Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 54: The Departure

Erwin was no stranger to hospital rooms. Many expeditions usually led to him ending up in one, but this was a different matter entirely. All of the energy he once had was drained away, leaving a pale, amputated man in its place. The loss of his arm, while necessary, crippled his strength for good. He was the commander of the Scout Regiment and yet, ordinary tasks were daunting just to think about. Dressing himself, eating, riding a horse, activities that he would have to relearn in such a short time all because of a mistake.

He cursed himself for his shortsightedness. The Titan was right there, and he was too focused on retrieving Eren to prevent his doom. The only reason Erwin managed to get home was luck, nothing more. He remembered how he once called luck the word of the foolish. A fool he became thanks to this grievous incident.

The door swung open, interrupting his musings, as Commander Dot Pixis strode inside. "Enjoy your rest, Commander?" the old man asked in a good-natured tone, closing the door behind him.

"They told me I was unconscious for six days," Erwin said, his voice understandably hoarse. "How much has happened? The doctors wouldn't tell me anything."

"Probably because the fools don't want to upset you and aggravate your injuries," his fellow commander inferred as he took a seat in a chair near the bed.

Erwin raised his eyebrows at him. "And they still decided to let you in?"

He chuckled. "A kindly old man who wishes to visit his friend? Of course. After all, I have your best interests at heart."

"I see." Erwin had a feeling a lot of flirting and flattery was involved.

Pixis brought out his flask and held it out to him. "I hear it's good for numbing the pain."

"No, thank you. I need to stay sober."

He shrugged, taking a swig himself. "You don't know what you're missing, Erwin. With all the crap you and your men go through, one would think you take some time to calm the demons living in your head."

Erwin shook his head. "No amount of drinks would ever calm them down. I bring death to those who follow me."

"And yet, you still move forward without a moment's hesitation," Pixis pointed out seriously as he leaned forward. "I can still see it in your eyes, that fiery determination. I doubt losing all your limbs would do anything to slow you down, which makes me wonder what keeps you going. A love of country? A lust for freedom? After all these years, I have never been able to pin down your motivations. You make grand speeches, but I've always wondered what lurks behind those words."

Erwin met his stare with his own. "You didn't come here for a psychological evaluation. There's something more important going on."

Seeing that he wasn't going to get an answer, Pixis moved on. "The popularity of the Scout Regiment has been in a serious, sharp decline. You managed to buy yourself some time with recruiting the Female Titan, but losing three traitors, two of which have the ability to break down our Walls? Well, a resignation would be getting off easy where you're concerned."

"They're coming for us, aren't they?" Erwin summed up.

"Whispers here and there seem to believe that," Pixis responded, "but they are just rumors. And here I am, letting you in on the latest gossip like an old woman at a bingo party."

"Be careful, Pixis," he warned quietly. "If they found out you've been helping me-."

"I have never helped you," Pixis interrupted. "I simply state the obvious and go from there."

There was a soft knock at the door before it opened, revealing a petite, young nurse. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a small group of people from the Scout regiment requesting to see you, Commander Erwin."