𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 | 𝐀𝐎𝐓

Chapter 3

I was given the clothes of the Scouts, the straps are a bit uncomfortable but I liked these long boots, I just wish the coat could be larger. This morning I was visited by Commander Erwin, informing me to meet with Dhalis Zachary himself in his office, and I went without thinking twice. There I was tackled by Acay and Yadhi, although surprised I was happy to see them, but I was saddened when I saw Haco's state, he had a few bruises from the fights and the Scouts weren't exactly thoughtful in the courthouse.

I spoke with Zachary and was told that for them to live with protection they have to apply to the Training Corps, as long as I do my job and prove myself worth they will be safe. They aren't giving me a choice. "But you'll let them choose where they can be, right?" I asked, the old man glancing at me. "That decision is for them to make." My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at my cousins.

For the first time in the days I've been here, I decided to be bold. "We both know the people in these Walls are corrupted beyond belief... If I hear any of their corpses appear in an alley I promise I will destroy your precious Walls..." My voice turned deeper, and I hope that when I get back they'll be here with open arms. On the contrary of what I thought, the man didn't seem mad or offended, but a glint of determination was set in his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind, miss (L/N). Do take care out there."

Can I trust Zachary?

"(Y/N)?" I broke from my trance and glanced at Eren beside me. I've been thinking so much about that conversation that I forgot we're in the part when we start the training at the castle, I wish I could know how many days we'll stay here. "Sorry, you were saying?" I questioned. "N-Nothing, but you looked so gloomy. Is your family alright?" I smiled slightly, nodding. "Yeah, but the monarchy is making them join the Training Corps. I'm afraid they're doing it on purpose to keep me on check."

"I'm not surprised... I'm sure they'll even go as far as to watch Mikasa because of me." Eren and I are both soldiers now, and instead of worrying about the battle ahead, we're thinking about our family and friends. "An architectural marvel, don't you agree?" I raised my head and looked at the castle in the distance, it sure is beautiful, and now that I'm here it's even prettier. "A proper royal residence once upon a time, and more recently, our former headquarters. Fancy, yes. But absurdly impractical once the Scouts got down to business. Much, much too far removed from either river or wall. These were the early days for us, you understand. Hopes soared high, now, this opulent bauble is a little more than a holding cell. The place where we store our newest toys." I noticed Eren looking back and I followed his stare as I listened to Oruo. Levi was keeping close to us and his eyes are staring right into my soul, I pursed my lips as Eren and I gazed at each other.

It's amazing how we turn to one another in times like these. The guards glaring menacingly? Hange showing something gross? Mikasa killing me with her stare? Levi being a douche?

Ding, ding, ding! All check!

"Do not be deceived, greenhorns." Oruo leaned closer to Eren, who was uncomfortable by the proximity. "Excuse me?"

"Don't be expecting the royal treatment. Whether you're Titans or humans, don't imagine for a second we all share the good Captain's enthusi--" Oruo bit his tongue and screamed in pain, I had to hide my face but snorted rather loudly.

// Timsekip //

"That's what you get for flapping your jowls on horseback." Once arrived safely at this royal holding cell, Oruo was put into care by Petra. "The rookies needed to know their place. First impressions are important." And that he did. Eren and I made sure to take the remaining things for our training as we were watched by the squad, we were minding our business but it's impossible not to hear them. "Well, you certainly made an impression on them, no question there." Oruo's personality is even funnier as he tries to be like Levi, but I can't be cheeky, he can still kill me. "Indeed so. Our exchange went exactly as planned." He said.