Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

THIRTY-FIVE

'Dear Lorelai,

I'm glad to hear about your recent success beyond the Walls. Although, I'm even more glad that you managed to find some H.A.T. bullets; ODM gear is torture, and I wouldn't complain if I never had to use it again.

...

You're writing more often now. Out here in the training camp, it becomes easy to forget that we're Havasian. Letters from you remind me of home, though your traditional Havasian is just as poor as ever, Loretskaia.

I sound like Ma, don't I?

Anyway, I suppose we're all settling into these strange new lives of ours. Yule is coming up; I was hoping we could get everyone together to celebrate it. What do you think?

Don't work too hard,

Gabriel.'

-Part of a recent letter addressed to Lorelai Bervik from Gabriel Hyde.

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THIRTY-FIVE

Wall Maria, South Region, Shiganshina, Outer Gate

The Scouts are back! The phrase echoed its way around Shiganshina, travelling among merchants and families alike. Many hurried with both excitement and nerves to the outer gate to bear witness to their return.

The Survey Corps seldom returned with news of success. Most often, they appeared bloody, bruised, and with wagons piled high with corpses. Either way, their arrival always summoned many curious townsfolk to the outer gate to watch the procession.

As he passed through the gate, Erwin felt a sudden rush of pride. So rare was success in this business that he had forgotten what it felt like. He had done it. They had actually done it.

The Scouts held their heads high as they trotted into Shiganshina. It was certainly noticeable how few casualties they had brought home— how few corpses. What was most remarkable, however, was the cartloads of supplies they had successfully retrieved.

"I am pleased to announce," began Erwin, addressing the crowd, "that owing to the help of the Havasian ambassador and the bravery of our comrades, I can declare this mission a success."

The townsfolk erupted into applause, cheering wildly for what might have been the first time in the Scouts' history.

"Is it always like this?" Lorelai asked Erwin at her side.

"It's never like this." He smiled broadly.

They paraded their way through the centre of town. Many soldiers rushed into the arms of their relieved families; others just waved with pride at the strangers who watched them with new approval.

The townsfolk whispered and gossiped:

'Maybe this means our luck out there has turned!'

'Is that the Havasian Ambassador? Did you see the mark on her neck?'

'This alliance really is for the best; Briggs was wrong about them.'

'Look, there's Captain Levi! He's always scowling...'

'So what, one success out of a thousand failures? Please, it's going to take more than that to win my approval.'