Chapter 1

[Narrator's POV]

It has been exactly five years since the terrifying rumbling nearly destroyed the world. In the aftermath, peace has been restored, but it has been a hard-won victory. The Marleyans have finally accepted the Eldians into their homeland, but the wounds of the past still run deep. Meanwhile, Paradis has undergone a stunning transformation, with new buildings and infrastructure rising across the island.

A new form of government has been established, with the Marleyans embracing democracy and electing a new leader to replace the old military dictatorship. Hope has been reborn, and there is a sense of optimism in the air.

[Falco's POV]

As I stand on the dock, waiting for my friends to arrive, I feel the salty sea breeze blowing across my face. I can barely contain my excitement as I think about seeing Armin, Connie, Jean, and Mikasa once again. It has been two long years since I've seen them, and I can't wait to catch up.

As their ship finally comes into view, I feel my heart racing. They step off the gangplank, and I can see the exhaustion etched on their faces. I know that they have been working tirelessly to help Historia run the nation, and I can only imagine the challenges they have faced. But as we embrace, I feel a sense of hope and determination wash over me.

"Wow, Falco, you've really come a long way!" Connie exclaimed with a proud smile as he gave me a firm pat on the back.

Reiner greeted Jean with a confident grin, "It's been a while!" Jean responded with a smirk, and they exchanged their secret handshake with a firm grip.

"Where's Gabi and the others?" Jean asked as he looked around the surroundings. "Gabi and the gang are actually at Reiner's place, which is just a few blocks away from here. They're currently in the middle of preparing a delicious meal for all of us to enjoy together. I can imagine the tantalizing aroma of the food and it's already making my stomach grumble! Don't worry. We should join them soon before the food gets cold. It'll be great to catch up with everyone and chat while we savor the delicious meal!"

[10 minutes later...]

I pushed the heavy door open with a sense of relief, and my voice echoed through the empty room as I exclaimed, "Hey guys, we're finally home!"

Gabi and Pieck beamed at everyone, but I couldn't wait any longer. "Are the foods ready?" I asked, hoping they would say yes. After all, I had been looking forward to this meal for ages! "Falco, I know you haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I expect you to control yourself and not devour everything on the table. If you do, there will be consequences." Gabi's tone was firm as she pinched my ear tightly, making me scream in pain.

[Levi's POV]

I have had the privilege of residing with the Braun family for the past two years. It has been a mutually beneficial arrangement, and I appreciate the kindness and hospitality they have shown me during my stay. Gabi and Falco were gracious enough to offer their help and care for me when I got injured during the battle that took place five years ago.

My left leg feels as if it's not even there. My right hand is also missing two fingers, which makes it difficult to perform simple tasks. The frustration of having these disabilities is overwhelming, and it often feels like a constant battle just to get through the day.

During a conversation with Reiner, he mentioned that Gabi and Falco had expressed a strong desire to pursue a proper education now that their nation was no longer under oppressive military rule. It's admirable to witness their determination to improve themselves and their country. However, I can't help but feel like my current situation may hinder their aspirations. As much as I don't want to be a burden to them, I fear that my presence and needs may prevent them from achieving their goals.

*Knock..Knock...Knock*

As I sat in my room, engrossed in my work, a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in." I responded. The door creaked open, and in walked Reiner's mother, a kind-hearted woman who always lent a helping hand when the kids were preoccupied.

"Mr. Ackerman?" she addressed me politely.

"Yes?" I replied, looking up from my notes.

"Your students are waiting for you at the kitchen, and it's also time for dinner." she informed me with a gentle smile. As I hobbled along on my crutches, Mrs. Braun kindly lent me her support. Together, we made our way into the inviting warmth of the kitchen.

The sound of excitement filled the room as Armin, Connie, and Jean's voices echoed loudly, "LEVI-HEICHOU!!!" However, their enthusiasm was quickly met with annoyance as I let out a sigh, "Quiet down, you brats! It's not like you haven't seen me for a decade." Despite my initial annoyance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth towards these familiar faces.

"Heichou." Mikasa greeted warmly. I nodded, acknowledging her greeting before I settled into a seat. Tonight, Gabi and Pieck whipped up a feast, which was a hit with everyone. You could just feel the joy in the air. Also, got the scoop that the "brats" are sticking around for a bit. Turns out, Historia's got big plans for them—setting up shop and making waves in the capital city!

As the conversations swirled around, Jean's voice cut through the lively hum, his brows furrowing with genuine curiosity. "What about you, Heichou? Do you have any plans?" His question acted like a sudden spotlight, compelling every individual in the room to pivot their focus toward me, their expressions a blend of anticipation and intrigue, creating a momentary pause in the vibrant atmosphere.

"I'm still searching for a lasting role that truly contributes. It's essential to me not to burden these kids and the Brauns with what I perceive as my own shortcomings." I openly confessed. My commitment to straightforwardness has allowed me to recognize that I've unintentionally been a source of inconvenience for a few years, a realization that lingers with a sense of responsibility.

"Levi, it seems you may have overlooked the fact that both Gabi and I willingly volunteered to take care of you. This wasn't an obligation imposed upon us. It's a choice we made. It's the least we can do in return for your role in saving humanity. Your assistance extends beyond that, planting trees and providing sustenance for those experiencing homelessness. These actions alone surpass our expectations and genuinely mean the world to us." Falco clarified earnestly, a warm smile gracing his expression after expressing these sentiments.

The recent stress stemming from my situation has become an overwhelming burden, impacting both my mental and physical well-being.

In the midst of engaging with Falco, an abrupt and intense pain seized control of my head, causing me to collapse from the chair, succumbing to a momentary loss of consciousness.

[1 hour later...]

A sense of unease crept over me as I cautiously opened my eyes, only to be met with persistently blurry vision that refused to dissipate. The room seemed to whirl in an unsettling dance, inducing a nauseating sensation that threatened to escalate. An overwhelming heaviness gripped my body, stripping away any semblance of control, leaving me vulnerable to an ominous uncertainty about my physical state.

An air of concern hung heavy in the room as the brats gathered, their eyes fixed on me with a worrisome intensity.

Weakly, I inquired, "What happened?"

Armin's response cut through the tense silence, "You passed out, Heichou."

A creeping sense of unease enveloped me as I attempted to lean against the wall, only to realize both my legs remained unresponsive. "Oi. What's happening?" I fumed, frustration lacing my words, as I struggled to force my body into motion using only my arms, the disconcerting realization intensifying the worry in the air.

Anxiety laced Connie's urgent question, "What's wrong, Heichou?!"

"I can't move my legs!" I exclaimed, the attempt to shift them met with stubborn resistance.

A wave of distress swept over me as the realization dawned – both my legs were entirely paralyzed.

An air of concern enveloped the room as Reiner urgently summoned the doctor to examine me. The diagnosis was unsettling— Incomplete Paraplegia. It was deduced that the aftermath of injuries sustained during my time in the Survey Corps, notably in the harrowing battle five years ago, had led to this disconcerting condition.

(Incomplete paraplegia means that the injury has not completely severed your spinal cord and some neural circuits between the brain and body still exist! With incomplete paraplegia, you'll likely have some degree of sensation and/or movement control in the affected regions of your body.)

"I'm sorry. But there's no cure for it. I'm sad to be the bearer of bad news, but you might not be able to walk again." the doctor consoled. The weight of those words hung heavy in the air, and as they sank in, it felt like my world had shattered to pieces. The looming question echoed inside my mind, "Is this real? Is this really happening to me?"

"Tch." I scoffed, frustration etching into the sound. Turning my head away from them.

"Heichou...I-"

"Just leave!" I shouted at everyone, my voice carrying a mix of pain and defiance, abruptly halting Armin from uttering another word.

[Armin's POV]

I can't help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Heichou. It seems unjust that someone who dedicated themselves to defending humanity is now facing such adversity.

His request for solitude is understandable, and I respect his need for space. I empathize with the challenges he's navigating. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. It's evident that his current situation is taking a toll on him. Despite his formidable role, he is, after all, human like the rest of us.

[A few weeks later...]

Excitement fills the air as everyone has come to a decision regarding Heichou. With Gabi and Falco gearing up for their upcoming studies, the rest of us are thrilled to announce our decision to bring in a caregiver to look after Heichou. What's even more exciting is that Falco already knows the perfect person for the job!

[Falco's POV]

*Knock...Knock...Knock*

Anticipating Levi's wakefulness, I stood outside his door, my hope met with a depressing "Come in." A rush of relief swept over me, for a moment I had doubted he would respond.

Upon entering, I approached Levi's bedside with a soft demeanor, calling his name in a hushed tone, "Levi."

In response, he met my query with a nonchalant "What is it?" his voice carrying a subtle air of detachment.

He avoids meeting my gaze, despite my tireless efforts over the past few weeks. While I still want to care for him, I have personal aspirations to pursue. I hope he'll comprehend that.

Hours were spent conversing with Levi, but responses were scarce. Despite his evident distress, I kept urging him to persevere. Disturbingly, he revealed a profound sense of hopelessness, expressing a lack of reasons to continue living. I reassured him, emphasizing the potential for discovering new purposes. However, the news of hiring someone to assist him provoked an angered reaction.

"Be good to her!  She's a wonderful lady!" I said with anticipation, making it my final message to him this evening.

"WHAT?!" He bellowed with seething anger.

With a playful wink, I closed the door, bursting into laughter at his lively reaction. Now, the real excitement begins—seeing if Yuna Onee-chan and Levi will get along! Despite his reservations about female caregivers, my decision to choose Yuna Onee-chan was driven by necessity. What makes it even more intriguing? She's the only one among the hires who didn't insist on a sky-high salary.

Our ten-year history adds a touch of familiarity and trust, making Yuna Onee-chan not just a caregiver but a cherished companion. She's been navigating life solo in the central capital since her parents' passing, breaking stereotypes as a Marleyan who embraces us Eldians without judgment. Believe me, she's not just a caregiver! She's the most engaging and compassionate person I've had the privilege of knowing in my entire life!