[ A terrible battle, bones jutting out of the ground to tower into a sky soaked in crimson, and an awakening of his very own. All because of his connection to Akira.

Maruki knew. He doesn't know how, but he knew. Some things that live that deep in one's soul can't be explained. He knew.


A hand rubbing gently between Akechi's shoulder blades as he retched onto bloodstained grass–

By the farm pond, his palm against Venat's cheek mirroring her own against his–

Eren's arms wrapped around him in the rubble of Eyn Sof–

And now, here at the edge of the Enchanted Garden, a hand coming up to clasp over Akira's shoulder. A squeeze, brief but firm, as he looks over at his once and future friend with nothing less than utter conviction burning straight through him when he says: ]

I believe you.

[ Maruki's hand drops away. ]

I believe we had that connection in my reality. And I believe that we didn't, in yours.

[ If the conviction burns him too, if he hurts, if he never stops hurting, so be it. There are more important things than his own heart. ]

You made it through that battle in both, didn't you? That's all that matters to me...