Chapter 5 — The Weight You Lighten
The sun had barely risen when you arrived at the infirmary, carrying the usual supplies. The hall was quieter than usual, almost ominous.
Hange was pacing, muttering to herself about missing reports and supplies. You set down the tray of bandages. "Is everything all right?"
She shook her head. "No. Scouts returned with news—one of the outer patrols got caught. Several injured, and one didn't make it."
You felt the familiar knot in your stomach tighten. In this world, death was never far, never fair. But still… it hit harder when you saw the raw expressions of the survivors, the hollowed eyes of those who escaped.
You stepped forward. "I'll help."
Hange gave you a small nod. "Good. Start with the ones who can walk. Others… you'll just have to hold steady."
Eren was first. His leg was scratched, his hands trembling as he tried to clean the wound himself.
"You shouldn't do that," you said, kneeling beside him. "Here, let me."
He flinched but allowed you to work. You cleaned the cut, applied antiseptic, and wrapped it carefully. He looked at you after a moment. "Why do you care?"
You smiled softly. "Because someone has to."
He laughed a little, a short, humorless sound, but it was the first time since the battle he had seemed human.
Mikasa hovered nearby, arms folded. Her eyes kept darting to you. And then she did something small but monumental—she finally relaxed, leaning slightly closer to Eren than she had in days. Your presence had created space for her to breathe.
Later, Levi appeared in the infirmary. Not by accident—he had sought you out.
"You're here again," he said, voice flat.
"Yes," you replied, calmly. "I thought someone should help."
He paused, studying you. The corners of his mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly. "You're… persistent," he muttered.
"I just… don't leave," you said quietly.
For the first time, Levi didn't walk away. Instead, he sat down on the edge of the cot, silent. He didn't touch anything, didn't speak, just observed. And in that silence, a subtle acknowledgment passed between you—he trusted you. Enough to stay.
Throughout the day, you helped others in small, quiet ways.
You carried water to the exhausted.
You guided the injured to chairs.
You whispered reassurances when fear or pain overtook them.
By evening, whispers started circulating among the soldiers. "She… stays calm," "She notices things no one else does," "She makes it… easier."
It wasn't flashy. It wasn't heroic in the conventional sense. But in this world, it mattered more than any weapon.
As night fell, you found Levi again in the training yard. He was cleaning his blades, posture tense as ever.
"You don't have to follow me," he said, eyes on the steel.
"I know," you replied. "I want to."
He froze, not expecting the answer. Then, for the first time, he allowed a small, rare smile. "…Tch," he muttered.
You didn't flinch at the faint sign of approval. You just stood there, steady, like you always did.
That night, you lay on your cot, exhausted but calm. You reflected on the day:
Eren had laughed.
Mikasa had leaned on someone else for comfort.
Levi had… smiled.
Small victories. Quiet ripples. But in a world drowning in fear, they were monumental.
You realized something crucial: you were not here to fight Titans. You were here to fight despair. And slowly, you were winning.
🔥 End of Chapter 5