The Bonds of Blood" [Fem OC X AOT]

Chapter 3: Resolute Bonds

NO ONE'S POV:

"Rae, give me a shovel, please," Yoshi requested of his twin sister, who was busy stacking supplies nearby.

"Alright, I'll bring it here," Rae responded, wiping her hands on her worn-out trousers.

She made her way over to Armin, who was diligently organizing tools by the storage shed. "Hey, Armin, can I borrow the shovel?" she asked.

"Sure thing, Rae," Armin replied, handing her the shovel with a smile. "Here you go."

Rae nodded her thanks and headed back toward Yoshi. The siblings, along with several other young soldiers, were working tirelessly to cultivate the barren wasteland surrounding their encampment.

This initiative was part of a broader effort to solve the food crisis plaguing their community.

In just a few days, the mission to recapture Wall Maria would begin, and the stakes had never been higher.

Rae firmly believed that humanity would prevail. She was confident that they would kill the Titans within Wall Maria and successfully seal the gate. This hope fueled her determination.

"Here you go," Rae said, handing Yoshi the shovel.

"Hurry up already. Mikasa and I are done with today's work," Rae complained, looking at the small plot of land Yoshi was still working on.

"Why don't you help me instead of just giving me instructions?" Yoshi retorted, his voice tinged with frustration.

"No way. My hoodie will get dirty," Rae replied, crossing her arms defensively.

"So what? It doesn't even fit you. It's more like a blanket," Yoshi shot back, glancing at her oversized hoodie with mild annoyance.

"Shut up," Rae snapped, turning on her heel. She walked briskly over to where Mikasa stood beside Eren, who was stubbornly refusing her help with his tasks.

Rae sighed, watching the scene unfold. Eren had been increasingly distant and irritable lately, and it was taking a toll on everyone, especially Mikasa.

"It's almost night, Eren. Just let me help a little," Mikasa insisted, her voice laced with concern.

"No, I'm not a kid anymore! I can do things without your help! You're annoying me, just leave," Eren shouted, his face contorted with anger.

Rae sighed deeply, recognizing the hurt in Mikasa's eyes. Eren's behavior had to change; he was pushing away those who cared about him the most.

"Mikasa, let's go to the flower field I mentioned yesterday," Rae suggested gently, stepping between them and taking Mikasa's hand. She led her friend toward the forest's edge, hoping to lift her spirits.

"Rae, it's not safe right now, and it's also very cold," Mikasa protested, her eyes darting back toward Eren.

"Okay, I'll take you there tomorrow. Also, Yoshi was calling you," Rae said, trying to distract her.

"He was? Then I'll go see him right now," Mikasa replied, perking up slightly. She hurried over to Yoshi, and after a brief exchange, began helping him with his work.

"Hey, do it yourself, you weakling!" Eren shouted, noticing Mikasa assisting Yoshi. His eyes flashed with a mix of irritation and jealousy.

~

"It's almost time for dinner, and Armin isn't back with Gramps," Rae said, her voice tinged with worry. Armin and his grandfather had gone to get food for the group, but they were taking longer than expected.