[SnK] Song for the Reluctant Heroes [Reader]

Being a soldier didn’t mean that feelings and emotions were nonexistent.

Being a soldier didn’t mean one was numb to the pain.

Death wasn’t uncommon, and having been a veteran in the Survey Corps for so many years, it really shouldn’t have surprised you anymore.

But death wasn’t something that one could get used to, no matter how many times one witnessed it and gruesome as it was, you didn’t regret having these feelings after each and every expedition.

Yes, it hurt, and yes, it kept you awake, but no. These…sorrowful and mournful feelings weren’t something you wished would just go away. In fact, these feelings were a reminder that you were human and that a life lost was not a life sacrificed.

You refused to shed your humanity in honor of those who chose to put their lives on the line to protect those within the walls.

It didn’t matter what Erwin saw, it didn’t matter what he thought or what he said; you refused to see the list of deceased as a list of pointless sacrifices. Each and every soldier was valuable and irreplaceable; each had a role, and if he refused to see that, you would stand in his place and see it for him. For them.

Standing in front of their graves, you began to hum softly. It was a soft lullaby that you had picked up oh-so long ago and at some point, you just added your own words to sing for your fallen heroes.

I sing for the reluctant heroes, who give me their strength, though life is so short.

Your lullaby comes to a close and you stand, brushing the dirt from your pants.

One day, you would be reunited with your fallen comrades.

One day, someone would sing for you.

Until then, you had a duty to fulfill.

I want to be brave just like you.