No war is without lost.
Lost of life. Lost of hope. Lost of love.
"A hundred and seventy two soldiers dead. Sixty eight heavily injured. Forty awaiting your command, sir."
A soldier reports beside him. The casualty rates are frighteningly high.
The Corporal lowers his head, while giving the command with his usual flat, controlled voice.
"All plans aborted. Every squad are to set out for the Walls immediately."
"Yes, sir."
The massager saluted and walked away.
Levi lowered his eyes, walking toward the figure sitting against the tree not far ahead. Oceanic blue eyes slowly lift up to meet his.
"Not pleased?"
The Commander asked in a tired voice, however, the question promts a bitter stare from the smaller man.
"How the hell could I be?!"
Levi bent down, small hands gripping the inquirer's collar. Anger-filled eyes bore into him, along with the tremors from the trembling body.
"This has never happened thanks to you. So why...?"
"I'm sorry, Levi."
The grip on his collar lighten, as colorless tears trail down.
"You planned for this."
There was no reply.
"You knew those brats don't stand a chance. Why order me here?"
"Do you trust me, Levi?"
Answering a question with a question. And of course, he couldn't deny it.
"This wouldn't happen if I don't."
Eight 12-metre class titans appear out of nowhere.
Tired and undersupplied, the chance of survival was non-existent.
No, maybe there had been a chance. A chance someone would have survived.
If he hadn't left as ordered.
"Why… Why give that command…?"
Levi asks aimlessly.
"I was sure you will come back."
…
He shouldn't have expected anything more.
"Thank you, for having faith in me."
Slowly, Erwin lifted his hands, encircling Levi's body.
The Corporal closed his eyes. The tears staining his face won't stop flowing.
He lean against the man embracing him… The man he trusts with all his life.
"Levi…. Levi!"
The call, along with the hand on his shoulder wake him from his trance.
Levi turned to find the speaker.
It was Hange.
He doesn't know how long have he been like this, but judging from the organised formation, it was a considerable length.
Levi slowly stand up, he face and clothing were stained with blood, yet, the Corporal shows no sign of taking up his napkin.
"Everything's ready. All that's left is you."
Yes.
All that's left is me.
"What about Erwin?"
"Just put him in a wagon at the back, like the others."
The wagons that holds the lifeless bodies of those who gave their life for humanity.
A few soldiers carry the corpse of the Commander away.
Hange glanced at them, and sighed.
"It'll be okay, Levi."
"...Yeah."
No war is without lost.
Lost of life. Lost of hope. Lost of love.
Forty soldiers of the Scouting Legion set off toward Wall Rose, under the command of the man who lost his faith to this endless war.
TBC.