|Published July 4, 2016 | Pacific Time

Chapter II | ONE SOLDIER

Peering through crimson
-Gear Blade

A horde of insults and yelling welcomes back the Scouting Legion from their two week expedition. Once again Erwin's soldiers have to endure the criticism of their military branch. The civilians lay close to the soldiers somber faces as they pass through the crowded road. Unfortunately, half of the veterans that attended this expedition are either injured or dead. Out of the one-hundred-fifty soldiers who attended the mission, thirty-five are either reported missing or brought back to be given a proper funeral.

Within the one-hundred-fifteen soldiers that made it through hell, only one of them has supernatural skills. That answer is obvious to the human eye. Humanity's Strongest Soldier a.k.a the leading soldier of this regiment. What I find disturbing is the virility of everyone's mental state. Out of the one-hundred-fourteen that are left alive, approximately half of them are in a total breakdown.

"The Survey Corps still come back half empty?! Seems Humanity's Strongest isn't much of help!" A middle age man with a curly beard falling to his chest bellows out. His dirty thin shirt is ripped in certain areas revealing apparent bones.

"Get your ass out the walls and dare say we're doing nothing!" A young twenty-year-old veteran shouts out.

"Leave the ignorant be." I watch Levi place a hand on the young veteran.

"But Captain-"

"Ignore him." He firms.

After several prolonged hours riding our horses, we finally arrive to the Survey Corps Headquarters. I dismount my golden horse and stretch my arms. Even after six years my rear feels numb after hours sitting on a horse. Grabbing my horse's reins I begin walking him around the parameter to calm his fast heartbeat to its normal pace. "You did well, Sam." I pat him as we walk. We're not allowed to name our horses due to the emotional attachment we might obtain with the horse. The death of the horse may disrupt our focus during an expedition. As for myself, I don't heed at the advices regarding the horses' names. On expeditions when I find myself galloping with Sam with no one around, at least I have Sam to accompany me. I don't see Sam as a simple horse but a friend. It does get solitary outside the walls.

"Unload the carts!" I hear Squad Leader Ferno Dalesty command to several veterans.

"Come on, Sam. Let's get you fresh and full." I lead Sam to his horse stall and prepare his water and food. Thank goodness I'm not in charge of unloading the carts on this expedition. My muscles ache and I still have to wash up the hellfire from this expedition. My uniform is completely stained to a crimson color. My face could have been no more different. I made great efforts to remove their blood off my skin outside the walls. A futile attempt with a clean cloth. The only thing I obtained was a red tinted face. Water would have been the key if there were sufficient water to carry around in the first place. The lake Erwin suggested was manifested by mosquitos.

"See you tomorrow Sam." I peck his cheek before heading straight to the showers. The smell of warm, sticky blood invades the usual aroma of the daily headquarter halls. As I stroll through the hall I catch countless new recruits who were not brought to this expedition dilate at my gory appearance.

"Was it that bad... the expedition?" I hear a Survey Corps recruit whispering to his friend.

I remember my own friends. Friends that really understood who I am. Friends that made my life a little easier, happier, crazier if I may say. Yet those friends will never come back because they're long gone. In a better place I hope so. I guess now that I'm alone things will get difficult but I'll remain brave and collective. I'm simply a soldier who no one has time and patience to help them on their troubles.

_____

My fingers slide on the oak dining room door before propelling it open with ease. Less soldiers welcome the dining room this early morning. I heard a few minutes ago before heading to the dining room that from the forty-five that came injured yesterday, three passed away last night because of too much blood lost. At least they weren't devoured by titan teeth.

I take a seat at an empty table. The silence eats away the alarm from all the loud chaos I have experience these past two weeks. The all familiar silence will later rise from its slumber in a couple of days. In the end, I guess no one will really remember me. Not that I care.

"Hey. Divergent." I watch James Henderson lounge himself on the chair across from me. My first impression of James when I first met him was if he was in any way related to my ex-squad leader, Zack Henderson. Perhaps James was Zack's son. But that was unlikely, otherwise I may have recalled Zack declaring he was married or had a child with a woman. Besides, both Zack's and James' facial characteristics differ a great lot. Probably they were cousins or had another type of family relation of some sort. Turns out they weren't related at all. Coincidently they have an identical surname.

I have to admit Jame's good-looking but not to the point that attracts my attention. He's not attractive just handsome. James has brown-hair curtained hairstyle featuring a long fringe divided in a middle parting. I have to give him credit for his unique hairstyle. Not many can pull that style on them. I guess James' oblong-face structure has to do with it.

"Don't call me that." I remind him bluntly. Divergent isn't my real name to begin with. It's a nickname my squad leader Zack Henderson decided to name me some few years ago.

"Sorry." He rubs his back shoulder.

"..."

"I'm glad you made it." He smiles faintly. I completely forgot James didn't attend this expedition. I simply nod at his relief and shift my attention to my soup. "I heard what happen out there... I know it won't change anything but I'm sorry for what happen."

"Why are you apologizing?" I inquire meanwhile I chew on my last piece of bread. "It wasn't your fault." I stare at him. "Titans are at fault here." I stand up now that I have finished my breakfast. "If you excuse me, I have to go train before being assigned somewhere else." I grab my empty tray of food and head to the kitchen. Usually there's different soldiers on distinct days assigned to clean the dishes. Washing my tray can facilitate their given task. I wouldn't want to clean four-hundred trays all by myself. I prefer attending to other tasks.

"Hey." I feel someone grip my arm as I'm about to exit the kitchen. I jerk my hand away from the warm touch before staring at the intruder of my personal space. Oh---It's just James. Unfazed by my action milliseconds ago he leans forward and whispers to me. "Can I speak with you for a moment-" He pulls me closer to him. "-alone."

"Alright." Whatever James is about to confess must be substantial to have looked anxious and desperate. I stroll with James towards the training field until stopping under a tree. I lean on my curvy hip and fold my arms to my small chest. I arc my straight brow watching James look extremely tense.

"Look..." He struggles out. "I know my confession isn't the most ideal in a time like this." He points out.

"Spit the juice." I bluntly say. "What's disturbing you?" I rest my hand on my hip.

"I like you Divergent. I mean..." He smiles. "...a lot actually." He reaches for my hand.

"I see." I pretend I'm itchy from my face to prevent him from holding my hand. First, I'll have to forgive him this once for addressing me by my nickname. Second, the urge to spit out the dubiety of his true feelings has to remain silent. "So I attract you as a woman?"

"More than anything." He nods.

"I guess..." I bit my inner lip. "What do you see in me, anyway?" Well, there goes my sangfroid. My sudden tone could only be explained as exhaustion and irritation. Of course, James seems oblivious to my annoyed demeanor with that serendipity plastered in his face.

"The way you act-" He steps closer to me. "- around those who need help amazes me. The way you battle in expeditions makes my heart beat in agitation and in admiration. I love how your golden hair blows swiftly by the wind. I like your beautiful smile and silver voice. Everything."

"Everything?" I arch faintly an eyebrow.

"Yes, Divergent... I love you." He confesses. I release a sigh through my nose after hearing his confession. If so he says he loves me then I have no other choice but to find out the truth. I stretch my hands upwards signifying my exhaustion. I feel a fresh breeze caress my belly. His hooded brown-color eyes land on my revealed skin instantly. I descry James small reaction, one of suprise to one of disgust written on his face.

"James." I clear my throat. "There's no time for love. I don't see you in an intimate way. I can't respond to you the same way." Perhaps James will insist his love for me or likely not.

"I understand." He avoids eye contact. "I have to go to my squad now." I hear him reply with ease. "I'll let you train. I accept your decision." He turns around. "See you later." He waves goodbye before jogging back to the building.

"Typical." I murmur. I knew they were all the same. James was no different.

_____

Commander Erwin Smith lays out my profile report on top of his desk. I glance behind the Commander, a combination of orange and red flames mix with waves of purple and blue in the horizon. What a beautiful sight to see. I bet for the second time my golden watch Erwin praises its beauty as well. I know for a fact squad leader Mike Zacharias a.k.a humanity's second strongest soldier after Levi, appreciates the view given he's gazing at it at this moment behind Erwin.

"I've perused your profile and it seems I overlooked a substantial detail. You possess extraordinary 3DMG skills." Erwin Smith apologizes. "Strange I didn't notice your potential sooner."

Apparently the squad leaders found out about my skills and brought me to Erwin for a final decision. Truth be told every squad leader covets me on their squad. "After discussing the matter with the others, I've decided it'll be best to place you in my squad." He confirms. A wave of exhilaration washes through me. I will finally have the opportunity to demonstrate my Commander I'm valuable? "However, Levi insisted your skills to be implemented in his squad." Erwin closes the folder.

"So I'm assigned where?"

"Levi will evaluate you and decide if you're fit as a member of the Special Operation Squad. If so Levi neglects your skills, I'll take you in."

"Or my squad." Mike utters out.

"I'll take it in consideration." I assure Mike.

"Report to Levi's office after this." Erwin intertwine his fingers.

"Yes. Sir." I rise up and salute before leaving. After a few short seconds, I reach the Captain's office. With my knuckles I knock at the close cherry wood door to grab the Captain's attention. No response. Probably he isn't here at the moment. I'm about to make my leave but a familiar voice catches my attention.

"What is it?" I jerk my head towards the hall to find Captain Levi sauntering towards my direction.

"I was sent here by Commander Erwin." I watch him unlock the door.

"What's your name?" He gestures me in.

"Athena Leongate Heart." I reply back.

"Some lengthy name you got there." He sits down on his chair. I remain standing until he orders me to sit on the oak chair designed with beautiful beige cushions decorated with burgundy leaves all around. My emerald-eyes wander around the pristine office. Outstanding.

"Blame my middle name." I shrug my shoulder. His physical appearance is as pristine as his office. Both make an excellent match. I have to admit the captain tops any men from this regiment in terms of sex appeal. He's not just handsome but emits an attraction I receive from no other. I bet for the third time my golden watch it won't be hard for him to find a person that finds him perfect.

"Right." He retrieves a clean sheet of paper. "You'll be answering a set of inquiries before making my decision. Respond truthfully. No answer is incorrect." He lands his blue eyes at me.

"Yes Sir." I nod.

_____

"Report to my office by dawn. You'll be meeting the squad tomorrow."

"Thank You, Captain." I salute.

"I expect a similar performance as what the papers report." He warns from his oak chair that has a familiar design like the rest of the chairs in the room yet slightly bigger.

"I won't disappoint." I wait patiently for him to dismiss me. He gazes at me.

"Have we met?" He asks after a few short seconds. 'Of course we did.' I wouldn't blame him forgetting me. I was unrecognizable with my drenched appearance during the past expedition. Besides, if he had remembered my name he wouldn't have known. My real name is Athena Leongate Heart, an unsuitable name I find so beautifully elegant.

"We had once." I say briefly.

"When?" He rises from his chair and rounds the table towards me as I speak.

"I don't seek disrespect towards you." I shake my head. "I want to keep our past encounter a secret until you remember." I push the chair I was seating at near the desk. "I'm a bit disappointed to have been forgotten so quickly." I chortle. "So I'll let you do the work."

"Athena." He glides near me. "Where have I seen you?"

"It's only been recent." I hint out.

"Recent?" I can't help but smile helplessly at Levi's confusion.

"I was crimson that night." I frown at the memory of death. I watch him study me closely. My emerald-eyes. My unique nose. My oval face and golden hair. The same height as him. "Divergent?" He hesitantly whispers.

"At your command Sir." I bow my head. "It's an honor to be part of your squad." I extend my hand which he takes with no hesitation. I may have not made it to Erwin's squad but the Special Operation Squad has the same recognition.

"I expect professionalism." He warns.

"As always."