Hi everyone. I apologise for not updating. I've been so busy lately. I've just finished my very first semester of university as a second year student and I am now off for over 4 weeks. Just recently I attended my second Supanova convention in Sydney and I had the privilege to meet one of my favourite voice actors Vic Mignogna as well as perform my very first cosplay skit for SNK with my sister. I cosplayed Ymir and it was the best Saturday ever! I had my very first taste of fame. I'd like to perform another skit with my sister… maybe not SNK this time but who knows. Now I have SMASH convention to look forward to. Hopefully I'll have manoeuvre gear this time round. I have a long period to make it now that it's the holidays. I've decided to cosplay Hanji.

Anyhow, why am I introducing Marco so late? Am I that desperate for Jean to find his soul mate in life? Sorry. No smut it this chapter but a lot of fluff and it's extra long too. This took me at least four days to write… urgh. This story is turning out to be more challenging than I expected it too. I hope you enjoy it!

Captain Levi, Eren, his crew and fleet of free men had left Port Hermiha before the sun had even risen. Eren stood at the bow sprit wrapped in thick warm blankets but still shivering from the cold. From the north, blew a chilling wind that stung like millions of tiny needles against his skin, his lips were almost blue, skin pale matching the colour of the billowing sails. The powerful wind sent storm clouds to cover what little light there was that morning, covering the sky with a thick blanket of stormy grey. Distant thunder rumbled in the far north east and it only increased Eren's fear of the horrors they were to face at the Kingdom of Utopia. The pungent aroma of salt invaded his nostrils whenever the bow of the Maria would come into contact with a larger wave, sending a spray of icy sea water onto the front deck and onto his upper body. His brown tussled hair was drenched with it. Small rivulets of water dripped down the back of his neck, leaving a trail of cracked dry salt in the process.

Eren scanned the horizon line. Nothing lay ahead of them but the bleak dark expanse of open water, painted with the white of sea foam and the thundering storm clouds above. He turned his head to look behind him. The crew were busy at their stations, securing the sails tightly for the incoming storm, rolling the last of the provisions and gun powder down into the decks below. They spoke little, preferring to speak in hushed whispers amongst one another. The fifteen year old looked further and beyond he could see his Captain's fleet. Instead of the imposing, proud and unbeatable aura he had hoped to feel, he merely saw the eerie shadows and outlines of the masts and sails. Each tall ship hung a lantern at the bow sprit, their warm orange yellow flames were the only available light source within the darkness. Further on, Port Hermiha was now merely a strip of grey dotted with faint lights from the inns and town houses that lined beach. He then swallowed an uncomfortable lump that sat at the base of his throat and re-directed his gaze back to the open ocean in front of him.

Eren tightly clutched the blanket engulfing his lean figure not wanting to look at the almost supernatural landscape behind him. In just two days, they would be bearing down on Utopia under the cover of darkness. He prayed the Commodore wouldn't anticipate their surprise attack. Who knows how many spies had been sent to warn the Commodore of their plans once they reached the Norther border. They were probably on the ship this very moment... but Eren had no evidence to back that theory. There were far too many men.

"Eren, climb up the Mizzen mast and help Gin with the sails" Petra instructed, her crisp voice breaking his thoughts. Eren sighed, not exactly in the mood to work but masked his true feelings.

Petra tossed him a dark green woolen cloak with a hood.

"Take this and keep warm. Once the sails are done, you get yourself to the lower deck and warm up. The cook is preparing everyone cocoa"

Eren nodded. He shivered once he discarded the blanket. The cold air was like knives against his skin. He quickly draped the cloak around his shoulders, relishing its softness and slipped on the hood, tucking his ears behind the fabric to keep them warm. The climb up the mizzen mast was surprisingly difficult. The wind was so strong it made Eren lose his grip on the rigging. It it weren't for Gin's sharp keen senses he would have fallen into the icy grey depths below.

"Careful there lad. We can't have you falling and dying of hypothermia!" Gin said, helping up the mast.

Eren smiled and began to help his comrade secure the rough canvas to the mast. There was no use worrying. He had to help his friends whatever way possible. The job was long and labourous, Eren's fingers were numb, his hands pale and his knuckles turning blue. He had never been this cold before. Below he watched Levi steer the ship forward, his eyes matched the incoming storm ahead of them, icy and resolute. He admired his Captain's perseverance. If only he could be as strong as the person he cared for.

After another agonizing few minutes, the heavy and somewhat damp fabric was securely fastened and the two men happily descended the rigging and to the warm confines of the lower deck. The men welcomed Gin and Eren, nodding their good days and talked in soft whispers amongst themselves. Eren was surprised to find Jean present amongst the group and more annoyed when he was somewhat pushed and shoved by older crew members to the corner where Jean sat. He didn't was to associate himself with the Jean Kirschtein what so ever but what could he do? He looked at Jean's astonishingly subdued and despondent facial expression before giving him a curt nod of recognition.

The cook began pouring steaming hot cocoa into mugs that were passed round the cold and miserable crew. Eren gratefully accepted a mug, warming his hands from the heat of the liquid contents before blowing the surface of it. The bitter sweet liquid warmed his frigid body and soon like the rest of the crew, was finally content, even if he was sitting next to the person whom he distrusted immensely. Luxuries such as short bread and rye wafers were passed round along with the cocoa.

Eren dipped a short bread biscuit into the steaming brown liquid, watching the biscuit slowly absorb the liquid then happily took a bite, crunching the sweetened crisp cake before taking a grateful swallow. Bite after bite, he quickly devoured the small luxurious food item with relish. He was partly despondent once he had finished all three of them. His stomach growled slightly and he clutched it. He was still hungry.

"Here... you... you can have mine"

Eren looked at Jean Kirschtein in astonishment then directed his gaze to the hand that offered the round golden yellow short bread biscuit. Eren's mouth watered. Jean's offer was tempting and he was still very hungry. But he still didn't trust this young man.

"It's not poisoned if that's what you're thinking Jaeger. I got this from the Cook just like everyone else. You're still hungry right? Take it. I mean it" Jean said sincerely.

Eren frowned but finally he slowly extended a free hand and tentatively accepted the short bread. For a split second, there fingers brushed against each other but only just. Jean could feel the callouses from sword combat on Eren's fingertips and from the duties on board the Maria.

Still frowning Eren nodded his thanks then began to nibble away at the short bread until it finally disappeared.

"You're welcome" Jean replied, taking another swig from his half finished but still hot cocoa.

The silence between the two was deafening, despite the fact they were surrounded by other members of the crew. Jean gulped down the rest of his cocoa then traced the smooth rim of the porcelain mug with his index finger. He really wanted to get to know Eren, to befriend him. Part of him inside, reasoning told him not too... he was after all an assassin hired to acquire Eren's voice and abilities. Now, he just wanted to forget all that and get close to Eren as much as possible. He liked the fiesty young man. He had finally come to terms with his feelings but he knew deep down they would never be reciprocated. Eren had someone else much to Jean's dismay. The only thing he could do now was get close to the former merman and be his friend. Just gaining Eren's trust would be more than enough for Jean. Because of his occupation, he never had anyone he considered a close or dearest friend and comrade.

Jean ran his fingers through his hair in embarrassment.

"Uh... Jaeger do you remember when I tried to apologize to you? About hitting your jaw? Well... this isn't easy for me to say..."

Jean sighed.

"I meant what I said. I really am sorry"

Eren looked at Jean skeptically.

"I know you think I'm a spy... but what evidence do you have? I'd be one of many spies to join your Captain's crew"

Eren huffed. That was true. More then 350 men had joined Levi's fleet. There would be many assassins among the cutthroats yet he was that determined to only single out one man. Jean may not even be an assassin as he stated. Yes Jean was gifted with a sword and hand to hand combat. He had seen him spar and practice with the elder crew and as well as experience it first hand. Yet, he was just as talented in combat... they were valuable assets for Levi's crew, for any sea faring man whether it be a pirate, naval officer or sea merchant.

Eren took Jean's hand and traced a message. It took a few tries until Jean could comprehend what he was trying to convey.

"You have a point... but I still don't trust you"

Jean rolled his eyes and he looked at Eren with annoyance.

"Apart from that one incident when I collided my fist in your fucking face, what makes you hate me so much? You deserved it anyway! You were just as guilty starting the fist fight"

Eren drank the rest of his cocoa and felt his anger begin to boil in the pit of his stomach. He sighed. There was no use getting angry at a time like this, not when the men were enjoying their last hours as free men before they enter battle at Utopia. He didn't know why Jean aggravated him so much. He never met someone who's personality clashed against his own so violently. Eren secretly envied Jean's perceptiveness and quick thinking skills although he constantly denied it.

Eren shrugged, unable to find an answer to give to Jean.

Jean sighed.

"Well then, do you think we can start over? I mean we are going to be fighting along side each other" Jean reasoned logically.

Eren wanted very much to turn down Jean's offer, however doing so would be childish, selfish and not to mention, prejudiced. Eren didn't want to come across as a stubborn idiot and a fool. He had no issue with the other new members currently with the two. Releasing one last sigh of deep annoyance he finally made his decision.

Eren took Jean's hand one last time and traced a message.

"I still don't trust you... but I have no evidence that label you as an assassin... I'll call a blood truce"

Jean winced when he watched Eren's sharp white canine teeth pierce the skin of his right fist. A small trail of blood, brilliant red glistened in the dim lamp lighting of the galley.

Jean raised his fist hesitantly. He thought about his espionage mission and the reward money for Levi's head. That seemed so insignificant to him now. What mattered to him now was just fighting alongside Eren. Furrowing his eyebrows he harshly bit into his raised fist. For a brief moment he felt the sharp stinging sensation then a dull ache as his teeth bit into his warm flesh. On his tongue, he tasted the metallic salty taste of his own blood.

Grimacing at both the pain and the tang of blood in his mouth he extended palm to Eren.

"I intend to keep your blood truce, Jaeger"

Eren clasped Jean's hand tightly. In the dim lighting, Eren's usual sparkling aquamarine eyes had dulled into a deep teal, the same as harbour water. Jean felt the short hairs at the nape of his neck stand up on end, a tremor running down his spine. Eren's eyes bore straight into his soul. He would never get accustomed to the passion within them. They were beautiful but so dangerous.

"Do we have an accord?"

Commodore Erwin Smith trembled in his thick leather over coat lined with fleece. Although it was not uncommon for the temperatures to drop in the Northern borders, he never remembered it being this cold in Port Hermiha. The wind blew clouds from the North, casting the city in shadow. What little light remained had just disappeared behind this heavy blanket of clouds and fog. At the wall of Port Trost, he watched silently as waves crashed into the granite stone, drenching the watchmen and soldiers on the lower levels in ice cold salt water as they tried to fight their way up to higher ground and to safety. Not a single ship was docked outside the walls. Not even his Armada. Mother nature had more or less forced him to order his men to moor their ships into safer coves a little away from Port Trost… but that didn't mean he regretted his decision. In fact, quite the contrary.

The open ocean was hell itself. It was a suicide mission for anyone to sail these stormy waters. Yet that man, Captain Levi Rivaille had the insanity to sail on those treacherous waters. If he was lucky, the good for nothing Captain Levi and his miscreants would drown at sea then he wouldn't have to deal with the scum. But he couldn't wish for the best. Captain Levi was a survivor, as if God himself had urged that good for nothing man to live. He survived a fatal wound that he inflicted on the Captain himself. He was spared from drowning and bleeding to death by that traitorous merman Eren Jaeger. He was informed by his secretary, Lieutenant Nanaba and his spies that he and his crew had survived a hurricane at sea and managed to dock safely in Port Hermiha, the sea port known for piracy. How can a man so evil be blessed by God? How was he able to live and survive so much?

For the past several days he had been preparing for this battle. He had more than enough strong men to fight alongside him, although many were from neighbouring kingdoms. The Utopians were not so willing as he had perceived them to be. He conscripted the civilians, every able body man was considered an asset, even if they had not fighting experience. He could sympathise with the terrified men to an extent. They had seen enough blood shed these past several weeks but what the Commodore could not understand was their reluctance to fight Captain Levi. They had seen his blood thirsty nature and now Utopia and its people had been given the chance to defeat and overthrow that man.

He brushed his thoughts aside, tucking his chilled and chapped hands deeper into the over coat pockets. He had seen little of Admiral Pixis. In fact he had not seen the ageing naval officer since that assassin Jean Kirschtein had set sail for Utopia. He had overheard rumours from the younger privates and less experienced men that the officer had taken up the habit of drinking, locked himself away in his office. He refused to partake in what he deemed 'a foolish and unnecessary battle. A fight that will cost the lives of many innocents'. Erwin was somewhat ashamed and disgusted with his superior's sudden sentiment. His men needed the Admiral's advice and guidance yet he refused to fight. At a crucial period such as this, it was inevitable that sacrifices will be made and blood will be spilt.

"Good evening Commodore Smith. I see you're still out in the cold. Is it wise for you to be out in the open? The men don't want their Commander of the fleet assassinated"

Commodore Dietrich ascended the granite steps behind him.

"Good evening Dietrich"

Erwin said nothing more. He didn't feel like having a decent conversation. He was too anxious.

"Smith, the men fear for you. Let the men keep watch. Hopefully Captain Levi and his fleet have drowned at sea. Even a man like him cannot fathom the cruelty of mother nature. Besides, those miscreants would have just left Port Hermiha. It would take them at least two to four days to travel to Utopia" Commodore Dietrich said, standing next the Erwin.

"Do not say his name in my presence Dietrich. I will not rest until that bastard's neck is tightly wrapped in a hangman's noose" Erwin replied steely under his breath.

Ian Dietrich frowned, tucking his hands behind his back. Ever since Captain Levi had entered Utopian waters he had never seen Commodore Erwin so obsessed with one man. His comrade was determined to put his entire effort in defeating one man. Because of his obsession so many innocent men and women had been slaughtered under his orders. Dietrich was uncertain whether or not Commodore Smith valued human life. Dietrich knew the Commodore was a ruthless man but never cold-blooded and hard hearted. He had changed considerably. What ever little moral values remained within that man, he rarely showed them nowadays.

"Smith, it would be wise for you to go inside and plan our first attack. We can't send out an Armada without a decent-"

"Dietrich" Erwin cut him off sharply.

Ian Dietrich widened his eyes in alarm at the harshness within his voice.

"I thank you for your concern but if you came here to preach, I don't want to hear it"

Dietrich tried to reason with him.

"Commodore Smith it's not-"

"Leave me in peace Dietrich. Im sure Admiral Pixis has orders that have yet to be carried out"

Dietrich sighed, resigned with the fact that Erwin was in no mood to talk.

"Very well. I bid you good day Commodore" Dietrich replied giving Erwin a salute then left him alone in the cold.

Erwin partly regretted his behaviour towards his fellow naval officer but there was no time to worry about decorum and manners. Subconsciously his eyes began to trace the stormy horizon with his fingertips as if by some miracle, the storm would suddenly disappear at his will… but then his God forsaken enemy would survive these waters. That was not what he wanted. That was the last thing he wanted on Earth. The very last thing...

As night fell on board the Maria, all was surprisingly quiet. Eren was currently at the helm. It was his turn to keep watch for the night and guide the fleet to Utopia. He had become very good at steering the Captain's ship. No longer did he tire easily at the effort of battling strong currents. Rough callouses had formed on his hands from the smooth wooden spokes of the helm. Muscles had formed at his biceps and shoulders. He emitted an aura of strength and power despite being a youth of fifteen.

The crew were fortunate the storm had blown off course although the waters were still as treacherous. If they were veered out of position, it would take them forever to get to Utopia, not that Eren wanted to sail there anyway. Captain Levi had told him that he wanted to get to Utopia by night, moor somewhere a little off of Utopia. He was planning a surprise attack on the Commodore and his navy.

'It's the best way to attack the Commodore, despite how underhanded it is. I know because that Commodore would do the same thing to me if I was in his position'

Captain Levi's voice echoed within his head. If what his Captain said was true, than they may have the upper hand after all. He very much hoped that was the case. But what if the plan failed? Yes Mikasa's troupes would rally alongside him but even then their numbers would be limited.

Angrily, Eren shook away his fear and doubt. There was no time for worrying. It was too late for that.

'All I can do is help Levi as much as I can' Eren though quietly to himself, bringing back his attention to the darkness that consumed the Maria and her fleet. The night unnerved him. He should be used to it, having to brave the depths and cold of the deep sea below when he was a merman. Even then however, he knew there would be an end to the darkness below. He would inevitably reach the ocean floor no matter how long it took for him to sink to the deepest part of the ocean. But the night on the surface was never-ending. How he yearned for the skies to be clear of clouds so he could see the vast streak of stars that were stretched across the night sky or see the full moon painting the water's surface with splashes of light. This darkness terrified him. In truth, he had little idea of where he was going, depending only on his compass and that he had to head North. He might as well be blind as he steered the Maria. It certainly felt that way.

It was then he heard the most haunting but wonderfully familiar sound in the world to him. A soft crooning, a melodic voice filled his ears as he recognised the lullaby of the sea. One particular voice carried above the others, strong, faithful and tender. He felt tears prickle his eyes. Not from loneliness but deep happiness. It was his sister's singing voice. She had come to greet him.

The crew emerged from the lower deck, including Captain Levi. A smile of relief form when he recognised the lullaby's. They were the same lyrics that had saved him from death a few weeks ago. The majority of the crew listened quietly, relieved that help had finally arrived but the newer members on board and from the neighbouring ships grew jittery and fearful with superstitious fear, so much they began to raise a 'call to arms'

"Men! Do nothing!" Captain Levi ordered through a megaphone at the superstitious men on the neighbouring ships behind them.

"But Captain Levi! This is the work of Sirens!" One sailor cried fearfully.

"On the contrary, it's our allies coming to greet us" Levi replied, more to himself than to others.

Captain Levi walked towards the helm, taking the wheel from Eren.

"Go to your sister Eren. Mikasa may have something important to tell you. Take Petra with you"

Eren smiled happily, springting towards the bowsprit's mast and with ease, began to balance himself on the wood of the mast, ignoring the disapproval remarks from Petra. He scanned the darkened waters and immediately he saw Mikasa with Armin and another merman he did not recognise riding the waves alongside the Maria. The gleam of her silver tail shone brightly in what little light there was and she waved to Eren, a gentle smile gracing her features.

Tying a lifeline to his waist he lowered himself downwards, dangling until his bare feet skimmed the icy waters, reaching for both his sister's, Armin's and the strange merman's hands so he could pull them up to the bow sprit. Mikasa's and Armin's hands were warm against his frigid one and the men had difficulty hoisting the three up to the bow sprit. He was thankful the Captain had ordered the majority of the men, save for the few such as Petra, Gin, Bozado and Schuitz who knew Mikasa and Armin down below the deck. Eren was a little astonished to find Jean among the crowed, although he didn't question his somewhat calm expression. Levi stood a little away from the four with Petra giving him much needed privacy. Armin was fearful, still not accustomed to have the eyes of humans on him as he balanced himself on the bowsprit mast.

Mikasa hugged her brother tightly. Eren couldn't stop a few tears trickling down his face. He didn't realise until now how much he had missed his one remaining family member.

"Thank goodness your safe Eren. I had to meet you now that Captain Levi's ship and fleet have entered Shiganshina waters. I have news that may interest you and Captain Levi" Mikasa said tucking Eren's messy fringe away from his face.

She nodded her greetings to Captain Levi and he strode over with Petra.

"Good evening Mikasa. I had no idea we had even crossed your borders. We easily loose track in this weather. What news have you brought me?" Captain Levi asked.

"Bad news I'm afraid Captain. My troupes have rallied. We have at least 500 men with another 800 from other neighbouring clans to fight alongside you. They are at Utopia. I have sent at least ten scouts to survey the waters there"

Levi nodded, thankful Mikasa had taken the initiative to send in spies.

"What have they discovered?"

"The Commodore has an entire Armada behind him. At least two other neighbouring fleets have joined alongside him. My scouts have roughly counted at least 700 ships"

Levi frowned. They only had 500 ships excluding Mikasa's troupes. The odds were against them considerably.

"However all is not lost Captain Levi. We have an advantage. During the sea storm, the Commodore was forced to order his men to moor his ships to safer coves in fear of them getting damaged. My people took this opportunity to destroy at least 150 of them by damaging their underside so they filled with water. It was a lengthy process but we managed. The ships now rest at the bottom of the ocean"

Levi breathed a sigh of relief and he smiled to himself of the thought of the Commodore discovering what had happened to part of his precious Armada. Now they were more or less evenly matched.

"Thank you Mikasa. I'm forever in your debt"

"As long as I'm able to keep my brother alive, I will do anything to help" Mikasa replied.

"What of the Commodore? What of him?"

"He is livid. We would have damaged more ships but we had to abandon our espionage mission once he discovered a number of his ships missing. A few of the younger and more foolish female recruits had the idiocy to lure sailors to drown. I think he's beginning to realise there are others who are not human are against him too"

Levi cursed softly at that. The damage had been done nevertheless. They had to make do with what they have.

"What is your battle strategy Captain? I need to know so my Corporal, Marco Bodt of Shinganshina military can relay this back to the others". She gestured to the stranger who sat at her right.

"I plan to do a night raid. It is easier to move about in darkness. If we can take Utopia's strongest men first, than that will give us an advantage to fight"

"I agree with Captain Levi. Moving at night will also be beneficial for my men. Most of us prefer not to be seen" Commander Bodt's voice was surprisingly young and soft. He must be about Jean's age, maybe a little older.

Eren took the opportunity to study him. He was a handsome merman, skin tanned and freckled from the sun. Freckles dotted his cheeks and the expanse of his torso and his tail, an unusual silvery purple glimmered in the soft lamp lighting. His eyes were a soft brown, warm and trusting. Dark hair, styled similar to his lover's dripped with sea water. Despite his muscled torso and arms, his facial expression was unusually soft and gentle for a Corporal of the military. He smiled at Eren kindly. Eren's thought of the Commodore's cold and icy will and he shuddered remembering the memory when he was under the mercy of that god forsaken man during his capture.

"Don't worry Eren. Bodt is a noble officer. He is compassionate unlike the Commodore. He is thoroughly against spilling unnecessary blood. He has sworn secrecy. He will not reveal you are still alive"

"It is a pleasure to meet you at last Prince Eren Jaeger of Shiganshina. I've heard of your sacrifice for our people and the innocents in the world above. It will be an honour to serve under you"

Eren felt touched. Mikasa had gone through all this trouble for him. There was a chance they might just win.

Standing a little away from the crowed Jean stared completely in awe of the merfolk's beauty. His gaze first fell on Mikasa who claimed to be Eren's older sister. She was beautiful. His gaze fell on Armin and for a brief moment he admired his golden spun hair, finding his nervousness cute. His eyes finally met with Marco Bodt's who had sensed his gaze earlier on. Jean felt his heart quicken slightly. It was unlike the sensation he usually felt with Eren. This was different. Marco's eyes were such a warm and tender brown. Marco gave a slight nod to him in recognition and flashed a discreet and knowing smile as if he wanted to share a secret with him.

"Will you not stay for the night? It is very late. I will order the men to fill large tubs for you" Petra suggested.

Mikasa shook her head. Armin almost fell back into the water with the idea of having to stay on board.

"I cannot. The people will wonder where I've gone. I ordered my men to meet you at the cove a little way from Utopia"

"I'd like to stay for one night if possible Princess Mikasa. There are certain things I'd like to discuss with Captain Levi"

Jean's heart lurched with an unknown happiness at the thought of this strange yet mysterious merman staying on board.

Mikasa smiled.

"I think that will be alright since its beneficial for that battle. I will meet you at the cove tomorrow morning"

"Thank you my lady"

Mikasa gave Eren one last hug.

"I will see you tomorrow Eren. Don't fret. Trust your Captain and your friends. We will win"

Eren nodded, feeling his courage grow.

"Come Armin. Let us go"

Eren watched Mikasa dive gracefully with Armin following, losing his balance a toppling head long into the water with a loud smack. He winced slightly at that. That would leave a few bruises.

"Men fill a tub of water for the Corporal! Quickly now! We have little time to discuss what needs to be done!" Captain Levi bellowed.

It was surprisingly late once Captain Levi and Corporal Marco Bodt had discussed various strategies and plans of attack. Jean Kirschtein was anxious to get to know this merman who had smiled at him so warmly earlier on. He was ordered to bring food to him. Marco Bodt was given a private room in the lower deck complete with a large cylinder tub filled with temperate sea water.

Somewhat nervously, Jean knocked on the red wood of the door, carefully carrying a tray of fresh fish and bread. before entering.

Marco Bodt smiled at him gently and Jean shyly shuffled into the room, unable to meet with the Corporal's gaze as he placed the food tray onto the floor boards.

"I've brought you something to eat sir. I suspect you must be hungry" Jean said softly.

Marco leant on the edge of the tub, cushioning his chin underneath his arms.

"You're the boy from earlier. Thank you for the food… uh..."

"Jean Kirschtein and you're very welcome sir"

"There's no need for formalities Jean. You can just call me Marco. I'm only eighteen and I can see we're about the same age"

Jean liked the way how the corporal pronounced his name, softly rolling the 'J' on his tongue. Nevertheless, he was surprised how similar in age they were.

"Eighteen? But… you're a corporal!"

"Indeed I am"

"Well I better get back to my duties Marco" Jean said standing up.

"No. Stay for a while. I could use some company. Food tastes better when you're with others. That's my philosophy" Marco stated.

Not wanting to disappoint him, he sat against the wood of the bath tub, a slight flush colouring his cheeks. He leant against his knees, slightly uncomfortable with the atmosphere. The only sound that broke the silence was the soft sound of Marco chewing on the food that Jean gave him.

"Why so glum Jean?"

"Hah? What do you mean?"

"You look as if you're about to cry. Is something the matter?" Marco asked, leaning closer. Jean suppressed a shiver when he felt Marco's warm breath at the back of his neck. He was that close to him. The merman's voice was gentle and reassuring.

"Marco… uh, can you keep a secret?" Jean suddenly blurted out. What the heck was he doing?

Marco raised his eyebrows.

"A secret? Well of course if it means getting something off your chest"

"I don't know why I'm doing this but I feel like I can trust you, unlike the others on this ship"

"Well what is it that you want to confide?"

"I… I, well I'm not exactly part of this crew the Maria" Jean said softly. He mentally kicked himself for blurting out such important information about himself. He had no idea what he was doing. He was openly telling this man, a merman to be precise of his true intentions on board the Maria.

"I see. Go on" Marco encouraged softly.

"In truth, I was originally hired by that good for nothing Commodore Erwin Smith…" Jean said, his voice soft and embarrassed. He couldn't look at Marco, too ashamed of himself.

"Continue…" Marco pushed.

"I was ordered to steal Eren's powers. I found them but after learning about Eren and what's he's done to help those he cares for I don't think I can carry out my master's wishes. I don't want to have anything to do with the Commodore after seeing what a monster he can be!" Jean cried out angrily.

Marco placed a warm comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Hush! You don't want any of the others over hearing" Marco whispered.

"I want to fight alongside Eren. I do… but he doesn't trust me. He has every right to…"

"I have a feeling that's not what's scaring you the most" Marco said, still in a gentle soothing voice.

Marco was right. That wasn't it. He angrily wiped away his teary eyes. Marco in return squeezed his shoulders, reassuring him to proceed.

"… The truth is, I'm scared of what they'll do. The Commodore, his men and my former comrades. They're cowards the lot of them…but…" Jean's voice trailed off.

"You're scared of what they can do" Marco finished understandingly.

Jean nodded slowly.

"Yes"

I thought as much…" Marco said quietly.

Jean looked at him surprised.

"What do you mean sir?"

"When I first saw you, I had a feeling you weren't truly part of Captain Levi's crew. I could see it in your eyes. Now, you're coming to learn the true meaning of friendship and trust and because of that, you're confused. You're realising that there is more to life than just callousness and cruelty" Marco advised.

"… You must hate me. I was ordered by the Commodore to steal Eren's powers" Jean said more to himself than to Marco. The words he spoke tasted like poison in his mouth, sour and foul.

"I don't hate you. It is not in my nature to hate anyone Jean Kirschtein. In fact I'm somewhat honoured you chose to confide in me of your wrong doings, especially since I'm the Lance corporal of the Shiganshina military" Marco told him firmly.

"Please Sir. You don't have to make me feel better…"

"I am not Jean. By confiding in me, you've proven you're actually an honest person but I'm going not the assumption you've abandoned your assignment?" Marco asked.

Jean nodded.

"I'd rather die than fight for cowards who hide in the shadows and kill off innocents for their convenience. I'm sick of doing their dirty work. You have no idea how many men I've killed just to keep the Commodore's enemies quiet!" Jean spat.

"That's admirable of you. You should know by doing this, the Commodore will brand you as a traitor and hang you from the gallows. I've also seen what's he's capable of Jean Kirschtein" Marco interjected.

Jean studied his soft facial expression. The distinct contours and balanced facial features were highlighted by the warm yellow light provided by two candles casting purple shadows across the left side of his face. Marco's chocolate brown eyes had become a sparkling obsidian and Jean could see a sadness within them. Like Jean, he had also seen death.

"What… what should I do Marco?"

"Jean. It's not up to me to decide what you should or should not do. You have to choose for yourself what is right and wrong. I can give my opinion whether an action is right or wrong but it's your ultimate decision" Marco stated softly albeit firmly.

Jean was silent for a few minutes.

"I'm asking you this Jean Kirschtein. What will you do?"

Jean sat quietly, his heart pounding. His life ahead of him depended on one decision. If he carried out his orders as an assassin, he'd probably live a life of comfort but would have no friends, no one to depend on and continue to live the rest of his life as a lackey and a pair of hands for a greater power. If her fought alongside Eren and Captain Levi… and Marco, he'd chart his own course. He'd have friends, people to depend on and maybe he'd live in freedom as he desired.

"I… I want to fight alongside Eren. It will probably cost me my life but I want to use the best of my ability to protect the people I've come to consider friends and comrades. I… It's most likely I'll die in this battle but it's better than dying alone. I'm tired of hiding alone in the dark" Jean finally said, resolute. His words echoed slightly in the small cabin. It was the very first time he had decided something without the influence of others.

Marco smiled warmly.

"You'll keep your promise. I know you will. I can tell you're not the type of person to go back on their word. You'll be a great leader Jean. One day" Marco said.

Jean smiled gratefully at Marco.

"Thank you for listening to me Marco"

"You're very welcome Jean"

Jean suddenly felt his eyelids grow heavy with tiredness. He had been working since 5:30 that morning. Now, he just wanted to rest, close his eyes and forget what was ahead of them. Seeing his tiredness, Marco eased Jean's head down to the floorboards and stroked the fine pale grown hairs to the shorter ones at the nape of his neck in a slow hypnotic rhythm that calmed Jean to the very core. At that moment, Marco began to sing for him. Marco's soft, melodic yet warm tenor voice engulfed Jean like a cocoon and it wasn't long before Marco's voice carried Jean to a very peaceful slumber.

"Sleep my love, my only

Let the ocean sing her shanty,

Of pearls, coral and sunken treasure...

and the merfolk of the seas…

Dream on my love, my only

Sail far beyond the horizon

Far across the spangled stars

and to your dreaming

My love replies, 'If only, If only'

Watching the night clouds roll by

But be strong my love, stand boldly

My love, my angel, my only

So sleep my love, my only

Let the ocean sing her shanty

Of pearls, coral and sunken treasure...

and the merfolk of the seas"

And that's this chapter! Again I apologise for the long wait. Gosh, this is meant to be a LevixEren fan fiction. It's turning into a JeanMarco fan fiction now! Oh well. JeanMarco is one of my OTPs so I can do what I like with this story!

Love,

Evening Falls