Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 39: The Failed Warriors

(Trost)

There were many things that Levi found annoying: Military Police, obnoxious or whiny brats, a filthy room, and an assortment of other things. High on that list was guard duty. Due to his leg injury, he was strictly forbidden to take place in the capture of the Shifters and the elimination of any Titans within Wall Rose. So, to keep him occupied, he was instructed to keep an eye on Pastor Nick, who was giving him the silent treatment. At least his squad could keep him distracted.

"I think this is the first time the three branches united for a single purpose," Eld commented.

"It'll probably be the last," Levi replied. "The second they witness a Titan filling its belly with the bodies of soldiers, they'll be running back to the Interior pissing themselves."

Petra let out a sigh before turning to her captain. "How's your leg?"

"Getting better," he answered. "Unfortunately, it's not good enough for the commander."

"Seems like we're getting separated a lot recently," she noted.

"It's not exactly Levi Squad without Levi," Gunther pointed out.

"You're good soldiers," Levi stated. "Hell, I can see all of you leading your own squads in a few years."

"If Oluo was here, would you be saying the same thing?" Eld asked with a smirk. "Think about it: him trying to emulate you and acting tough, and then bam! Tongue gets bitten and he's escorted to the nearest medic for surgery."

Gunther chuckled. "How the bastard never bled out will always remain a mystery."

Levi let out a sigh as he thought about his fallen friend. "Oluo had his faults, but he was a good soldier."

"He was the one that always could bring a smile to our faces," Petra added. "Most of the time, it was unintentional, but still."

"Get back here in one piece, will you?" Levi requested. "All of you."

The three of them nodded in agreement.

Within the mixture of soldiers from the three regiments was Jean sitting on a crate and drinking his canteen. He was still a bit miffed that he wasn't able to be part of the team that would capture or kill the traitors, but he knew that they had the best people assigned to that mission. Combined with two Titan Shifters and a Psion, the two would have no chance. At least that's what he hoped. Deep down, he was feeling paranoid that something was going to go wrong like it did in Stohess.

They can handle it. He told himself constantly. They've got it covered. Now if only he could have more faith in that line of thinking. At least his head was feeling better

"I can't believe we didn't see one," one of the Scouts behind him commented.

He turned his head to address them, surprised. "You really saying there weren't any?"

The Scout nodded. "I know, right? It's unusually quiet out there."

Jean sighed, looking down at the ground. He knew that no matter what happened, Connie, Krista, Ymir, and Sasha would be in the thick of it. "Wonder if they're still alive?"

Nearby, a trio of MPs were gabbing it up, getting restless."What a joke," one of them sneered. "I thought this was supposed to be an emergency."

The second guy chuckled. "Yeah, did we come here to sit on our asses or what?"

The first guy turned to Levi. "Hey, Levi, where are you hiding all the Titans?"

His squad glared at them, ready to give them the tongue-lashing of a lifetime, but fortunately, Levi had it covered.