#aotfinale

To say this finale broke me would be the understatement of the century. Seeing Armin completely break down, screaming and sobbing while cradling Eren's severed head, was absolutely agonizing. The pure, raw pain in his voice made me cry right there with him. And then seeing Mikasa gently holding Eren, confirming with Armin that they both got their memories back of the times Eren came to visit them in the Paths... it just shattered me entirely.

Then we see the ripple effect of Eren's final actions as the power of the Titans is erased from the world. Everyone started remembering the final conversations he had with them. But the moment that truly finished me off? Captain Levi. My beloved Levi. 😭 Seeing him battered, bruised, and exhausted, looking out into the smoke to see the ghosts of Commander Erwin, Hange, and all our fallen Survey Corps soldiers looking back at him. Seeing him give them one final salute, telling them, "Seems this was the resolution that you gave your hearts for," was the most cathartic thing I have ever witnessed. He fought so hard, for so long, and he finally got to see that their sacrifices meant something.

At the end, Armin realizes that Mikasa needs to leave before the others find them, to which Mikasa agrees, knowing she needs to ensure Eren is allowed a proper burial. Armin tells her to put him to rest in a nice, quiet place. Watching her walk away alone into the mist with him is the tragic, beautiful ending their bond deserved.

This series has been such a massive part of my anime life. Rewatching this anime never failed to make me cry. AOT has always been on another level of storytelling. Saying a final goodbye to this cruel, beautiful world feels completely surreal. Thank you, Hajime Isayama, for this absolute masterpiece.