Platinum Blade - AOT x OC

Chapter IV - New Friends, New Allies

"I want to be a hero."

"..."

Morgan did not say anything. To her, she never really understood what it meant to be a 'hero' aside from hearing about it in fictional stories that her mother used to read to her when she was younger.

What makes you a hero? Is being a hero not just the same as showing kindness to one another? Can anyone be a hero? These clouded questions in the young girl's head had never been much of a concern to her, yet she vividly remembered that Harley also wanted to be a 'hero'.

"I-I'm sorry..." Khye stuttered, going red from embarrassment. "That... probably sounds a little strange and childish-"

"It's not strange or childish," Morgan reassured. "I think it is something you should be proud of."

"T-Thanks... What about you? I remember you saying earlier during the introduction ceremony that you did it for your brother, or something along those lines?"

"Mhm. I just aim to join the Military Police so I can get better treatment for Harley. I know it's not anything grand or ambitious, but as an older sister, I have a responsibility to fulfil and look out for him – even if it means fighting those ugly Titans..."

"...That's... That's really sweet of you..."

"It's the least I can do," she said, gazing up towards the silver moon.

"..."

As Khye observed the girl stare up towards the starry sky, he could not help but admire her resolve. Morgan's eyes gleamed with the reflection of the moon, which reminded him of someone dear to him from years ago. Those dark, almond-shaped eyes of Morgan's were nearly identical, and the striking resemblance left Khye wide-eyed in surprise.

"I-Is everything alright, Khye...?" Morgan asked softly, suddenly noticing the boy's unnatural behaviour. "You're just staring at me..."

"Oh – S-Sorry... just then, you looked a lot like someone I used to know..." he stuttered, trying to play it off.

As the silver haired girl looked towards Khye, she could not help but notice the obscure look on his face. Growing up alongside her deaf brother, Morgan became pretty adept at reading facial expressions as they play a large role when communicating in sign language.

Despite her temptation to ask if Khye was okay, she chose not to pry in his personal space – especially since she had only just met him a few minutes ago. Just as a brief moment of silence broke out, Khye decided to break the ice and wanted to ask more about Morgan's life.

"Your brother... his name is Harley, right? You mentioned he needed treatment."

"Yeah... Ever since the fall, he's been stuck in hospital..." Morgan quietly replied, gentling tracing the ground with her finger. "I'm not sure when he'll be able to leave, but I don't think it's going to be anytime soon."

"I'm sorry to hear that... If there's anything I can do to help I'll be more than happy to-"

"Thank you, I appreciate your help... but it's only something I can do." Morgan smiled. "Harley is... deaf. There are not many people out there aside from myself who are able to communicate with him. You see, I talk to him in sign language-"

"Sign language?" he eagerly asked, suddenly coming to life and sitting up.

"It's when you move your hands to talk to the other-"

"I know what sign language is, don't worry. Are you fluent in it?"

"Y-Yes. I am fluent in sign language-"