XXVII. Goodbye Letter

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The weight of loss hung heavy in the air as the special squad and members of the Survey Corps gathered in a dimly lit room after Captain Zoe's funeral.

The profound sadness enveloped them, making every breath feel heavy and every shared gaze an unspoken acknowledgment of the pain they collectively felt.

It was in this somber atmosphere that Roku broke the silence, his voice cutting through the melancholy.

"It was planned," he began, his gaze intense

"Someone planned to make us fail the mission."

Erwin, Nanaba, and Miche looked at Roku, perplexity etched across their faces.

Erwin, the seasoned leader, spoke up, seeking clarification. "What do you mean, Roku?"

"In the first attempt, the weapons were tampered with. that's why the cables cracked " Roku explained, his words revealing a hint of frustration.

"I told the captain about it. I wasn't sure, but I told him to check the other set before replacing the old ones. He did, but someone interfered in the last try. Someone cut the cables with his blades, I saw marks on the cables"

"But why would a soldier of the survey corps do that?" Miche exclaimed

"Money," Erwin stated succinctly, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "I think the higher-ups planned to use a mole in the Survey Corps to ensure our annihilation."

"Exactly," Roku affirmed, his gaze unwavering. The pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, revealing a darker truth beneath the surface.

"I will talk to the commander about it. We will find the mole soon," Erwin declared, determination coloring his words.

After the discussion, the group dispersed, each member focusing on their respective tasks. Roku, however, had a solemn duty to fulfill – delivering a message for his fallen captain.

He made his way to Captain Zoe's office, a place that still bore the imprint of its former occupant. Searching through drawers, Roku eventually found the plain envelope containing the letter.

When he flipped it he saw an address, determined to fulfill his captain's last wish, Roku set out for the specified location inside Wall Maria. The journey was not lengthy, and soon he arrived at the designated address.

Knocking on the door, Roku was met by an elderly woman who cautiously peered out, her demeanor reflecting a mixture of suspicion and fear. "What do you want?" she inquired, her guarded expression revealing a wariness of strangers.

"I have a letter," Roku replied, his voice gentle but tinged with solemnity.

"What letter? We don't receive letters here," the woman retorted, her skepticism evident.

"It's for the daughter of Marc Zoe," Roku explained, and at the mention of Captain Zoe's name, the woman's eyes widened in shock. She hesitated for a moment before silently letting Roku inside.

The interior of the dwelling appeared slightly dusty.

Roku followed the woman into the living space, where a young girl sat at a table engrossed in a book.

She looked up as Roku entered, her brown hair falling gently around her face, and she wore glasses that accentuated her focused gaze.

She looked exactly like the captain, "What's your name?" Roku asked

"Hange..." she answered

"I have a letter for you," Roku repeated, approaching the girl with a mixture of sorrow and determination.

He handed her the plain envelope, and as she accepted it, Roku couldn't help but wonder about the impact these words from Captain Zoe would have on the young girl's life.

The young girl cautiously took the envelope from Roku's outstretched hand, her eyes never leaving his face.

The room held a quiet tension, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. As she carefully opened the envelope, Roku observed a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in her expression.

Inside the envelope, she found a neatly folded letter. The paper felt delicate, almost as if preserving the gravity of its contents. The girl's eyes scanned the handwritten words, and a myriad of emotions flickered across her face – surprise, confusion, and a hint of sadness.

Roku stood in respectful silence, allowing her the space to absorb the words penned by her father.

After what seemed like an eternity, she looked up at Roku, her gaze now filled with sorrow and sadness.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of understanding.

Roku nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the moment. "I'm sorry for your loss. Captain Zoe was a great man."

"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask," Roku offered sincerely

"You can contact me at this address if she needs anything" as he gave the old woman his address.

She nodded appreciatively

Roku took his leave, leaving the girl to grapple with the emotions stirred by the letter. As he stepped back into the world outside, he carried with him a sense of fulfillment, knowing that he had honored his captain's final wish.

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End of the Chapter