My Inner Demons: The Rise of a Devil

Chapter 51: Scouts on the run pt. 2

While Erwin's trial was underway, several wagons passed through the streets on their way to the castle that loomed above all the other buildings in the district.

???: That's a lot of wagons.

???: You haven't heard? Most of the military higher-ups are meeting inside the castle. They're officially disbanding the scouts. See those gallows over there? Erwin will be hung once his trial is over.

-Erwin-

Erwin: When facing an enemy you need two things. A shield to guard and a spear to pierce their flesh. Disbanding the scouts would be as if you tossed aside the spear. Suppose Wall Rose was breached this very instant. What then? Would you continue to round up my men and charge them as criminals, or would you let them do their job? And then there's the matter of food shortages. The residents of Rose are being forced to split their food down the middle to help provide for the refugees from Maria. Once that supply runs dry, it may not be Titans who rampage through the streets. Wall Maria must be reclaimed. If there is to be any hope for humanity then that is the way. Hunting the scouts will do nothing but remove the only force capable of driving back the Titans that have plagued us for the last century. And now, with Y/n on our side, we may have a chance.

Council Member 1: And you think such a task requires the scouts?

Erwin: I don't think it, I know it. Tell me, are either of the other regiments trained to fight Titans to the degree that the scouts are? Do they possess the experience needed? Cowering behind the walls will solve nothing. Unless there exists a secret plan by which we may overcome this ordeal, the scouts are humanity's only chance.

Council Member 1: It seems you misunderstand what this is. We did not bring you here to discuss our future within the walls. Nor is it on account of something as simple as a murder. Clause six of Humanity's Charter: One must never prioritize their own gain over humanity's survival. You have broken the most sacred of laws. 

Council Member 2: Indeed. Time and time again, you have refused to hand over Yeager. Through this action, you have violated the charter. 

Erwin: Y/n is vital to the reclamation of Wall Maria!

Council Member 2: That is not for the scouts to determine!

Council Member 3: Y/n Yeager is a Titan whose abilities are far from understood. Sheltering him within the walls puts all of humanity at risk. The very idea of letting you have control of him is absurd. 

Council Member 1: You have conspired against the state in a manner most malicious. Not only did you feign Yeager's capture to conceal his whereabouts, but you also silenced Dimo Reeves when he discovered the truth of your intent. This amounts to blatant treason.

Council Member 4: It's not a stretch to assume you are just as much of a threat as Yeager is. 

Council Member 2: Commander Pyxis, the garrison and scout regiments frequently risk their lives side by side on the front lines. How are we to know if you have or have not sided with Erwin?

Pyxis: The very thought that you would suspect me of such treasonous acts is deeply disturbing. Humans senselessly slaughtering each other is one of the worst things I could think of. In this cramped world we've inherited, it wouldn't take more than a single spark to burn down everything. Just before the battle of Trost began, I said as much to the men under my command. I then sent hundreds of them to their deaths. If the scouts are that fatal spark, I wish to see it stamped out so that peace may return. What if the Titans broke through the wall only to find no one inside? They'd certainly go hungry.