Glory For Mankind | AOT [book 1]

Ch.20:Shell-shocked

Currently beyond Wall Rose, Levi just rescued a soldier from being bitten in half by a 12 meter titan. After he performed the kill, he surveyed his surroundings. "One on the right, and two on the left."

"Captain! The reinforcements are here, sir." Petra reported, with Eld and Gunther following behind her.

"Good, tend to our comrade down below Petra." Levi ordered before diverting his attention to the other's. "You two, take the titan to your right. The pair on the left belongs to me."

And with that, Levi took off leaving his squad members behind with his orders. He propelled himself in the direction of his targets and landed on a roof when he was close enough to get the titan's attention.

"I know you can't help being hideous." Levi  started as he walked on the roof, moving closer towards them. "But I can't help being tired of looking at you."

The titan closest to him opened its mouth to eat Levi, but he expected it and dodged before maneuvering around while the neck was open, and attacked.

With that he turned to the second one and throws his blade straight into the titans lid-less eyes. The now blind titan recoiled, wailing in pain.

"Easy there big stuff." Levi mocked as he landed on its head. "Nobody's got time for a crybaby."

Levi changed out his blades. "Let's take it like a man, shall we?"

He jumped off the wailing titans head and silenced it with a slice to its vital point. When he landed on the roof, he wiped his hands off from the titans blood. Levi returned to Petra and the injured Scout afterwards.

"Captain, I-I can't stop the bleeding..."

Levi remained silent at that Petra's words, already well aware of what she meant. He should be more than use to what was about to happen, but it would always hurt the same, especially when it was someone under his command on death's door.

"C-Captain...Levi..." The soldier whispered between painful gasps.

Levi kneeled on the ground next to him. "I'm here."

"Did this...make a difference?" He struggled to say. "Sir...was I helpful?"

The dying soldier raised his arm up. "Sir...don't tell me...this was for nothing. Tell me this will help the cause."

After that, despite Levi's disgust with blood, he took the soldier's red hand in his own, holding it in a tight grip. "We made great strides today soldier, and tomorrow."

Levi's voice began to waver, but he fought his emotions and continued his promise. "You...Your strength won't die with you. The torch will be carried on, by me...This I swear, on my very life, the titans will be eradicated!"

Petra's voice cut in. "Sir...I'm sorry, he's--"

Levi's attention was brought down to the fallen soldier. He was dead.

He turned his head back to Petra. "Did the man hear what I had to say? Any of it?"

She didn't hide the tear in her eyes. "Yes, sir. In fact, I think he heard all of it. Look at him, the face of peace "

Levi let his stare linger on the man's face.

"We can only hope." He said before standing up.

When Levi stood up straight, he could hear horses approaching from behind. "Levi!"

He turned around and was met with Erwin and his squad riding in his direction. "We're heading out."

Petra was confused. "Sir?"