The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Everything Changes

Midday

Location: Outside Wall Maria

OOC POV:

While discussing the plans to return to the Walls, Erwin tunes out Hange and Miche when noticing the silent interaction between Levi and Tessa by their smiles to how they squeeze each other's hands, making Erwin realize how genuine and meaningful their bond is. During the battle, everyone watched Tessa cover Levi's back as she gracefully moved in the air, almost like it was a dance as she killed the Titans, gaining Levi an opening to kill the last one. They were so in sync that Erwin, Hange, Miche, or anyone couldn't keep up. It led Erwin to think about last year in the training yard when he believed Levi and Tessa would be the answer for Humanity's safety, and with the efforts from today, it has proven to be a valid result. Suddenly Miche's voice breaks his thoughts about the duo in front of them, "I believe I now see what you mean about this idea, Erwin," Miche confesses, making Hange raise a brow, "Are you sure this is still a good idea?" He asks while remaining discreet about the topic, and Erwin nods, "Yes, I do. They're what we need. You said so yourself, Miche; they can handle the pressure on their shoulders just like us." He admits while turning his attention to his friend. Hange's almond gaze bounces between the two men as she tries to unlock the decryption of their conversation, realizing they're being discreet because of the listening ears around them before following their gaze, only to see it's on Levi and Tessa.

Now remembering the conversation from last year with Erwin and Miche causes Hange to sigh as she looks away from the couple, "I agree with you, Erwin, but I think they still have doubts about this role." She confesses, and Miche slowly nods, "If they do, then they'll have us to help them," He reassures, "They know that they're needed to be humanity's protectors." He adds, making Erwin narrow his eyes, "Levi has the strength to lead everyone, while-" He starts explaining, but Hange interrupts him, "While Tessa has the grace to guide everyone through pressure." She finishes before looking at the duo again, only to remember Tessa's words about having grace isn't enough in a battle because she needs strength to carry her through. Now realizing Tessa is comparing herself and Levi's abilities, making sense of what Erwin said about them, "Humanity's strength and grace." Hange mutters, making Erwin look at her, "What was that, Hange?" He asks, but Hange shakes her head before looking at Erwin, "Nothing important," She replies, "I'll tell you later." She whispers before hopping on her horse. Miche and Erwin exchange looks while Hange walks away, and Miche shrugs his shoulders before walking away to look for his horse.

While everyone continues to prepare for the journey back to the Walls, Tessa and Levi watch the wagons cart away the severely injured Scouts, unaware that Erwin joins their sides until he clears his throat, "How many are injured, Tessa?" Erwin asks while watching the last wagon roll by them as Tessa bites her lip and sighs, "Almost five are severely injured, while the rest are unscathed or have minor injuries. Zoe, the medics, and I did everything we could for the ones that didn't make it, but it was too late." She answers while rubbing the back of her neck before removing the tight hold of her hair, causing her ebony tresses to fall around her slumped shoulders. Losing comrades in the Scouts will be more challenging, and it eats away at Tessa when she can't save them. However, before Levi or Erwin notice her shield faltering, Tessa clears her throat while wiping the tears, "I'm sorry. I should be grateful for the ones that made it." She apologizes, but Erwin shakes his head, "Tessa, it's okay. We understand that you did everything you could. Be grateful that the ones we lost got to have peace with you by their side as they passed on." He sympathizes, making Tessa weakly nod before looking away again. When Tessa looks away again, Levi cuts his storm-colored eyes over to Erwin who notices he is thankful for his wise words to Tessa, to which Erwin merely nods.