Attack On Titan: Zero

Season One: Chapter 4

"Armin, I want you to have this." Armin's grandfather said, as he slowly took his straw hat off his head, and gently placed it on Armin's.

"W- Why do you have to go?" Arming asked, tears pricking his eyes.

"I'm sorry, kid, but this is just how it has to be." His grandfather spoke softly, pulling the boy close, hugging him. He didn't want to let go, but he knew he would have to.

Armin clutched his grandfather's shirt tightly, his tears soaking the older man's shirt. The boy couldn't speak, he knee exactly what was happening. Those of the refugees of Wall Maria that were old were being sent out to reclaim their lost territory. In actuality, it was a way to thin down the population.

Armin's grandfather begrudgingly let go as Armin's hand slowly released the shirt, his gaze down, the hat covering his eyes. The elder man gave the boy one last look before joining the crowds of people being sent out.

EREN'S POV : Three Months Later
"Hey, you kids," A man beside us called at us, we stopped our cultivating work, and looked at him, "I know it's hard right now, but you're all young. You have a future ahead of you. So make sure you don't waste it trying to make this sick land grow. Find something you want to do, and do it." He smiled.

I took in his words for a second. What do I want to do...

I want to exterminate those Titans. Every last one of them...

One Year Later

"Armin..." I frowned, he pulled his grandfather's hat closer to his chest, and cried, "I... I'm signing up for the military next year."

"If you're joining, then I am too"

"What?! Mikasa, you can't! You'd just be wasting your life away!"

"It's my choice." 

"But, what would Y/n think? He wouldn't want you in dang-"

"Keep Y/n out of this!" She snapped. My eyes widened, and I felt myself begin to shrink.

"S- Sorry." I knew bringing him up made her lash out, but I wasn't thinking.

"You know that without me, you'll die an early death." She said matter of factly.

"Y- Yeah... Whatever" I mumbled.

"I- I'm joining too" Armin said, slowly looking up. Still teary eyed.

"Not you too, Armin!"

"I- I want to join, Eren. "

"Why?! Your brains will land you an amazing life! Why do you want to throw that away?!"

"I... I'm joining the Scouts! You can't change my mind."

I was surprised at Armin's sudden loudness, but I sighed. It didn't seem like he was willing to budge.

"Fine... Next year, we'll join the military..."

I'll avenge you... Y/n... Mom

MIKASA'S POV
I know you'll come back to me. I'll keep looking for you, Y/n...

ARMIN'S POV
I'll fight back, grandfather. I'll fight for you.

EREN'S POV
A sudden voice rang out, that startled and quickly quietened the idling cadets.

"Attention! I am your training instructor Shadis! You will refer to me as Instructor Shadis!" He shouted as we all looked at him, "You'll be staying in this hell for three gruesome years! During those three years I will break you down! Starve you! Maybe even kill you! And if you're still standing by the end of it, well done! You've earned yourself one ticket to a hell beyond this camp!"