57th Expedition(1)

"The center?"Eren could hear the gurgle of gas through a pipe, followed by the noise of a pump turning off.

"That's correct. Eren," Erwin pointed to a spot on the paper he was holding. "The Levi squad will be closer to the command, this will allow my instructions to reach you quicker."

"You mentioned before that the center rear was the safest. Why move us further forward now?" Eren squinted his eyes as he finished refilling the final gas canister. He ran his hands around it quickly, making one last check for any damage.

"It's a precaution in case the enemy has seen through my fluff, but the main reason is due to your strength. By not needing to worry so much about your safety, it has given me a lot more flexibility in my planning." Erwin rolled the parchment up, slipping it into his cloak.

"I already had Ness re-allocate the fastest horses to all the soldiers in the middle."He continued to speak as they started walking. "And the best among them to the Levi Squad."

"Sounds like you're being extremely careful." Eren noticed the dark circles underneath Erwin's icy blue eyes. The expedition probably was the reason for it.

"Why do you think I assigned Mikasa to the same squad as you?"

"H-Huh?"

"From the mapping mission reports, it seems her synergy with you is almost perfect. In terms of strength and speed, both of you are in the top 5 of the Survey Corps already. Only Levi would best both of you, your abilities are probably on par with Miche and Natalie."

Eren gasped. Natalie? That girl was so skilled as well?

"Mikasa also has … an extremely strong attachment to you. Being alongside you will allow her to exhibit her full battle prowess. The reports that Levi passed me from your training together confirms that. In case things go awry, I will have another card to play." Erwin stopped and looked at him.

"No plan is 100% guaranteed, Eren. All of my fellow soldiers have trusted me with their lives. As their commander, it is my duty to make sure that if they do die, their deaths are not in vain. I will spare no effort in making sure of that." He took out a small signal barrel and pressed it upon Eren's chest. "Our fight ... must give meaning to their lives."

Recognizing it to be an acoustic round, Eren took it from him. He could hear the neighing of horses and footsteps in the distance.

"You know, Erwin. I'm sor ... s-sorry about what happened the other day in the meeting room, I was being such an asshat then."Eren scratched at his head, avoiding Erwin's eyes for a moment. "I trust you."

"Remember to follow the plan, don't let your emotions rule you. You're an officer." A faint smile crept up Erwin's face. He pointed towards the Survey Corps main force on the road. "Go now, Eren. We're moving off."

Emerging out of the alley, Eren got on his horse, riding along with the convoy that moved out shortly afterward. They traveled from dawn until the rays of the sun brushed against them in all its fullness, past fields and forests, before finally reaching the Karanes District.

The cheering and encouragement from the people that lined the main road hadn't stopped since they entered the town.

"Commander Erwin!"

"Go kick the titan asses again!"

"Over there, that's the Flash Blade!"

Eren was a little taken aback by how many people knew about him. He had already lost count of how many times he heard his name being called.

"Hey, isn't that Eren?"

"He's so handsome!"

"It's Eren!"

Eren glanced over his shoulder, it was coming from a group of girls. A silly grin broke out across his face as he tried to keep his body straight. Mikasa meanwhile wore a pinched expression as she rode beside him. She looked pretty upset, what was up with her?

"Eren, you must be tired. You should close your eyes and rest ."Mikasa said in a flat tone.

"Huh? What are yo-" He turned around to the source of laughter breaking out from behind him.

Christa, Ymir, and Natalie were pressing a hand each to their mouths to stifle their giggles. Natalie shot him a flirtatious wink upon noticing his gaze, the sparkle in her eyes spelling mischief.

Eren's heart leaped as he quickly switched his gaze elsewhere.

"Petra!" A voice cried out. It came from a middle-aged man that was waving amongst the crowd.

"Dad!!" Petra, who was riding in front of Eren shouted back. "Remember to read the letter I sent you!"

"Come home safely! I'll be waiting! "The man smiled as his eyes continued to be glued to his daughter. They seemed to beam with pride, but the worry hidden underneath his voice earlier did not escape Eren.

Looking at Petra's father, reminded him of his parents.

Mom, Dad …

I miss you so much...

I wish … I could see you again...

Eren fought back the tears in his eyes as sadness smothered him like a heavy blanket. He wouldn't allow himself to cry. He had to keep moving forward. Yes .To kill every titan.

Every last one of those bastards.

Every single one.

Another group of voices rang out.

"Look it's Captain Levi!"

"They say in battle, he's as strong as an entire brigade!"

Levi shrugged a little before Hange whispered something into his ears. Whatever she said, however, didn't seem to have any effect as Levi simply ignored her.

"The popularity of the Survey Corps has really grown. The victory over the aberrant horde, the prevention of the fall of Wall Rose and the Retake of Trost ."Petra turned around as she praised Eren. "This was all thanks to you."

"Quit pampering the kid, Petra. All he did was kill some titans. Tch." Oluo pulled at his horse.

The entire convoy stopped as the imposing sight of the gate came into view. Carved at the center of it, was the familiar symbol of the side view of a girl's head that wore a crown.

Eren saw two tiny heads peeking out from the corner of a window, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Just like him when he was younger.

*Creak*

The sound of gears turning came from the walls.

"The 57th Expedition Beyond the Walls will now commence!" Erwin's voice thundered across his ears.

*Creak* *Creak*

The silhouette of the commander pulled at his horse bridle, causing its head to rise majestically in the air along with its front hooves.

"DEDICATE YOUR HEARTS!" A stupendous roar came from Erwin as he thrust one of his blades towards the air, the rays from outside now landing upon his figure.

*Creak* *Creak* *Creakkkkkk*

The gate was now fully opened.

"FOR HUMANITY!" Erwin slammed the controller grip upon his chest. "ONWARDS!"

A/N: 2nd Chapter of the week. 1.1k words