Dark Hidden Secrets - Erwin Smith x Reader

Chapter 6

((Your POV))

After I set down the tray of food I make my way around Erwin's desk and sit on his chair. I suddenly started to move around on it, giggling because the chair was a lot bigger on me than it looked. I mean I knew he was ALOT taller than me but seriously? the chair too? Why does everything about him remind me that he was always the big brother I've always wanted? 

Wait what am I saying? I'm a full grown adult and I'm acting like a child, grrrr. Okay focus (Y/N), you wanted to read Hanji's report so READ IT and hurry before Erwin comes back.

I take a deep breath and I grab the report and opened it to read the first page.

Erwin Smith, 

This document is a proposal to resume Titan capture operations within the Survey Corps. If you read the enclosed notebook, it should be clear that it is suggesting one thing: That we are still ignorant on the subject of Titans. The Titan that Ilse Langnar encountered spoke words with meaning and assumed a position which showed respect. To add to that, it did not eat her, but instead "stored" her corpse in the tree, so to speak. Obviously, in our recorded history, this is a first. We have the responsibility and duty to apply the information that Ilse obtained by giving her life. We cannot allow her effort to go to waste. We must continue where she left off. No matter how small the information we obtain is, it will not be in vain. I believe that, some day, it will become the key factor in our victory. 

2nd Squad Leader, Hanji Zoe.

I could barely focus on reading it, this was NOT the Hanji I met a few hours ago. Reading this is like it came from a completely different person. Did Hanji really write this herself? Or did she have someone write it for her and they changed it up a bit?

I literally had to reread the whole thing a couple of times to let all that professionalism sink in. 

You- "Wow...she wasn't joking when she told me that she's been studying them for years."

But then I flipped the first page over to find a very old notebook underneath it. Curious enough, I opened it to read the first page.

My name is Ilse Langnar, I was part of the 34th expedition. 

2nd Brigade, in charge of the west column.

I suddenly felt chills running down my spine, she actually found the journal that belonged to the deceased soldier that she mentioned on her report. I almost didn't want to open it but if this journal is what made Erwin approve Hanji's request then it must be worth looking into. And knowing how busy I am, being in the infirmary most of the time, I knew getting another chance like this would never happen. So I have to take a deep breath and read this without stopping.

We encountered Titans on our return. 

I lost both my squad-mates and my horse. 

I abandoned my broken 3-D Maneuver Gear.

I'll run...Heading North.

I've lost my horse in Titan-controlled lands outside the walls.

It's impossible to escape Titans on foot.

No comrades I can rely on.

The return to the city.

Survival is almost hopeless.

I suddenly looked up from the book to gather up my thoughts. She was all alone in Titan Territory. I could only imagine how terrified she must be, she literally had nothing to help protect herself in case she stumbled upon a Titan, and I was THIS close to becoming a soldier myself. Okay FOCUS (Y/N), just keep reading without any more distractions.