VOICE.

[barebacking]

An odd question, I am sure, but I wonder...

I thought of the ghosts and the waters, and the idea that death could be just around the corner. That is that those of us that are just about to slip into that darkness may one day wake up to be choking on our own blood.

Forgive me for such a ... unfortunate image, but my point is ... how many of you have someone who you are close to? How many can say that you have met someone who makes your life worth it all, even if death may be so close? Even if this may all just be a dream?

This need not be romantic, I suppose, but friendship as well.

After all, sometimes it is friendship that can save a life, too, right?

Comments

[strategisch]

Well, it must be something significant if it troubles you so much. Even if it doesn't make sense...

[There just aren't enough people left in the world for anyone to afford to be racist where he's from.]

[barebacking]

Your world sounds sweet if you do not understand.

[strategisch]

I wouldn't call it sweet. We have other troubles to contend with.

[barebacking]

Oh?

Do you wish to talk about them?

[strategisch]

...I don't see why not. It's been odd, living life without speaking of or worrying about Titans every day.

[barebacking]

Titans?

Are they like ogres? Or are they more like cyclops?

Though... cyclops were manufactured by the Empire so there are no more of them. But they were quite large, as I am assuming Titans are from their name. Dwarfed dragons...

[strategisch]

I don't know what those are. [Although he has recently met a dragon!] Titans are humanoid creatures that can vary greatly in size, anywhere from 3 meters to 15 meters tall, but I'd say around 8 is the norm. They're completely mindless beasts, incapable of communication or even animalistic empathy... Their only goal in existing is eating humans.

This in itself wouldn't be problematic if it weren't for their incomprehensible numbers and near-invincible regenerative capabilities. Cannon shot can only slow a Titan, even if their heads are blown off. The way they are killed, what I was trained in, is very specific and very dangerous. And so, humanity's recovery is very slow.

[barebacking]

How odd. They sound like a mixture of ogres and cyclops... at least, in height. To think they come so different, that is strange. Especially with their capabilities.

It does sound like the recovery would be very slow, and you say that you are part of the scouting? My... yes, I was right to call you a knight.

[strategisch]

"Scouting" is a slight misnomer... There are three branches of the military where I am from. The Military Police govern the people and hold the kings peace, the Wall Garrison guard the walls and the people from Titan invasion, and the Scouting Legion go into Titan territory to try and reclaim land for humanity.

It's not as though we're going in blind, but some would say it's just as dangerous.

[barebacking]

And you do this because it is your duty? Because you wish to do this for humanity? I believe that is quite marvelous. It is nice to know that the ways of the knights are in other worlds, even though the situations are different.

What I mean is that it is nice to know that there are always going to be good men in every world that will do what is right, even if it may be dangerous.

[strategisch]

...Ever since I was a child, I've wanted to see the outside world. Beyond the walls, where humanity has not tread for a hundred years. The deserts of endless firey sand, the lights that dance in the northern sky, the vast ocean... I want to see it all, with my friends at my side. That is where it began.

[barebacking]

What a beautiful dream.

I hope that you will be able to see such sights in your own world, but for now... are you enjoying the sights of this world?

[strategisch]

I've explored a little, and I agree it's a very interesting place. The architectural phenomenons are beyond anything I've ever seen before. And there's a sort of peace among the people that doesn't exist where I come from.

...I'd really like to see what is beyond the walls though. Is there any way to surpass them?

[barebacking]

That, I'm afraid, I do not know.

And while you have shown your bravery to me by what you said, I cannot help but worrying for you, Armin, in just that simple question.

[strategisch]

Why?

[barebacking]

Before I answer that...

If you found or heard of a way, would you actually try it?

[strategisch]

Of course. I want to know what their purpose is-- either to keep us in or to keep something else out.

[barebacking]

And that is why I worry.

[strategisch]

Danger must be faced if one expects to move forward.

[barebacking]

That is true.

And really, I have no right to tell you not to go. I would be willing to go with you, however, if a way is found. As a lieutenant, I would feel quite sad if I did not offer my help.

[strategisch]

Any help you feel comfortable enough to give would be appreciated. I don't mean to venture far, I only want to see beyond with my own eyes.

[barebacking]

Of course.

And I shall offer all that you wish. You have moved me, Armin, with your words and I wish to repay you for it. That is all.

[strategisch]

Thank you, Lieutenant.

[Sometimes he feels as though words are all he has. But they can bring him far, he is learning.]

[barebacking]

You are most welcome, Armin.