The Reluctant Heroes

He could still remember her. It wasn't as if he would ever forget. He had failed his duty to keep her safe. Worse, before her father knew, he had approached him, and informed him of her intent to propose to him. She was a perfect fit for him. Quik to smile, perpetually cheerful, always trying to help and encourage her friends. Why? Why, of all people? Why did it have to be her?

"Heichou! Tea is ready!"

Remembering her voice was painful. Too painful. Recalling her voice was no better. She was gorgeous. Not too tall, with shoulder length hazelnut hair. Shining brown eyes, which she often closed when smiling. Always ready to help someone else, she was the most loved member of his squad. Now, she was gone, never to return.

Before she died, she had helped him build a piano, which he kept in the room. He hadn't found time to play recently, but could recall the duet they used to play. It was a piece she composed herself, entitled "The Reluctant Heroes"

He strode over to the door and bolted it. Now he was alone. He sits on the bench and observes the small combat knife he kept since before his recruitment. Ha, he thinks. A fitting blade, enough to fit my needs. He cuts his left wrist.

Feeling the life flow out of his body, he turns to piano and plays the tune she wrote for him. A beautiful piece. Suddenly inspired, he feels the words come to him.

Day by day, we're losing our edge

Don't you know?

Forgotten is the life we led

Can't you see?

I'm hiding in my room.

These peaceful times have made me blind

Don't look back

'cause they're not coming back

Don't show fear, 'cause time, after time

now once again

I'm hiding in my room.

These peaceful times have made us blind

But you can't fly if you never try

You told me, so long ago

But you left the walls

outside the gate

so more than ever, its real

It was like a nightmare it was scaring me

'cause nobody wants to die too fast

Remember the day of grief, it was strange for me

I could see your face, I could hear your voice

Remember the day we met, its just painful now

since nobody young should die that fast

Remember day we dreamt, it is painful now

i can see your face , I can hear your voice….

A song for the reluctant heroes

Give me your strength, Our life is so short

A song for the Reluctant Heroes

I want to be brave, like you….

Feeling the last of his strength leave his body, he uses the last of his energy to say six words.

"I'm coming Petra. I love you."

"He isn't breathing. Oh God there's blood everywhere!"

"Someone get Hanji in here. She'll know what to do."

"Wake up! Levi-san! LEVI!"