Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-TWELVE

'As people, we like to pretend as though the past is simply memory and nothing more— that it can't hurt us because it has passed. But, soon we find it comes to us when we least expect.'

-An unseen extract written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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ONE-HUNDRED-AND-TWELVE

Wall Maria, North Region, Havas, Northern Grimold, Ruins of Ingreed City

The battalion had set up camp just beyond the broken gate.

There were barely any titans in the area, and if one appeared, it was quickly dealt with. This allowed the Scouts to, for once, sleep relatively comfortably within tents.

It was like a small village.

Lorelai and Levi approached the place. Most of the Scouts were inside their tents, taking shelter from the cold weather. The rest were milling about, eating the last of their rations and sharing glum chatter.

They didn't see any Havasians.

"Where are your people?" Levi questioned.

"Oh." Lorelai gestured to a string of lights that was fading on the horizon. "They're making a pilgrimage to the top of the Peaks."

"In this weather?"

"Faith knows no limits, my love." She took his arm. "I'm sure they're just grieving."

"Do you... want to join them?"

Lorelai looked down, shaking her head softly. "No. No, we should see Erwin."

Erwin's tent was set up on the far side of the site. From the looks of it, most of the higher-ups were gathered inside, judging by the light and the noise.

They passed the supply wagons as they walked. It was a depressing sight.

At this point, Levi had imagined they'd have cartloads full of weapons, supplies, and information. Instead, the wagons sat empty. He couldn't fathom how they'd simply survive another few days, let alone return all the way to Falkirk.

Lorelai shared his thoughts, judging by her expression.

They stepped quietly into Erwin's tent. As expected, all of the higher-ups were gathered around a makeshift table. Erwin sat at the head, looking just as tired as everyone else.

There was a steadily forming bruise on his cheekbone. Lorelai felt a sharp twinge of guilt.

Everyone barely noticed them. Hange was talking, gesturing wildly around a series of scribblings arranged on the table. She seemed to be theorising about how exactly Ingreed was wiped off the map.

"To reiterate," she continued. "It's common knowledge that Havas possesses immense explosive power. Hell, it's the reason we're here. I believe the only way Havas could have fallen was if the enemy somehow turned that power against them."

"Sure," Oluo grumbled. "That's a nice theory. But, how in Gods name are we going to prove it? It's not like anyone was here to see what happened. Our witnesses were all blown to smithereens!"

Levi cleared his throat curtly.

Oluo quickly became aware of Lorelai's presence. "Sorry, Lieutenant," he said awkwardly.

"That's quite alright." She approached the table. "You're not wrong. We have no witnesses."

"You're the only one of us who knows Ingreed, Lorelai," Hange prompted. "Perhaps you can help us."