You ever wondered what true silence sounded like?

It's literally when you hear nothing.

No sound of the wind

No sound of the birds or the trees

No sound of the people outside

No sound of the creaking of the wood

No sound of my heartbeat

No sound of my breathing

Just nothing.

Not even the deafening ringing in your ears.

It's almost as though time just stopped for this moment

As I sit here, in front of my brother, I am stuck in true silence.

My brother figured it out. He figured out my secret.

Damn it. I thought I had more time before he did.

You see while Eren is reckless and hot blooded, he does have an observant mind. He just chooses not to use it and rather have other people do the observations since they are smarter than he is. But just because someone is smarter than you doesn't mean in any way that you are less smart.

That was Eren.

And that was what I was trying to delay.

He was staring at me. And I was staring at him.

Should I lie?

No.

He'd know.

Like I said, Eren is no idiot.

All I could do now is accept this situation.

I sighed.

"So you know" I stated

Eren nodded his head.

"I assumed but it wasn't until recently that things started to make sense" he said as his fists begin to clench his sheets

"Why didn't you tell me? Why did you keep this a secret from us. From mom. From Armin. From Mikasa. From our friends. From me. WHY??" He yelled as tears begin to form around his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell us? Didn't you trust us?" He whimpered

I didn't answer right away.

I can't blame him for being angry.

I kept this secret for a long time.

I had hoped to find the proper moment to reveal it.

But it never came.

And now here I am.

"I trust you more than you can ever know, Eren" I said

"Then why?" He asked

"Because...I was afraid" I said

Eren had a look of confusion on his face.

"Afraid? You're the Lion of the Wall? You were never afraid" Eren stated

"Everyone feels fear. Even the fearless." I countered "The first time I became the Black Titan, I...was dying"

This shocked Eren

"The Smiling Titan got to me. Ate my legs and threw me through a couple of houses. I should've been dead. But somehow, I was still alive. Barely. Death was coming for me. I felt it. It was the end. But something inside me felt the urge to stay alive. To keep going. It was like a bonfire in my soul. Telling me to get up and fight. I listened and at that point I became the Black Titan." I explained to him

He was getting enamored by the story.

"That's how mom survived. That's how hundred, if not thousands, survived. Because I've been fighting this war since it started. I couldn't control the transformations in the beginning. Didn't know how to"

A lie

"But I eventually figured it out. And I secretly have been practicing for a couple of years now. No one knows that I'm the Black Titan. You are the only one that does. I had hoped to reveal myself further down the road when I'm more respected. Where people would listen. I didn't think that you were also a shifter."

Another lie.

"Thankfully, I was able to prevent you from being a pariah by the rest. Otherwise, things would be a lot worse for you. And I wasn't going to let anyone hurt my family. I don't care who they are. They come for you, they'll going to have to kill me first" I explained

Eren looked at me with a mixture of shock and admiration.

He's my family and I love him.

And I'll always be there to protect my family.

"But you are worshipped. Not just as John Yeager but as the Black Titan. There's a religion around you in deeper in the Walls" Eren said

Oh yeah.

I forgot about them.

After the fall of Wall Maria, a religious cult started around my other persona.

They believed that the Black Titan was marked by God to be humanity's champion against its own kind. His Left Hand to smite the devil's spawn from the face of the Earth. That is why he is Black with Orange eyes.

They call themselves the Black Order.

I honestly find them annoying but their preaching is probably one of the reasons why I was able to convince people that Eren isn't a threat.

Can't believe I'm going to say this but thank you religious cult.

"I didn't start a religion by choice" I told him.

"Even still. What you are and what you did has changed everything. People might actually think of you more highly if they knew" Eren said

I scoff at that

"I didn't choose to be the Black Titan. I never asked for this power or the popularity I have in the cadets. All I ever wanted to do was protect my family. You, Mikasa and Armin." I said "I never asked for any of this. But now that I do, I will do whatever I have to in order to protect everyone I care about. But I don't want anyone to know I'm the Black Titan"

"But why not? I can understand the higher ups given my situation but you could've told us. We would never have told anyone. You know that" Eren reasoned

I sigh

"I know" I agreed "But I just never found the right moment to do so. I didn't want to put you guys in a situation where you would have to lie for me. So I guess I just let it be for now until it was necessary. But I guess that's how life is, isn't it? Nothing goes according to plan"

It's Eren's turn to scoff

"You can say that again" he agreed

"Can you forgive me?" I ask

Eren stays silent as he looks at me

I can't blame him if he doesn't.

This isn't something that can be easily forgiven.

"Of course I forgive you" he said

...

Or apparently it is

"Really?" I ask

"John, you're my brother and I love you. I know you would've told me when the time came. I don't blame you for keeping this a secret. It's...a lot. But this is just an obstacle that we can overcome. Because you always had my back. And I'll always have yours" Eren explained

Now I'm about to cry.

So I give my brother a big hug to which he reciprocates.

"I love you, little brother" I said as tears fall off my eyes

"I love you too, big brother" he said

We hugged for a good while.

And then we ended it.

My tears already drying.

"So now what?" Eren asks

"Well we focus on you being in court. No doubt a good amount of people are still afraid of you. We will have to convince them not to be" I told him

He nods at that

"Fair enough" he said "What about the others? Will you tell them?"

"When the time is right. Too much is happening now for everyone to deal with that particular information." I reasoned

"Yeah you have a point" Eren agreed.

"For now, rest up. Eat. Talk with some friends. Because soon enough, the courts are going to assume the worst of you. Everyone we fought with today will tell them the best" I said

Eren smiled at that

"Thanks, John" he said

I smile next.

"Anytime, brother" I said as I begin to get up from the chair "Just relax. Everything will be ok"

"I know. I trust you" Eren said

I offer my fist to him to which he fist bumped me in response.

Then I left his room.

When I did, I couldn't help but think about the players inside the walls trying to manipulate this situation to their benefit.

Eren is a threat to them.

I am a threat to them.

Very much like Daenerys Targaryen, I'm in the Great Game now.

And the Great Game is terrifying.

I tried to avoid playing.

But I have no choice but to.

In a war, their are battles that don't happen in the battlefield.

They happen in locked rooms and dark corners.

People with power manipulating others to ensure that they win the ultimate "checkmate"

Commander Erwin and, most likely, Pixis are very capable players.

Probably one of the few reasons why they can get away with things.

And Eren's fate rests on the decision of one man.

Dhalis Zachary.

The man that oversees the three regiments.

Convincing him is vital for Eren to be in the Scouts.

Let's hope to God that I didn't change the timeline too much.

I proceed to head to the mess hall.

I'm hungry and I'm sure Mikasa and Arwin are there.

I walk outside the building and feel the fresh air in my face.

The city is quieter now.

Almost peaceful.

I can't help but smile as things ended a bit differently.

Less people dead.

But I still feel shame over the ones that did die.

Guess not everyone can survive in a war.

It's inevitable.

I proceed to walk to the mess hall. I open the door which creeks pretty loudly.

As soon as I enter, I see every soldier staring at me.

Some are sitting, others are standing and the rest just stop whatever it is they are doing just to look at me.

The awkward silence was becoming a bit much so I proceed further in.

I go to pick up a tray.

The moment I do, I hear someone clapping.

I continue to walk.

The clapping continues. Then more people begin to clap.

I stand in front of the first chef to get food.

He looks awestruck at me as he serves.

More clapping continues. Becomes louder and louder.

Pass through the second and third chefs, who look more than happy to serve me.

Cheering begins now. Whistling being added on to it.

I pick up a cup of juice and place it on my tray.

"To the Hero of Trost." Someone proclaimed

I hear people cheering more.

"To the Lion of the Wall" someone else said

Cheering intensifies.

"To Big Boss" another said

That one was new.

A part of me is annoyed at them. I'm no one special that they should recognize me.

But another part of me likes this. To be a hero isn't something I expected but I welcome it all the same.

Which is why I smile at everyone and nod at them.

I soon find the table where Mikasa and Armin are while the cheering continues.

Both are happy to see me.

I place my tray down next to Mikasa's.

But before I sit down I gesture for everyone to quiet down. They did after a minute.

"I just want to say that I'm grateful for your respect of me. But I'm not the Hero of Trost" I told them.

Before someone interrupts, I continue.

"I'm one of many who contributed to the effort to drive out the Titans from this place. We showed the world and ourselves that they are not invincible. We showed them what humanity could do. This victory doesn't belong to me alone." I pick up my cup of juice and raise it to them "It belongs to all of us. It has been an honor to fight alongside you and I will be honored to fight beside you again. FOR VICTORY!"

"FOR VICTORY!" they all cheer as I drink my juice and everyone goes back to what they were doing.

Morale is good here.

I sit down next to Mikasa and place my hand on her left leg. She couldn't help but blush at that.

"Always inspiring John. Even got a new title. Big Boss. Seems a bit much but you are deserving of it. After all, you are the one that inspired an army" Armin said with a smirk.

"I don't have any say on how people view me or what names they give me. But at least things are well. All things considered. Plus I am getting a bit overwhelmed with the attention" I said

Both of them knew what I meant.

"How's Eren?" Mikasa asked

"Being Eren as usual. But he's good." I joked.

Both couldn't help but smile at that.

"Sounds about right" Armin agreed

"Now we just have to focus on his court appearance" I said seriously

This made them both serious as well.

"What do you think is going to happen to him?" Mikasa asked us both

"More than likely a debate" Armin said

"A debate on what?" She asks

"On whether or not Eren should be killed" I answered.

This shocked Mikasa immensely.

But before she could talk, the door of the mess hall slams open.

An officer and two guards are at the entrance.

"Are John Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlelt here?" The officer yelled out

Armin stood up.

"Yes" he answered for us

"You are ordered to attend this afternoon's deliberation, as witnesses" he said

Armin and Mikasa weren't expecting that.

But I was.

"And so it begins" I mumble as I sigh since I didn't get the chance to eat anything.

So I get up from the table and take the piece of bread the chefs gave me.

"Let's head out" I told them as I bite into the bread.

They follow me as we get escorted to the courthouse.

From the mess hall to the courthouse building was roughly a fifteen minute walk.

We enter the building and continued to be escorted to the courthouse which was less than five minutes from the entrance.

As soon as we enter, we see a combination of civilians and military personnel. Military taking up the left and right of the courthouse with the civilians taking up the back. We proceed to the left side of the military section.

But as we do, I can't help but see nearly everyone staring at me for the second time today.

As soon as we enter the military side, I am met with some familiar faces.

Commander Pixis, Commander Erwin, Captain Levi and Captain Rico.

"Cadet Yeager, a pleasure to see you again" Pixis greeted as he offered me his hand

I shook it promptly.

"The pleasure is all mine, sir. I just hope things go smoothly" I said to him

"I'm sure things will go as they will." He said as we end the handshake

I salute him as well as the other commanding officers near me and proceed to stand at the front with Mikasa and Armin.

Then the main doors open again.

And Eren was there.

Handcuffed, of course, and with two guards.

He looked scared but not as scared as he was in the series.

That works in his favor.

He is told to kneel down.

He does so and the guards place a metal pole between his arms so he couldn't get up.

I never liked this part in the show but this is necessary. Unfortunately.

He looks around and sees us.

He doesn't say anything but I give him a look that says that he'll be ok.

He slightly nods and then we hear the footsteps.

The Premier is here.

He sits down in his chair and makes himself comfortable.

"Shall we begin?" He asks and then looks at a piece of paper "You are Eren Yeager, a soldier who has sworn to give his life for the people. Is that correct?"

"Yes" Eren answers

"Given the extraordinary circumstances, this deliberation will be held as a court martial. Regular law will not apply, on other words. I have full decision-making authority in this matter, which includes determining whether you should live or die. Any objections?" He asks

"No, sir" Eren answered

"Your astuteness is appreciated. I'll get right to the point. As expected, concealing your existence has proved impossible. Unless we publicly disclose your existence, in one fashion or another, we risk the outbreak of a new non-Titan threat. It falls to me to decide which regiment should take charge of you. The Military Police or the Scout Regiments. Now let's hear what the Military Police Regiment proposes" the Premier stated

"Yes, sir" an officer said "I, Nile Dawk, Commander of the Military Police, offer the following proposal. We believe that, after a thorough examination of Eren's body, he should be disposed of immediately. It's true that his Titan ability contributed to thwarting this latest incursion. However, his existence is creating some division on his place here among us. As such, after he's provided us with as much information as possible, he will be made a fallen warrior of humanity."

"I disagree. He is a spawn of the devil. He deserves to be purged from this Earth" a priest of the Wall Cult said

"You dare speak against a brother of the Black Titan's cause" Ah a member of the Black Order is here as well "This boy is following the work of God. He steps in the footsteps of His mighty Left Hand. He deserves praise not execution

"Pastor Nick and Father Khan, please remain quiet" the Premier told them "Next, let us hear the Scout Regiment's idea."

"Yes, sir" Erwin said "I, Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Scout Regiment, offer the following proposal. We intend to accept Eren as an official member of the Scout Regiment and utilize his Titan ability to retake Wall Maria."

I internally smile at this. I knew Erwin couldn't resist a possible asset.

"I also like to add his brother, John Yeager, to our ranks"

Wait, what?

"That is all" Erwin finished

I couldn't help but be shocked at his words.

I thought this was all about Eren.

"Hmmm? That is all?" The Premier asks

"Yes, sir" he answered "With the Yeager's help, we can reclaim Wall Maria. I believe it is clear what our utmost priority should be"

"I see" the Premier said "However, this court martial is in regards to Eren Yeager. Not his brother. For what reason would you add him to your regiment?"

"Cadet John Yeager has already proven himself a fine soldier. His skills are exemplary. As evident of Commander Pixis assigning him to be the acting leader of the Elite Squad which was crucial to the reclaiming of Trost." Erwin explained

"I am familiar with Cadet Yeager's reputation. His skills are indeed excellent. But wouldn't it be better if such skills be of use within the Military Police or the Garrison? The Walls need as much defense than before as the Battle of Trost has clearly shown" The Premier reasoned

I don't want to be in either of those regiments.

Garrison is good but they barely do much fighting.

Military Police is filled with people who have ulterior motives beyond that of service.

I'd be spending too much time trying to stop myself from killing them all

"I agree but it's because of his reputation that placing him in either regiment would not be a wise decision" Erwin said

"Explain" The Premier stated

"Cadet Yeager is a leader of men. It's because of him that many lives were not lost during the battle. His fellow cadets will follow him to Hell if he asked. The men and women of our military hold him in great respect. Many of them are here now..."

When he said that, I began to look around and see that many of the military personnel were looking at me with respect. Someone showing small smiles. Captain Rico and Commander Pixis being among them.

Levi was just being Levi.

"Someone like him is better suited in the front lines of this war. We need soldiers like him. For they are the ones that will succeed where the rest of us have failed. That is why he should be in the Scouts" Erwin finished

Wow, I wasn't expecting Commander Erwin to view me so highly.

Then again, the man is a genius strategist and a pragmatist. This may very well be to keep me close so as to see if I'm not hiding anything.

In any case, I admire the man

"I see" The Premier said "Very well. Cadet John Yeager shall be in the Scouts"

I smile at this. So does Mikasa and Armin.

"However, I still have not made a decision on his brother. But let's assume that your plan is a good one. In regards to Wall Maria, from where would you launch this operation?" He then looks at Pixis "Pixis, the wall had been completely sealed on the Trost District, correct?"

"Yes" Pixis answered "I doubt it's gates will ever open again"

"We hope to depart from the Calameth District to the east" Erwin answered "From there we would approach Shiganshina, by establishing a new route from scratch"

"Wait a minute" someone yelled out "Shouldn't we be sealing all the gates now?! The gates are the only part the colossal Titan can break! If we can just reinforce them, we'll never get attacked again!"

"Shut up, you merchant dog" someone else yelled "With a Titan's help, we can return to Wall Maria!"

And the arguing begins.

Idiots.

They go on for a few minutes until Levi interrupts them

"You have a big mouth, swine" he told them "What guarantee is there that the Titans will be kind enough to wait while we seal the gates? When you say "we", you mean the friends you're protecting so you can fatten yourselves up. Are you pigs blind to the people who struggle to survive off what little land is left?"

"I'm just saying that all we have to do is the seal the gates if we want to live!" The merchant said

"Hold your tongue, you miscreant! You would suggest that humans meddle with Wall Rose, a gift from God?! That wall is a divine miracle that transcends human understanding!..."

"I hate religious zealots who use God as an excuse for cowardice" I said in a low voice

Armin and Mikasa nodded in agreement

"Unfortunately, the Wall cult and the Black order have grown in power and support. They essentially control the actions of the majority" Captain Rico said

Eventually, the Premier taps his hand on his desk to quiet the arguing.

"Order" he said "I ask that you save your personal sentiments for another venue. I wish to make certain of something, Mr. Jaegar. As a soldier, can you continue to serve humanity by controlling your Titan ability?"

"Yes, sir. I can" Eren answered confidently

"I see" the Premier said "When I read the report of your actions to seal the hole made by the Colossal Titan, I was skeptical at your level of control over this new ability you possess. But, for the moment, I believe you can do what was reported"

I take a glimpse of Captain Rico.

She nods her head at me.

I respond in kind with a small smile.

I take a look at the rest of the people here and see mixed expressions of shock and amazement.

Good. This is good.

"Just a minute" Nile Dawk said "I feel obligated to certain facts in regards to Eren Yeager's behavior as well as his brother and one Mikasa Ackermann. Our investigation has shown that when they were nine and ten years of age they stabbed and killed three adult robber and kidnappers"

The room was riddled with whispers

Mikasa and Eren were becoming a bit terrified with this information coming to light.

I was keeping my anger at bay.

"Even though it was claimed as self-defense, we cannot help but question his basic humanity. Should we really place personnel and funds in his hands, not to mention the very fate of humanity?!" he finished

A mixture of comments began after that.

Some were the typical statements of paranoia and fear.

Others were less so.

The room was beginning to get rowdy.

Eren wanted to speak but one look from me stopped him.

I have no choice now.

I began to whistle loudly.

This caught the attention of everyone as they looked at me in silence.

When the whistling was done, I look at all of them.

"You claim my brother is lacking in humanity. You claim that he is a monster that needs to be put down. You claim that the actions of the past, no matter how justified, make him, me and the people that I deem family make us demons to be exorcised. But what do you know about fighting in war" I glare Nile Dawk and those who support him

"What do you know about being in the front lines. Many of you stay within the borders of the walls. You stay hidden and ignorant of what is happening. You don't care how many of us die to protect your freedom from the devils that are kept at bay because of men like me. Men like my brother. Men who have more courage to rush through hell than to stay in heaven. As soldiers it is our duty to protect humanity, no matter the cost."

The civilians couldn't help but look at each other and understand that a lot of their children die beyond the walls and very few care.

"My brother and I saw the destruction of our home five years ago. We lost everything. Except for each other. We made a promise to fight monsters no matter what it took. So you make a claim that we are monsters. And I'm here to tell you that we are."

This admittance shocked every civilian and many members of Dawn's group of cowards

"We are the demons that you want to fight the battles you are too afraid to fight yourselves. We will use whatever method we need to in order to protect your lives and our families. No matter the cost, we, who fight beyond the walls, will pay any price to end this war. And yes we may very well be going to hell for the things we may have to do, but that is part of the job. That is where we belong. Our heaven and our hell. So you have two choices. Join us in the fight to save our home"

"Or?" Nile Dawk asks

I stay silent for a moment

"Or get the hell out of our way." I answer which really pissed him off

"This war is happening whether you want to accept it or not. Do you job or hide like a coward. Either way, the time for peace is over. Time to decide what kind of soldier, no, what kind of man you really are"

As soon as I finish, outrage from the military police, the Wall cult and their sympathizers were brought forth.

They spewed their hate for me and my family.

Calling me the Devil.

Calling Eren my demonic pawn.

Calling Mikasa a brainwashed whore.

They spoke of killing all of us in order to rid the world of Titans.

Butchering everyone that would aid us.

All of their ugliness laid bare.

I had Armin restrain Mikasa for she was ready to murder them.

Eren's rage was becoming evident but one glare from me subsided it.

I don't like terrifying my brother but if it means it can save his life, then he should very well be afraid of me.

Fortunately, we had support of our own.

Captain Rico and Commander Pixis being one of a few.

Even the Black Order were speaking in favor of us.

While nearly everyone was arguing, Commander Erwin, Captain Levi, Armin, Mikasa, Eren and myself were the only ones that didn't speak.

Why? You might ask.

The answer is simple.

I was instigating the other side on purpose. I wanted the Premier to see their true face. Their real motivations revealed when tensions run high.

I gave them obvious bait and they took it.

The fools.

Eventually, loud slamming began to echo the room.

With each slam silencing the audience bit by bit.

Everyone looked at the Premier as his last slam shut everyone up.

Despite the outburst, he was as calm as stone and still as a corpse.

The man must have incredible levels of patience.

He rubs his eyes for a moment and sighs but he doesn't say anything.

He allows the silence of the room to grow.

Until Commander Erwin spoke up.

"Sir. I have a proposition" he said

"Proceed" the Premier responded

"Eren's Titan ability hold many uncertainties which make him a threat. However, he is in a unique position to be a fundamental asset to humanity's cause. His control over this power as well as his kills as a Titan has given us proof that he is on our side. With that being said, I would ask if you would permit Eren to being a part of the Scout regiment under the supervision of Captain Levi. With him, we can conduct a recon mission outside the wall." Erwin explained

"So you would trust Eren Yeager with the lives of your men and yourself if it came down to it?" The Premier asks.

"Yes, sir" Erwin said without hesitation

The Premier rubs his chin in thought and looks at Levi.

"Can you do this task of supervising such a man, Captain Levi?" He asks

Levi doesn't say anything and just stares at Eren.

Eren looks back at him. But he doesn't show any form of fear or cowardice.

Just determination.

For a few moments, they were like this.

Until...

"I can most definitely kill him should it be necessary. But the real problem is that there can't be any middle ground with him. Either he lives and fights or he dies and becomes an experiment. Which do you think is the better choice?" Levi asks

I tend to forget how blunt the guy is.

But this didn't offend the Premier.

Instead, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

"I've reached my decision" he said

Almost everyone was holding their breath on what he was going to say.

"Eren Yeager" he begins "One side deems you to be dangerous. That you are a unknown variable and the risk of your existence is too great for one to contemplate. On another, they deem you an ally and an asset. One that can turn the tide of this war in our favor..."

Suspense is being built

"When the Black Titan made its appearance five years ago, I, like so many others, did not believe that a Titan would betray it's own kind in favor of humanity. But the countless reports from the survivors had made such skepticism non-existent. The moment this war began, I knew that traditional methods of warfare were not going to be enough. But no matter how strong we make our weapons, it is not enough against the Titan horde. Especially the ones that clearly display signs of intelligence. Which means that it is possible that such Titans are similar to Eren Yeager..."

People begin to mumble in fear with this

"However, there has been no evidence to support such a claim. Until now..."

Oh god the suspense is killing me.

"Eren Yeager's ability has given me evidence that it is possible that the events of five years ago started with individuals like him. Which begs the question on who they are and why did they start this war? We may never know those answers. Unless we give Eren Yeager a chance to prove it."

Armin, Mikasa and Eren look at the Premier in happiness

"Cadet John Yeager was right. Our duty as soldiers is to protect humanity. No matter the consequences. Even if it means that God damns us to Hell for it."

He looks at the Pastor of the Wall Cult

"Thus, Eren Yeager will continue his service within our military under the supervision of Captain Levi under the Scout Regiment. Case dismissed" the Premier finished as he slams his hands on his desk to finish the verdict.

Armin and Mikasa couldn't help but scream in joy as they run towards Eren and hug him.

He couldn't hug them back obviously.

All three of them were crying happy tears.

I look at Commander Erwin and he nods his head at me with a smirk on his face

I proceed to my family and join the hug.

This is exactly what I was hoping for.

Two hours later...

Eren was in a meeting with Commander Erwin and his team. They wanted to talk with him personally about what comes next.

I was standing in my room, looking outside as the sun was setting.

A beautiful view.

I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in" I said

The door opens and I turn around to see who it was.

I was shocked to see that it was the Premier himself, Dhalis Zachary.

He was dressed in his uniform and had two guards outside.

I immediately saluted him at his presence.

"Good afternoon sir" I said

He raises his hand

"At ease." He said

I do and offer him a seat.

He takes it.

He looks around the room.

"I remember living here when I was a younger man. Rooms were smaller then" he commented.

"May I ask why you are here, sir? I assumed that after today's proceedings that you'd be inside the interiors by now" I reasoned.

"I was but I wanted to talk to the man that saved hundreds of lives that everyone is talking so favorably." He said

"Oh." Was all I could say

That's unexpected.

"You look like someone who knows war better than some of our high ranking officials, if your words today were any indication" he adds.

"I only spoke my opinion, sir. I apologize if I overstepped myself" I said genuinely

"No, you spoke the truth" he said "The further you live in the walls, the more ignorant people are to what happens outside of them. Many of the nobles and aristocrats would prefer that this war doesn't exist. That the lives of the soldiers that fight for them were nothing but ants that are easily discarded. Even the military police are becoming complacent thanks to the nobility. Following their lead in hiding than doing their duty"

I'm really not surprised by what he said.

Corruption always happens when people love their power and influence too much.

"You showed me today that there are still good men willing do their part for what comes next." He continued "Ready to face the evils that are knocking at our gates. I fear that this war will take everything we have just to win it."

"That is part of the job, sir. Sacrifices have to be made to ensure the safety of humanity." I told him

"Sacrifices" he repeated sadly "Yes. Sacrifices. The reports I read regarding the Battle of Trost showed that the reason many lives that were spared were because of you improving the training of your fellow cadets during boot camp. Their actions and your words to them gave the more experienced members of the military the will to see the job done. Logic dictates that a lot of lives should've died that day. But they didn't. Thanks to you"

"It wasn't just me, sir. Everyone played their part. All I did was remind them of what they can do" I said

"Yes" he slightly chuckled "You reminded them of what they were fighting for..."

He then gets up from the seat and stands in front of me.

"That is exactly why we need men like you. Old soldiers like me have nothing else to offer than to be pencil pushers. Our strength to fight is fading. New blood must renew who we once were. That is the true purpose of a soldier. To fight for a better tomorrow. Even if it kills us in the attempt..."

The Premier offers me his hand.

I proceed to grab it and shake it.

"Keep fighting for a better world. Learn from our mistakes. Be better than us." He said in a tone that sounded like it was an order

"Yes, sir. I will" I told him.

A sliver of a smile appears on his lips

Our handshake ends

"Good luck, Cadet Yeager." He adds before he leaves my room and closes the door.

I begin to breathe again as though I was holding my breath this entire time.

Jesus, the guy commands such a intimidating presence.

If I recall correctly, I don't think anyone explored his character in the series.

It would seem that there is more to this world than what I've already seen.

How much of a difference have I made here?

Is it good?

Is it bad?

Will it be enough?

A lot of questions and no answers.

But I have no choice but to keep going.

My foreknowledge of events will one day run out.

When that day comes, I hope that I can still make a difference.

If there is a God out there, please let me braver for the battles me and my friends will take.

Let me save them

Please

Let me save them.

To be continued...