Chapter 32: CHAPTER: 32 - INVALUABLE SMILE
The scouts finally arrived at headquarters as dusk descended, the dimming light casting long, somber shadows across the area. It had been a long, exhausting day, and the weariness hung heavily in the air, visible in the tired faces of the soldiers. Though the majority of the scouts were ready to collapse, there were still important tasks to be done. The captured Titans needed to be properly checked and hidden away, though it was unlikely that this secret would remain for long. The immediate priority was ensuring their safety, even if just for the time being.
The rest of the scouts had bathed, eaten their dinner, and quickly fallen into deep sleep, their exhaustion leaving no room for anything else.
Sana had just been about to head to the meeting when her teammate handed her the child. The little one was fast asleep, her tiny form nestled securely in Sana's arms. As she looked down at the child, Sana couldn't help but marvel at her angelic appearance, peaceful and serene as she slept. It was hard to believe that such a small, innocent thing could be at the heart of so much turmoil.
Sana made the decision to bring the child with her to the meeting. She didn't want to trouble anyone else who was already stretched thin. Carrying her seemed like the best choice—simple and necessary.
With the child nestled safely in her arms, Sana made her way to Hange's headquarters, where the familiar faces of her comrades had already gathered.
The reason for housing the Titan at Hange's headquarters was clear: Hange's team was specifically assigned to Titan research, so no one would question the necessity of having the creature there. Erwin had already spoken with Hange about ensuring the safety of the Titans. While permission had been granted for tests on the 5-meter Titan, there were strict restrictions on the 15-meter Titan, which was off-limits for any sharp instruments.
At Hange's Headquarters
"I apologize for the delay," Sana said as she entered the room. The moment she stepped inside, everyone's eyes turned to her. There was a brief moment of silence as they took in the sight of the child in her arms. Only a handful of people were present—Erwin, Hange, Moblit, Levi, and Mike. Captain Flagon was notably absent, still recovering from his injuries.
The Meeting
The meeting carried on for an hour, with Erwin explaining the situation to everyone in the room. As the truth of the matter began to sink in, a stunned silence filled the space. The gravity of what had been revealed was written on their faces. It became clear that even Mike hadn't been told the full details, and only a select few, including Sana, Erwin, Hange, Levi, Moblit, and a few others like Farlan and Isabel, were privy to the information. The secret was tightly guarded.
The room fell silent again, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air. No one spoke. It was as though the truth had rendered everyone speechless. Erwin had looked to Sana for approval before disclosing this information to the group, likely wanting to ensure the loyalty of his friends before revealing everything. It was clear he had a strong sense of who could be trusted, and who couldn't—but he wasn't ready to test that trust just yet.
"Neh, Erwin," Hange finally broke the silence, her expression thoughtful. "So, we're not the last humans on the planet after all. It's reassuring to know we won't have to keep fighting Titans now that we have the founder's abilities. But in the end, nothing really changes. We'll still be fighting humans, won't we? Though, I guess they don't even consider us human," she added, her voice trailing off as curiosity sparkled in her eyes. "I wonder, if they're more advanced than us, what kind of technology do they have?"
Erwin nodded, the meeting finally winding down. "Okay, the meeting is concluded. You're free to leave," he said, standing and preparing to exit.
Sana sat down on a nearby recliner, still holding the child gently in her lap.
"Oye, Sana," Levi's voice interrupted her thoughts, his tone tinged with concern. "You should probably head back. The baby might catch a cold if you're not careful."
"Yeah, I was about to leave," Sana replied, her voice quiet. "My migraine's getting worse, and the sun this afternoon didn't help. I didn't notice it underground, but the light's a huge trigger for me."
"You should get some rest," Levi advised, his voice steady. "You can leave the child with us for now. We'll take care of her. And tomorrow, you should check to see if there are any survivors from her family. They might be worried about her. If no one survives, you can do whatever you want with her," he said, his words firm but kind. The seriousness in his tone wasn't lost on Sana.
"Alright, I'll check tomorrow," she murmured, though doubt lingered in her voice. "I think I just need some rest first."
She stood up, still holding the child, and quietly left the room, not saying anything further.
She understood what Levi was trying to say, but the mention of the possibility of the child being alone in the world—without anyone to care for her—it unsettled Sana. The thought didn't sit well with her. It didn't feel right.
The cold night air greeted her as she walked back to the barracks. It felt unusually cold tonight, and she was determined to keep the child warm and safe so she wouldn't catch a cold. But as she walked, a growing unease began to creep over her, an unsettling feeling that someone was watching her.
Sana quickened her pace, a cold shiver running down her spine.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Oye, Sana," Levi's voice came from behind her, calm and steady. "What's going on? Why are you in such a hurry? You need to walk carefully, you're carrying a child."
The sound of his voice was a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves. She stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. The relief that washed over her was almost overwhelming, and before she could stop herself, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Oye, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Did I scare you?" Levi asked, his voice filled with concern.
Sana shook her head, unable to speak for a moment. She wanted to reach out to him, to seek comfort in his presence, but the vulnerability of the moment held her back. She always felt safe when he was around, but there was something about the current situation that left her feeling exposed.
"No, that's not it," she whispered, quickly wiping the tears from her face.
Levi's expression softened, and with a small smile, he said, "I'll walk with you to your barracks."
It wasn't the first time she'd seen him smile, but every time he did, it stole her breath away. It had been a while since she'd seen that smile, and she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter.
He accompanied her all the way to the barracks, ensuring that she was safe. When they reached her destination, they said their goodbyes, and he wished her a good night. The baby remained fast asleep, completely unaware of the world around her.
As Sana lay down in her bed that night, the thought of being with Levi lingered in her mind. She longed for moments like this—quiet, peaceful, with no looming threats or heavy responsibilities. But for now, she would have to settle for these fleeting, precious moments.