I live, I die, I live again [Eren J.]

9: Rolling With It

The Commander of the Garrison appraised Eren with an unreadable look. Then, with a wide smile that made his handlebar mustache twitch, he snapped his fingers gesturing his staff officers forward— deciding to give the plan the go-ahead.

Armin voiced his concerns about following his half-baked plan, eyebrows knitted together as the Garrison soldiers flurried around them in motion. Mikoto sighed.

" We don't have a choice, " she replied gravely, thinking about the long-term ramifications of Eren's existence. " If it isn't done, if we don't re-take Trost, the outlook for our fates is grim. No one can guarantee our safety. Not the Commander. Not even... "

Not even the Duchess of Western Sina.

" It's pointless to question his decision, anyways. I'm sure Commander Pixis can see something we can't, " Eren added with a shrug. " Besides, there's probably a fundamental issue to deal with before executing the plan. I'm sure the Commander is fully cognizant of that. "

" Which means...? " Armin trailed off.

" The Titans aren't our only enemies, " Mikoto answered.

Beyond the obvious issue that a significant portion of the general population would fear and loathe Eren for a power neither he nor they understood, in the more pressing and immediate future, it was convincing the soldiers that were left to fight.

The human element was a component of the plan that had to be addressed. Mikoto was pensive as she peered down at the remaining troops gathered at the foot of the wall.

She had seen many times as Guren how inexperienced slayers had struggled with their mortality. To listen to orders in the face of the fear of an enemy is not an easy thing to do.

But, she had also seen as Guren, how even the least hardened of their ranks found conviction in the thought of their families.

Many of the Demon Slayer Corps had fought to avenge their fallen or protect what remained. She was certain that giving the troops a nice kick in the ass to remind them what would happen to their families if they didn't fight, would be the Garrison Commander's preferred method for dealing with a potential mutiny.

Eventually finding themself trailing after the most powerful Military figure south of Sina along the top of the Trost Interior Wall in a rather uncomfortable silence, the Commander was the first to break the ice.

" It's said that before the Titans claimed dominance of the land, mankind was locked in endless bloody battles over differences in race and ideals, " he recounted, eyeing Eren pensively. " Supposedly, someone then said, 'If something beyond man appeared before us as a powerful foe, mankind will take up arms together in unity.' What do you make of that? "

" There's a legend like that? " The brunet considered the Commander's words. " Well, it seems rather optimistic. Doesn't interest me, though. " The old man laughed, taking a swig from his flask.