The Color of Suffering | AOT

●Defender of Humanity● part 2

As commander pyxis concluded his speech to the soldiers gathered below, I gained a deeper insight into his character.

Commander Pyxis's demeanor was a breath of fresh air compared to the stifling fear that captain woermann exuded. While Woermann's reactions were governed by a visceral fear of the unknown, prompting a harsh and rigid stance towards Eren's newfound abilities, Pyxis approached the situation with a calculated calm that was both rare and invaluable under the circumstances.

Pyxis’s understanding of the larger picture made him stand out starkly against Woermann. Where Woermann saw only danger and a problem to be eradicated, Pyxis saw potential and a pivotal resource in eren. This was not just a difference in perspective but a fundamentally different approach to leadership and crisis management. Pyxis’s ability to harness potential rather than squash it under the boot of fear spoke volumes about his capabilities as a leader.

He was pragmatic yet optimistic, willing to embrace unconventional solutions in desperate times. This quality made him a beacon of hope and a rallying point for those of us who believed in eren’s potential. Unlike Woermann, who seemed eager to deliver a swift and fearful verdict, Pyxis was preparing to gamble on a future where eren could play a key role in humanity's survival.

Eren approached the three of us after Pyxis speech, with a hesitant step, a sheepish look on his face. He seemed to be wrestling with whether to share something.

“Hey, penny,” Eren began, glancing nervously as he scratched the back of his head, a classic sign he was unsure how I’d react. “Um, earlier... pyxis let me try the alcohol in his flask.”

Now it made sense why Eren hesitated before telling me, he knew exactly how I felt about it.

I raised an eyebrow, amusement mixed with a hint of mock sternness in my voice. "Really, Eren? You'd better not make a habit of that, or you'll end up like Hannes," I teased. My tone was clearly playful; I knew Eren wouldn't seriously consider it, especially since he's well aware of my strong dislike for liquor. I chuckled lightly, making sure eren understood I was just having a bit of fun with the situation.

Eren laughed, relief flashing across his face at the light-hearted jab. "No worries, penny. one sip was more than enough to last me a lifetime."

"Good," I said softly, reaching out to lightly tap his forehead. eren didn't flinch, instead, he met my eyes with a gentle, appreciative look.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Armin glancing hesitantly between Eren and me, as if debating whether to interrupt. After a moment of visible internal struggle, he finally spoke up, his voice carrying a mix of apology and concern. "I'm so sorry, Eren," he said, his tone earnest.

Eren's gaze shifted from me to Armin, a hint of surprise in his expression. Armin continued, his words coming out in a rush, "I was just talking out of my head. It wasn't my intention for you to be pulled into all this."

Eren brushed off Armin's concerns with a reassuring smile. "Stop apologizing, Armin. The fact is, you have a gift for strategy, and you know it," he said, emphasizing Armin's talent with a supportive nod.

"He's right, armin, one day, you could be a commander!" I chimed in enthusiastically, draping an arm around his shoulders to bolster his confidence further.

Then, Mikasa started, her voice laced with concern, "Eren, I really think I should—"

But Eren quickly interrupted her, firmness in his tone. "You're not coming with me. You and penny are on the decoy squad," he declared firmly, and I could see his frustration building, reminiscent of the time when the attack first happened and he had tried to headbutt her in his stubborn insistence.