My Hero

Chapter 51

"We shall commence an attack precisely at dawn tomorrow. Failure will mean your death. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"We'll crush them like the insects they are!" A wide, sinister grin spread out across the beastly features.

---

"The day has come, soldiers." Zachary Dhalis said, turning to face me and Eren. "Keep in mind that any sign of disobedience or hostility towards your fellow comrades or humanity in general will be taken as treason and you will both be executed immediately." He made a short pause. "I hope it won't come to that. The operation starts early tomorrow. You are dismissed."

I gulped hard. My body relaxed a bit after Zachary Dhalis' figure disappeared in the distance. I was afraid; I was very afraid. I mean, who wouldn't be with the possibility of a death sentence hanging over their head?

The rest of the survey corps started to spread around, everyone shouldering an individual task given to them by the captain. I glanced at Eren, but he was lost in thought, so I decided against disturbing him. We were both having a hard enough time already.

"Hey, kid." Captain Levi called out to me. "Come with me."

"O-okay, Sir." I had no choice but to follow him. We made it deep into the woods, which are usually used for practice.

"What do you think is going to happen tomorrow?" He asked when we finally stopped.

"Oh, umm..." His question caught me by surprise. "I'm not really sure, to be honest... I mean..." I shut my mouth once I noticed the captain's look of disapproval.

"That is not the answer I want to hear."

"I...apologize." I was pretty certain my apology would only heighten his disappointment in me, but right now I couldn't really help it. He caught me off guard. I still haven't had the chance for a moment of self-pity before getting back on my feet.

"I'll tell you what's gonna happen tomorrow. You will have your shit together and do what you trained for. I don't want to hear any excuses. I don't want you to doubt yourself. I want the soldier I trained to show what she's made of."

"Captain..." His words touched me deeply. I bit my lips to stop myself from tearing up. "Yes..."

"I can't hear you!"

"YES, Captain!"

"That's better."

There was something extremely adorable and, at the same time, awfully creepy, about the Captain's smile. Like you were looking at something you weren't actually supposed to see. And yet, currently, that smile was the most reassuring thing I had ever seen. It gave me a sense of confidence that I could accomplish anything. I was grateful to my very core. My opinion of the captain has changed so much since the first time I saw him. Made me think that first impressions should always be taken with a grain of salt.

---

"Are you worried about her?" Levi asked a very distressed Erwin, who dropped the map he wasn't even paying attention to upon hearing the question.

"I am trying not to be... but it's not working."

When he reached for the map, the ring on Erwin's finger gleamed in the light of the candle he had lit earlier. Levi studied the metallic band before leaning against the door frame of the commander's office.

"You should have a bit more trust in her. I do."

"I don't know how you manage to remain so calm."

"You used to be way more composed than me. You've changed." There was no judgment in Levi's words. He was simply stating a fact.

"Yes...." Erwin smiled halfheartedly. "I guess I did..."

"Let me have a look at that." Before Erwin could protest, Levi had already taken hold of the map. "Take a break. You've been sitting here since this morning."

"Thank you, Levi."

"They're going to be alright. Eren and Desi. If you look this worried tomorrow, you will only cause unnecessary emotions for everyone around you."

"You're right, Levi. Of course you are."

Erwin smiled warmly, a smile full of gratitude for this man, no, this friend, who, intentionally or not, was always by his side through everything. Maybe someday he would actually be able to express how much he valued Levi.

"The plan looks good." The captain placed the map back on Erwin's desk. "Now, go talk to her. And, I swear, if you ask me who I'm talking about, like the big fool you tend to be, I'll kick your ass."

Erwin couldn't hold back from laughing. "You can rest assured, I won't." For which he earned a skeptical look. "And, alright, I will."

"Oh, Hanji!" The Commander exclaimed after opening the door.

"Hey, Erwin! I was just on my way to talk to you!"

"No, you weren't." Levi half-grabbed, half-pushed Hanji inside Erwin's office. "Whatever questions you have for Erwin, you can ask me."

"But..." Hanji protested.

"And you, go!" Levi pretty much ordered the surprised Commander.

"Y-yes, alright." For a second, the one usually in charge became the one following orders. But those were just minor details as far as Erwin was concerned at this point. He was off to see his girl, and no one could deny the look of pure happiness in his eyes.