Mind over Matter | Armin Arlert

Between fear and hope

"In other words, Eren's father, Grisha Yeager very well may be a human from outside the walls."

Those words spoken carried a certain weigh with it, the burden of the information falling short on the atmosphere. 

"Yes, and he had the power of the titans, just like Annie, Reiner and Bertolt."

Hange continued, her gaze solemn. "But unlike those three, he wanted to help those inside the walls."

"if he was so interested in the survey corps, it would've been nice if he'd helped helped us out a bit more."

Fathered around a wooden table were all the higher ups of the survey corps, excluding Freyja, who was sitting next to her brother on a stool. The day after tomorrow would be the day they retook Wall Maria, so it was their final meeting before the big mission. A potent mix of fear and hope hangs heavy in the air. Fear of the unknown, of the lost they could potentially suffer from the future battle. But still, hope lingered in each of their souls, for victory in achieving their objective would mean that humanity would restore it's lost dignity, to reclaim what was once theirs.

"Considering everything he knew, it's possible doctor Yeager even knew the truth about the ideology passed down in the Reiss family. Perhaps he chose not to share that to keep the royal government from finding out about him." 

"And yet, the moment the wall was breached, he went straight to the Reiss family, and committed that act of madness," Levi continued Hange's thought. His legs were crossed and his arms folded. 

"After getting behind the walls, he was probably investigating the royal government," Hange concluded.

"In any case, he would have needed an incredible amount of resolve to do what he did."

Erwin's words had always held an air of mystery around it, the sense of the unknown and beyond. 

"And it was this same man, who wanted to show his ten-year-old son, who hoped to join the survey corps , the room in the basement of their house, a room which in his dying breath, he said held everything..." Hange glanced over to Erwin, meeting his eyes. "What do you think could be in there?"

"The memories of the world King Reiss has erased from our memories, that's what I'd like to think..."

Of course he did. 

"But sitting here, speculating, there's no way for us to know. As for now, we are ready. The operation to retake wall Maria... will take place two days from now."

"We want to know what's in the basement? Well, lets go and see for ourselves," A smile adorned Erwin's firm features, his eyes holding a twinkle of passion and hope. "Isn't the way of the survey corps?"

And in the one sentence, Erwin had singlehanded ended the meeting. 

"I'll leave the teams to you, in secret of course."

"Could we at least have some red meat today, though?"

"Yeah... we've got to show those kids from time to time that they can depend on us."

One by one, the members left with determination inspired on their faces and a heart fired with ambition. Until the only ones left were Levi, Erwin and Freyja. 

"What is it Levi?" Asked Erwin.

"This may sound impatient, but what are we going to do after retaking Wall Maria?"

"Eliminating enemy threats. There seems to be someone out there who's determined to see us eaten by titans," the commander replied, glancing down at the table before him.