out. Although they don't say it in their mouths, everyone's hearts have long longed for and feared Char.

So if Char did something against his personal will for his own sake, Ani couldn't forgive himself for being so selfish.

"Sure enough, Char is still ......"

"Let's go together. Arnie! ”

Char held out his palm to Arnie.

"Let's go together."

"Huh?"

"I promise you that I will protect you until the time of departure, so come with me Ani!"

Unlike Arnie's thoughts, Char thought that although it might be riskier than fleeing alone, Char still had the confidence that she could save the day. It is not the first time he has encountered such a difficult situation, and the experience of overcoming these difficulties again and again has created this self-confidence. Char's body contains a firm will that is more indestructible than steel.

And the biggest source of his self-confidence is his strong strength.

Maybe it's because Char's self-confidence has infected Arnie's mood, even if it is impossible to erase the previous gray thoughts because of this, but now Arie at least wants to try to believe. I believe that even this kind of self may be able to survive the crisis under Char's protection.

The reason why Char wanted to leave with Ani was not because he was worried about her safety, but because Ani himself wanted to do so.

Even if Ani doesn't have to say anything about Char, she can sense Ani's desire for relief. The real murderer will not feel pain and remorse for killing for himself, and only those who are forced to kill will be tortured by the kindness and justice in their hearts to the point that life is worse than death. To put it simply, Ani herself longs for liberation, longing for the day when she can leave such a world, even at the cost of her dazzling young life.

Arnie gently squeezed Char's outstretched palm.

I don't know if it's because of the chill or the fear of the difficulties she may have to face in the future, her palms trembled slightly.

"It's all on me."

Char smiled and gently shook Ani's small hand.

"Then, the contract is established."

Arnie didn't know whether she was crying or laughing, but in this strange mood of sadness and joy, she agreed to leave with Char. Although Arnie didn't understand what Char meant by "Let's go with him" at all, did he mean dying together or leaving the human world together? But Arnie didn't care about these things anymore, she just wanted to take a good rest now, let her tired body and heart rest well in his warm arms.

――Night――――

The bright moonlight hung from the branches, and the low roar of the beast faintly came from the forest.

Char opened his eyes.

- Phew!

The blood-red pupils dilated instantly, and Senhan's killing intent covered the entire periphery of the room.

The beasts that had come from the woods, smelling the smell of blood, fled. Perhaps for these beasts who don't have much intelligence, Char's existence is as inoffensive as the king of the race. Coupled with the fact that he was saddled with the chains of the real "evil of the world", Char could easily pinch all the creatures in front of him with just a slight movement.

"Hmm......"

Arnie leaned on Char's shoulder and shivered.

Like a delicate doll, the girl held herself tightly in her arms with both hands, and continued to resist the feeling of despair that kept coming like waves. The skin, which is known as white porcelain, has lost its blood, and the dignified face of worry brews an atmosphere of tears, so that the long hair that resembles gold threads also looks a little moist.

"It's a disgusting thing."

Char hugged Ani's body behind his back, using his strength to gradually increase his body temperature to drive away the cold for Ani. Ani's frowning brow gradually relaxed, and the hand that clenched his arms was released. It's like she's lost her body, and she's completely dependent on Char to hold her behind her back.

After a while, Char heard Ani's steady breathing.

"Whew... Whew......"

"Hmph, it's like a child."

Char smiled and quietly looked around. The darkness of the room was silent. Although a faint moonlight barely penetrated through the gap in the curtains lit the bed, the room was still almost dark. If your eyes weren't used to the darkness, you wouldn't even be able to tell your own shape.

This private room, which is at least twenty square meters in size, is not very spacious for two people, but it is large enough for hiding. The dilapidated furniture, the collapsed half of the roof, and the eerie air flowing through the room, the haunted house-like place is the best place for Char and Ani to live, which is truly a great irony for the two monster-level humans.

"It's a little scary."

Char, who was secretly muttering in her heart, felt a deep feeling of tiredness.

"Sure enough, this body is completely incomparable to my heyday self. But it's time for this tired human body to rest."

Char has long been accustomed to falling asleep alone, but today is the first time she has fallen asleep with others.

Slightly, a little happy.

…………

…………

"Hoo ......"

A silvery glow

Gradually shining from the rooftop.

In the corner, teenagers and girls are sleeping in front of the bloody wall.

They each wore smiling expressions and fell asleep.

―――――――――――――――

Early the next morning.

The sun is shining and the sky is cloudless.

It's a good day to walk in normal times, but today it's okay.

Awakened from a deep sleep, Char and Ani stepped out of the gloomy hut and looked at the sun hanging high in the sky outside, and a feeling of rebirth filled their bodies.

"Hmm...!"

Ani stretched his waist greatly, the bones in his body crackled, and all the fatigue of the night seemed to be much easier.

Ani suddenly found that Char was looking at him intently, and with an expression that seemed to be smiling but not smiling, Arnie's face turned red unnaturally.

"Ani, remember what we decided?"

Ani took out a silver seal from his bosom, and the seal was engraved with the word "soul".

"Of course, Char."

"Well, don't forget that we've decided to forget about today's events once we return to the human world. Until the time comes for us to return, we can't do it lightly. Especially killing. Char said.

"Yes." Arnie nodded.

"That means, though, without threatening you. If someone dares to threaten your life or even put you in danger. Don't hesitate to trample him into a pile of pulp! And I'll be there within five minutes of your danger, and this "blue bird" is my ears and eyes, and you have to take care of it. ”

Ani cautiously withdrew the seal named "Blue Bird" into his arms, and a gentle color flashed in his eyes.

"Huh...... Let's go. ”

Char didn't say much, just smiled and rubbed Ani's hair and headed on.

"You really coax me like a little ghost again!"

Ani pursed her lips a little unhappily. But the next second she let out a long sigh with a helpless smile on her face. Forget it, this Char is the real Char, no matter what you do or say, you always like the guy who takes everything on his own and leaves the joy to others.

At this time, Char, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped and turned around with a dissatisfied face.

"Hey, what are you waiting for, Ani? Hurry up or I'll leave you behind. ”

The road is lined with ruined walls, and trees stand in the middle of the forest.

The sun shines through the gaps in the leaves.

"Yes!"

Cheerfully responded.

The boys and girls who made the contract embarked on the road back to the human world on the golden road guided by the sun.

-- Rustle.

The wind was blowing, and the swaying branches waved their arms like goodbye.

The figures of the two people gradually disappeared at the end of the road.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Half a month ago.

Survey Corps station.

In the Arnos Alec region, in a castle.

In the conference room of the castle, there was a cacophony of noises.

The soldiers standing outside the door frowned tightly as the quarrel inside had grown louder.

"There's nothing wrong with that! Char must have something to do with that giantess, and that giantess is likely to be the top three in the same class, Ani Leonard! ”

There is a large round table in the conference room with twelve benches in front of the table.

The secret meeting included Captain Marvin, Captain Levi, Mikasa, Amin, Allen, Jean, Connie, Sasha (White Potato Girl), Hanji and many others. And the person who just got up with the case is the mad scientist who is fanatical about studying giants, Han Ji. Zoye.

But she wasn't angry, but shouted with the same fervor and excitement as Scrooge who had discovered a huge gold mine.

"Han Ji has no evidence, you'd better not talk nonsense!"

"Disappear at the same time, appear in the wall at the same time. I've already investigated, and the girl named Ani disappeared for two whole days on the pretext of sick leave, and it wasn't until the night half a month ago that she appeared out of nowhere. At the same time Draco. D. Char has also returned to the human world! Do you want to say that there is no connection between the two? ”

"Of course there is no contact! Ani only rested for two days after getting approval, and Char chose to sacrifice himself to save me and Mikasa and almost died in that forest!! Besides, how could Arnie be a giantess, and Char couldn't help a murderer to harm us! ”

Alan retorted angrily. For him, Char is like an older brother, and naturally he can't allow others to insult him indiscriminately. What's more, the current situation is not as simple as insulting, if the reality is really like that, then Char is likely to become the most heinous criminal who betrayed humanity.

"Really?!" Han Jiyin smiled and pushed his glasses. "Then explain why a man of good standing would suddenly be cruel to his companions? Don't tell me you forgot who gave Commander Levi a week in bed! ”

Han Ji stretched out his hand and pointed at Levi beside him, and yelled at Allen like a general who had won a big battle.

Captain Levi: "............"

"I'm going to kill you later...... Han Ji."

"Char isn't that kind of person! Although he is sometimes very angry and has a bad mouth, he is a very trustworthy person! Right? Tell me about it, too, Mikasa! Alan retorted fiercely.

At this time, Mikasa, who was sitting next to Alan, was in a state of distraction, and no matter how Eren shouted at her, she didn't react with a feeling of distraction.

"Hmm—" Alan looked at Mikasa with a helpless expression.

Ever since Char returned from the outside world half a month ago, Mikasa has become like this. According to the words of the eyewitness White Potato Woman, it was a certain woman who was going to go out to find food to eat (steal food) one night and accidentally bumped into Mikasa and Char talking. The two of them were arguing fiercely about something in the living room, and then Mikasa was very angry and slapped Char and walked away......

"I said yes! You stupid little ghost! ”

"Who's that stupid little ghost, you four-eyed old woman!"

"Do you want to fight?!"

"Come on, come on, am I afraid of a dead old woman!?"

Before he finished speaking, Allen and Han Ji directly fought.

One bites with his teeth, and the other pounces on it and scratches it with his fingernails.

Ah Ming around him loudly dissuaded the two of them, but he didn't dare to step forward to stop them. And Jean, the sweet potato girl, Connie and the others just shouted loudly on the side, shouting "Come on, Allen!" and so on, and then was beaten by Captain Malven with an iron fist and quieted.

- Bang!

"Ouch! Who kicked my ass?! Han Ji suddenly let out a painful cry.

Captain Levi, who was standing beside Han Ji, glanced at him with squinted eyes and said lightly, "...... I don't know. ”

Mikasa watched the farce coldly.

Her eyes reflected the candles on the table, flickering with the light of the fire.

Gradually.

Time seems to have stopped moving forward.

Click.

History.

Started reversing.

――

Click-la-la-la......

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