"You realise I'm asking this now, because you might not live that long," Levi states, blatantly. Erwin grips the empty sleeve where his arm used to be. "You're not exactly as spry as you used to be....let Hanji or Akira call the shots on this mission...iin your shape, you'll only be dead weight."

I hum in agreement, "Commander, just stay behind and wait for the good news to be received,"

Levi clicks his tongue, "We can both tell the others I argued till you gave in," he suggests, sarcastically. "Which I will, so why not make this easier on either of us? What do you say?"

Erwin was hesitant while remaining quiet, in deep thought.

"No, do what you both need to," He firmly orders. "Use me as bait...the chain of command still remains. If I'm gone, then either Hanji, if Hanji's gone, then Akira......if Akira's gone, the next."

Clearly I didn't want to discuss further, but now I really wanted to convince to stay behind.

"It's true, this operation will be extremely dangerous...." Erwin admits, unfortunately. "...but it will also be the most important one in human history. That's why I've gone to such lengths. This is my plan, Levi. So without me leading you, you're less likely to succeed."

My eyes fall heavy upon the desk, finding it difficult to understand Erwin's rationale thinking. Closing my eyes for a moment, I listened in.

"That's true, without you the operation might fail," Levi agrees. "But if you bite the dust out there, we're really screwed.....so just stay safe at your desk and keep using that head of yours. As far as I'm concerned, that's the last thing the titans would want....and the best weapon that humanity's got."

"No, you're wrong," Erwin firmly refuses. "Our best option is for me to gamble it all on the plan that I--"

"Okay, that's enough!!!" Levi snaps angrily, raising his hand. His eyes widen, with a stoic expression. "Stop right there, any more of those noble-ass excuses, and I'm gonna break both your damn legs. Not too badly, they'll heal just fine, but you'll be way too busted up to even think about joining us on the operation......and it'll be a bitch to get to the bathroom."

Surprised by this, I would have to agree with Levi.

"Erwin, your gambles have always become a success," I spoke up, expressing how well he's worked in being our Commander. "Just this once, listen to us. Don't make me sound like grouchy old lady, but we care for your well-being. So, make sure Levi doesn't break your legs, okay?"

Surprised for a moment, Erwin begins to chuckle in response.

"Don't like that idea much," He admits. "Normally, I'd agree with you both...a wounded soldier should stay off the battlefield. However, that may be the day we learn the truth about our world, and I'll be damned if I'm going to miss it."

Levi and I were both speechless, as my jaw clenched tightly

"That's your reason?" I whisper, shakily. "How....foolish...."

"Being there is that important?" Levi questions, with disbelief. "More than your legs?"

"Yes,"

"More than humanity's victory?" Levi questions him again.

"Yes,"

Levi lowers his head while my frustration was boiling on the inside, steadily maintaining my composure. Clearly we both couldn't agree on Erwin's level of understanding, but all we both could do was give in.

"I see...." Levi turns on his heel towards the door, grasping the handle quietly before halting. He glances over his shoulder. "....fine, Erwin...in that case, I'll trust your judgement."

Levi shifts his gaze to mine, before giving me a small nod. Once the door closes, my breath grew heavier with vexation. The room grows silent, finding it more harder to wait for Erwin to speak.

"You're so....stubborn," I mutter, under my breath. Yet, I didn't have the heart to snap at him, for his reasoning. We all were curious, but right now, humanity was my first priority.

"I'm sorry Akira, that's just.......my goal," Erwin apologises, with sincerity in his solemn voice.

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