Beyond the Shadows of Trauma

The dimly lit room seemed to close in around me as Hange's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the fragile reality I clung to. Commander Erwin's expression was inscrutable, but I could sense the weight of his gaze upon me, as if sizing me up for a fate I couldn't yet comprehend. I felt Hange's hand wrap around mine, a gentle squeeze that conveyed a sense of reassurance in a world that often seemed determined to tear me apart. As the commander began to speak, his voice was low and measured, like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "I understand, Hange. Your...partner's condition is well-documented. But I must consider the needs of the Survey Corp, and the risks that come with—" Hange's grip on my hand tightened, a subtle warning that he wouldn't let the commander dismiss me without a fight. "He's not just a soldier, Commander," Hange said, his voice firm but respectful. "He's my partner, my loved one. His well-being is paramount to me, and I won't let him be pushed beyond his limits." The commander's expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of empathy in his eyes. "I understand, Hange. But the truth is, we can't afford to have someone with...your partner's limitations in the field. The risks are too great, and the stakes are too high." Hange's jaw clenched, a subtle sign of his frustration. "There has to be another way, Commander. He's not a liability; he's a valuable member of this team, and he has so much to offer." The commander's gaze drifted back to me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as he took in the sight of me, maskless and vulnerable. For a moment, I wondered what he saw – a broken, traumatized soul, or a person struggling to find their place in a world that often seemed hostile and unforgiving. "I'll make you a deal, Hange," the commander said finally, his voice low and thoughtful. "I'll give your partner a chance to prove himself in a different capacity. But it won't be easy, and it won't be without its challenges. Are you willing to take that chance?" Hange's eyes locked onto mine, a spark of hope flickering to life in their depths. "What do you propose, Commander?" he asked, his voice cautious but intrigued. The commander's smile was enigmatic, a thin-lipped gesture that seemed to hint at secrets and possibilities. "I have a special task in mind, one that requires...unique skills. Your partner may be just the person I need." As the commander's words hung in the air, I felt a sense of trepidation building inside me. What lay ahead? Would I be able to cope with the challenges that came my way? And what did the commander hope to achieve with this mysterious task? The only thing I knew for certain was that I wasn't alone – Hange was by my side, and together, we'd face whatever lay beyond the shadows of trauma.