The Color of Suffering | AOT

●Fleeting Moments● part 2

And just like that, the 104th cadet corps graduation night arrived. The top ten stood apart from the rest, and I wasn't amongst the ten.

It wasn't because I was a terrible soldier-I wasn't, not by any means. But in training, I never felt the need to show that I was better than the others, even though, more than half the time, I knew I was. It wasn't arrogance; it was practicality. I wasn't aiming for the top ten rankings like so many others. The scouts didn't require it. I could join them regardless of my position, so why bother crushing everyone else to get to the top ten?

The truth was, I didn't need to prove myself in a system that didn't matter to me. I didn't crave recognition. I didn't need the validation of being in the top ten when that spot didn't mean anything to my future. If others were fighting for that glory, why take it from them when it held no real significance for me? Let them have their moment; I knew where I was headed.

Everyone was celebrating in the mess hall-friends talking, eating, laughing-relieved and excited to finally graduate. I was happy too, but there was a twinge of sadness I couldn't shake. Half of the people here, I might never see again, or not as often as i liked. most would choose different regiments, leading us all down separate paths.

Sitting alone, I tried to push the feeling aside when reiner slid into the seat across from me, drink in hand.

"What's the matter, sweetheart? something happen?" he asked, flashing me that familiar, charming smile.

I hesitated, my voice soft, uncertain. "Do you think we'll still have our mornings together... watching the sunrise?"

Every morning for the past three years, like clockwork, we would meet at the cliff to watch the sunrise spill its brilliant colors across the lake. His smile-charming and warm-always had a way of drawing me in. There was something about reiner's presence that made me feel safe, like nothing could ever go wrong as long as he was beside me. He didn't always need to say much-his quiet support, gentle encouragement, or even just being there was enough.

Those mornings had become sacred, We didn't need to fill the silence with words; the beauty of the sunrise and his steady presence said enough.

Reiner leaned back slightly, his smile softening as he met my gaze. "Even if I'm joining the military police, that doesn't mean our connection has to fade," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "I'll always write to you, penny. and no matter where I am or how busy things get, I'll find the time to watch the sunrise with you from time to time"

His eyes held mine for a moment, as if he wanted to make sure I believed him. "I promise," he added gently. "You won't get rid of me that easily."

Something in his tone made my heart stir, though I couldn't quite place why. I managed a small smile, feeling a weight lift from my chest.

"Are you insane?" Thomas's voice cut through the mass hall, silencing everyone. I turned in my seat just in time to see him glaring at eren. I leave him alone for five minutes, and this happens...

His tone dropped, more controlled but still laced with frustration. "How many people have died, eren? A fifth of the population. This is our reality now. We can't beat them."

Faces around the room fell as his words sunk in, a grim acceptance settling over the crowd. The weight of defeat hung in the air, a silent agreement that humanity didn't stand a chance against the Titans.

It was heartbreaking to watch. I understood the fear-how it could cripple even the strongest among us. But sitting behind these walls, doing nothing, terrified me more. I'd rather face the titans than give up on humanity's future.

"Yeah? So what?" Eren's voice cut through the tense silence, drawing every eye in the room to him.

"We buckle? Take it all lying down?" His gaze swept over the room, challenging anyone to disagree.