LITOST // ackerman

After All This Time [part two]

Within Wall Sina - Days after the Battle of Trost

   "It's not an offer. It's an order."

   "It's an unnecessary order. We can take care of ourselves."

   "And I believe that you can, but we're not giving you the option. The loss of soldiers, old and new, prevents us from allowing you the privilege of continuously proving yourself for the time being."

   Amane folded her arms. Erwin was to her side, glancing her way every so often. Her black jacket had been repaired, the leather looking unworn.

   "I understand your concern, to the both of you," she looked at Erwin, "but I will not join Levi's squad. Neither will Rio."

   The petite girl she spoke for looked up from her place on the ground. She was sewing her own jacket.

   "I know that you think you're better off independent but this isn't the time, Commander Amane." Darius looked between the two commanders while running a finger over his eyebrow. The stress of the past few days was not helping the tension of the conversation.

   "Riokotse and yourself are great fighters in the war for humanity. We will not let you die. Going with Levi's squad and being apart of it for the time being is an order. Take it, or hand me your jacket. Now."

   Both girls stared ahead at the Military Commander. Erwin's eyes widened, looking between the three. Without a word Amane turned on her heel, leaving the room with her fists balled at her sides.

   Rio immediately stood, holding her jacket and sewing supplies against her chest. She gave a shy smile to the two men. "We'll report to Levi immediately, Commander Erwin." Then she followed Amane out of the room.

   Darius let out a breath as Erwin looked on at him. "If this is some kind of help you needed for a secret agenda, Erwin."

   "Sir-"

   "No." Darius held up his hand. "You're not in any trouble if it is, I just hope it works out. Now, get off. I've got papers to get through and I would enjoy the quiet."

   Erwin nodded, turning and beginning from the room. He stopped at the door, his fingers wrapping around the knob.

   "Something you need to say, Commander?"

   He turned, catching Darius' eyes. "I am only trying to protect her, Darius. Same as Mike. As Eldo. As Hange. As you. As Levi. The same as everyone who doesn't want her to die."

   "Is Riokotse in on your plan, then?"

   "Well, sir, with all due respect. I shouldn't cite my sources."

   Darius smirked, almost laughing. "Of course not."

   Erwin nodded, pulling back the door and walking out.

###

   "Welcome to the squad!" Petra smiled as her horse rode to the side of Rio's. The smaller, brown-haired girl smiled back and conversation broke between them. Amane kept her eyes forward.

   It hadn't been their choice to join. Yet Rio fit in. Of course Amane knew everyone on the squad, but she didn't intend on being happy with being with them. She wanted to go back outside the walls, to go find the Titan that had ruined her own team and kill it. She had been robbed of that privilege.

   "You could look a bit less glum." The familiar voice of Eldo came to her ears as he rode up, smiling. She would've smiled back if there were different circumstances to her being present.