Love & War || Levi Ackerman

Chapter 16 | Your Choice

Sara's Point of View

It has been two days since the angry retrieval for Eren. We were able to clean up the rest of the mess and to tend to everyone that we managed to save during the attack. Sadly, most of them lost limbs and cannot continue on as soldiers fighting outside the walls.

Erica and Hans aren't fully recovered too. We have to get a move on if we don't want to cause further casualties, so I made my way to visit them and talk about their current condition. I was given the time to consult my remaining members who can still fight, but I don't want to force the decision on them now that two of us were unable to fulfill their duties.

I took a deep breath, holding my ground in front of the door leading to their room. I raised my hand and knocked gently.

"Come in,"

When I peeked inside, I saw the two sitting up, their beds set across each other's on the walls. I pulled a smile in front of them and closed the door behind me, making a clicking sound at the notion.

"How are you two feeling?"

"Better, Captain." Erica grinned. "I heard Gil and Midas were discharged yesterday."

I go to sit beside Erica's bed, nodding in reply as I turned to Hans across us. "Yeah, I fixed the papers for their retirement immediately and they were safely sent back to their families."

"They really can't do anything now?" Hans sighs.

I folded my arms over my chest and looked out the window settled beside me. The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly this fine morning, but it was the complete opposite of the weather in my heart. "Seeing as this is the only time I can ask the two of you without any inconveniences, I hope you don't mind of what I have to say."

They saw through my words and knew that it was about to get serious. The both of them looked at each other first before their eyes reverted back to me. With a synchronized nod, they urged me to tell them what has been bothering my mind.

"Seeing as Midas and Gil are out, I wanted to validate your own feelings and thoughts on this one. We're losing soldiers on a daily basis, but two of our strongest protectors are out. We will not be able to save as many people as before." Sara leaned back a little and rested on the backrest of my seat. "I'm leaving a decision for the both of you to think about until you recover completely. Continue fighting with us for humanity, or to resign and live behind the safety these walls are providing. I will not stop nor will I judge you for whichever you choose."

It is only right for me to give them a choice now that we have suffered more casualties than before. However, I cannot deny that I will need them now more than ever. Saying that fact bluntly to them will leave them to think that it is their duty and that they have no other choice but to continue fighting. I don't want them to think like that.

They need to be able to decide for themselves without being forced to. Whether or not they continue as soldiers, it is up to them. I am leaving out this option for them to find something fulfilling within the walls.

"A-are you serious, Captain?" Erica stuttered. "If anything, the corps needs us more now!"

"Just because Gil and Midas retired, it doesn't mean we're backing out." Hans said. "Once we get all healed up, we'll be ready to serve under your leadership again, Captain Sara."

They both looked at me with determination coating their eyes, proud grins with no dahs of fear or hesitation displayed for me to see. It was their message, saying that they are in this until they fulfill their duties as the soldiers fighting for humanity's freedom.