Love in a Time of War

Chapter Ten

Emiko follows a soldier over to Commander Pixis and Eren on the top of the wall "Commmander!" she salutes with a nod. "Emiko, good. You're here." Pixis greets. "Emiko?" Eren asks. "Hey Eren, how you feeling?" Emiko asks. "I'm alright." Eren nods. "Good." Emiko nods. "We have a plan, Eren is going to transform and block the hole in the wall. That way we can take back Trost with ease." Pixis tells Emiko. "Sounds like a good plan, Sir." Emiko nods. Pixis smiles slightly "Let's tell our comrades the plan. It's said that before the Titans claimed dominance of the land, mankind was locked in endless bloody battles over difference races and ideals. Supposedly, someone then said 'If something beyond man appeared before us as a powerful foe, man will take up arms together in unity.' What do you make of that?" Pixis asks Eren. "There's a legend like that? Well, it seems rather optimistic. Doesn't interest me, though." Eren responds. "Hahaha! Your character is quite cynical, much like myself." Pixis laughs. Emiko smiles lightly "That's because even now, when that powerful foe has us with our backs against a wall, it's hard to say that humanity is united." Eren tells Pixis, Emiko nodding slightly in agreement. "True, that certainly needs to change. Otherwise, it'll be difficult to continue fighting." Pixis agrees.

The three of them reach a group of Garrison soldiers, one of them recognising Eren "Hmm? Ah... Eren? So you're safe." he says. Eren looks at him in irritation making Emiko roll her eyes "Emiko Ackerman, Sir. Pleasure to meet you." she tells the man. "Hannes, you a friend of Eren's?" he asks. "Yes, Sir. We trained together." Emiko nods. "I'll let you continue on your way, it was nice meeting you." Hannes tells her. "You too, Sir." Emiko nods, following after Eren and Pixis. "What was that?" Eren asks her. "Introducing myself, it's good to be polite and respectful to your superiors. Especially when you want to get higher in the ranks in the future." Emiko responds. Pixis takes a swig from his flask, Emiko shaking her head slightly "Ah... care for a swig?" Pixis asks. "No, thank you, Sir." Emiko responds. "Yes!" Eren tells him, taking the flask and taking a swig. Emiko bites back a laugh at the look of regret that Eren instantly has on his face, making him spit it out as Pixis continues on his way with an unreadable expression "You good?" Emiko asks. "Yeah, I'm good." Eren nods. Emiko shakes her head slightly "Come on." she tells him, leading him after Pixis.

They soon come to a stop, Pixis walking to the edge of the wall "Emiko, if you would." he tells the teen. "Sir!" Emiko nods, pulling out the sonic round she was told to get on the way. Pointing it into the air, she fires it making everyone below fall silent "Thank you." Pixis nods at Emiko. The teen nods and stands next to Eren "I will now elaborate on the plan to recapture Trost District! The objective of this plan is to seal the hole in the destroyed gate! I will now explain how we intend to seal the hole! Belonging to the training corps, this is Eren Jaeger. He is the product of successful top secret Titan transformation research. He is capable of generating a Titan's body and moving it according to his will! In his Titan form, he will lift the giant boulder in the vicinity of the gate, carry it to the destroyed gate, and seal it! Your duty is... to protect him from the other Titan's until he has moved the boulder! Heed my command! Those who wish to desert us will now all be pardoned! Once a man surrenders to their fear of Titans, they are no longer fit for battle! Those who experienced that fear are free to leave! Furthermore, those of you who want your parents, siblings, and loved ones to experience that fear for themselves may also leave!" Pixis tells the troops below them.

Emiko and Eren look at each other, knowing that the soldiers who were planning or leaving won't be anymore "Let us think back to four years ago. Recall the plan to recapture Wall Maria. Though I presume you all know this without me having to say, the plan itself sounded glorious, but in essence, it was a way to rid ourselves of the unemployed that the government was unable to support! The only reason why everyone maintained their silence was because we managed to survive within confined walls thanks to their sacrifices! All of mankind bears that sin, including myself! Because the inhabitants of Wall Maria were few in number, the conflict did not escalate. But what about now?! If Wall Rose is breached, reducing the mouths to feed by a fifth won't suffice! Not even a half of the remaining population can be supported within only Wall Sina! Should mankind cease to exist, it would not be because we were all devoured by Titans! We humans would be our own end! We must not die within narrower walls. I implore you! Die where you stand!" Pixis continues.

Rejoining everyone, Emiko leans against Jean as they all talk about what they've just learned about Eren "Do you think this plan's work?" Connie asks. "It's the best plan we have, besides, we need to take back Trost somehow." Emiko shrugs. "I'm with Emiko on this, come on, we should get into position." Reiner tells them. Nodding, they all head up the wall to help lure the Titan's away from where Eren is. Emiko hovers above the Titan's with her ODM gear, connected to the top of the wall "It's working." she tells the others. Looking over, they see an explosion as Eren turns into his Titan "Emiko, back up top!" Armin calls. Emiko nods and swings back up to the top of the wall, Jean helping her steady herself as she lands "Thanks." she tells him. "No problem." he responds, the two of them turning to watch what's happening near the gate.