reticence. [Eren Jaeger x reader]

10] Delicate Situation

The courtroom was massive. Even as you entered, you were caught off guard by the sheer amount of people inside, as well as the pictures above, depicting scenes of religious importance. How much had that even costed?

A gentle push from Mikasa, who was behind you, prompted you to step further forwards, towards the witness stand. Once you took your place, next to Armin, you couldn't help but stare at everything around you in wonder, taking in the impressive size, and gazing wonderously at the painting on the ceiling.

Peering around, you recognised several top ranking commanders, including Captain Levi. Amaya would be tearing her hair out in envy if you'd knew and told her he would be here.

Everyone suddenly fell silent, as Eren was brought inside, and cuffed to a post in the middle of the room. As the young man glanced around in confusion, you winced at the sight of a cannon pointed at him—the judge sat down, and the atmosphere in the courtroom became unexplainably suffocating.

"Shall we begin then?" Zachary asked, completely aware that his question had been rhetorical. "You are Eren Jaeger, a soldier who has sworn to give his life for the people. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Eren answered shakily; you inhaled sharply, since the poor boy looked terrified and confused simultaneously.

"Given the extraordinary circumstances," Zachary continued, "this deliberation will be held as a court martial; regular law will not apply, in other words. I have full decision making authority in this matter, which includes determining whether you should live or die. Any objections?"

Oh, you had a fuck ton of objections. The life of Eren in the hands of one man? That seemed scarily authoritarian.

"No, sir," Eren replied quietly.

"Your astuteness is appreciated. I'll get straight to the point. As expected, concealing your existence has proved impossible. Unless we publicly disclose your existence in one way or another, we risk the threat of a new, non-Titan outbreak. It falls to me to decide which regiment should take charge of you: the Military Police Regiment, or the Scout regiment.

"Now, let's hear what the Military Police proposes."

"Yes sir," a lean man, who you didn't recognise, stepped forwards. "I, Niles Dawk, Commader of the Military Police, offer the following proposal."

You'd never wanted Amaya by your side more in your life—and that was an extraordinary statement, considering what you'd been through in the past few days.

"We believe that, after a thorough examination of Eren's body, he should be disposed of immediately. It's true that his Titan ability helped thwart the latest incursion, however, his existence is now stirring up rebellious ideas as well. As such, after he's provided us as much information as possible, he will be made a fallen warrior of humanity."

Rebellious ideas? That's what they were worried about?

God, the Military Police really did have a life of privilege and ignorance.

"There's no need for that!" Pastor Nick, one of the crackheads from the Church, cut in. "He is vermin that has defiled and infiltrated the Walls built by God's great wisdom!"

Oh for fuck's sake, why did they allow a fucking cultist into the courtroom? This was supposed to be a place of fair judgement and reason.

"Next, let us hear the Scout Regiment's proposal." Zachary turned to the other side of the room.

"Yes, sir," Commander Erwin, of the Survey Corps, spoke, gaining everyone's attention. "I, Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Scout Regiment, offer the following proposal. We intend to accept Eren as an official member of the Scout Regiment, and utilize his Titan ability to retake Wall Maria. That is all."