Dangerous Territory

Sad Hero

Eren barked out, "Stillgestanden!"

The platoon in front of him snapped to attention, heels together, shoulders squared, and eyes forward.

"Gewehr, Ab!"

Their rifles went down.

"Das Gewehr, über!"

In unison, they raised their rifles directly in front of them and put them on the left shoulder.

"Achtung, präsentiert das Gewehr!"

They presented the rifles out directly in front of them, eyes firm and focused.

"Das Gewehr, über!"

They again brought the rifles up to their shoulders.

Eren turned to Moblit. "Unteroffizier Berner, have them march. I want to see those legs up. Springer, that means you!"

"Jawohl, Herr Oberleutnant!" Connie shouted out.

Moblit took over, barking out orders that sent the platoon into a stiff goose-stepping march around the barracks. He lingered near Eren, who leaned on his cane and dabbed his forehead against the glaring sun. "Should you really be out here, Herr Oberleutnant?" he asked quietly, waving down to the cane. "You're on rest for a week, right? It's only been, what, four days?"

"I'm just off combat duty. I can still come out here and make sure the men are in shape. How are you handling your new duties?"

"We have a couple of troublemakers, but most of the men are well-trained and take their drills seriously. I must commend Stabsgefreiter Arlelt. He's really stepped up."

Eren smiled, knowing Armin was a good man and excellent soldier.

"Well, well! Look who came out of his cave!"

Eren turned and saw Jean coming forward. He smiled to see the man now in an officer's uniform. "You're one to talk. I've been out drinking with Reiner while you're jerking off in your room."

"Go lick a dog's ass!" Jean glanced at the cane. "How's the leg? I was worried it'd fall off."

"It's healing quickly, and I'm bored sitting in my room alone."

"Alone? I saw you bring that girl in last night."

Moblit chuckled. "Oh, you've got a girl, lieutenant?"

"Gotta keep in shape," Eren said with a sly chuckle.

"Have fun, but don't overdo the leg. Let her have a go riding on top once in a while."

Eren laughed, but his face looked awkward.

Jean caught the tiny grimace right away. "Moblit, go chase those men. If you leave them alone for a minute, half of them will goose-step their way to a beer hall."

"I was thinking, since we've finally got a dry day, I'll take them out into the field, put them through some drills."

"That sounds good," said Eren. "I'll be along." He watched as Moblit jogged off, and then Eren turned to Jean. "Mentioning Louise? Really?"

"Are you really sitting in your room alone?" Jean asked, keeping his voice low.

Eren frowned and glanced around the barracks courtyard, making sure no one was nearby. "Yes. Alone now."

"Then you got him out?"

Eren's lips pulled into a barely-suppressed scowl. "He's somewhere safe, with people who will help him."