Blood.

Blood was everywhere. The strong metallic smell filled the air. You see many dismembered bodies here and there. It was gruesome. It was another failed expedition, you thought. Erwin had already shot a flare signal to retreat. The smoke signal lingered in the air for a while before it dissipated.

"F/N, we are leaving." Petra called you as you stood there, staring at the bloodshed. It was another day, filled with killings. You murmured a prayer before leaving the place.

You hoped Eren was fine, hoping to see him back in the walls.

~♤~

Screams and cries were heard from the family members over their death of their loved ones. This happened almost everytime when the Survey Corps came back from the expedition.

"The Survey Corps is just wasting our taxes and money!! Why hasn't it been dissolved by the government!!"

"Expeditions are just a waste of time, money and lives!! Commander Erwin, how many more lives do you intend to lose before you are contented?!?!"

You clenched your fist as you hear those comments and complaints. An expedition was not easy. You glanced at Erwin, who was expressionless throughout the whole journey. It was just another failed expedition. It's normal for soldiers to die in an expedition, no matter how experienced they are, you thought.

One slight mistake could cost you your life.

~♤~

After reaching the HQ, you went to look for Eren. But to no avail, he wasn't found everywhere in the HQ. Sneaking to his room, you opened the door. He wasn't there. You thought the worse.

You hurriedly rushed to the infirmary, where numerous soldiers were being treated with all sorts of injuries. Hanji was busy stitching back a wound.

"Hanji, where's Eren? Is he injured?" You asked in a worried voice. "Ahh.. Err. Eren..." Hanji mumbled, as she finished up the last stitch. After cleaning herself, she gestured you to go to her office. "Here, F/N. Read it." You were horrified at what Hanj has passed you.

A deceased report.

Your legs gave in, tears welling up in your eyes. Your hands were shaking, as you opened the report. It showed Eren's photo 3 years ago as a cadet. You read the details.

Name of Cadet: Eren Jeager
Cause of death: Eaten by a 15m class titan

You were shocked. You stood back up to ask Hanji.

"F/N. He's missing. We couldn't find him after numerous titans attacked him. All we could find was his titan body. We put him as deceased so that the royal government won't track him down and assassinate him, given the number of deaths in this expedition. Let's just hope that he comes back alive." Hanji said as she took off her glasses. You were so devastated that you passed out.

All you could hear was Hanji shouting at your name, muffled.