Attack on Titan: Secrets of Marley (SNK x OC)

Chapter 11: The Beating of a Heart

- No, it can't be him... murmured Jean, his voice trembling as he watched the scene from another rooftop a few metres away. He's... He's one of us, isn't he?

Gray's eyes narrowed, - What if he isn't? he thought. The revelation of this transformation had enormous implications. If they had the Attack and the Founding in their ranks, it changed everything.

Just then, a cry rang out in the sky. Soldiers from the garrison, alerted by the titanic battle, spread out over the surrounding rooftops, aiming cannons at Eren, ready to fire at the slightest sign of danger.

- Do you think they'll kill him? whispered Armin, panic visible in his voice as he surveyed the situation below.

Mikasa, at his side, was already gripping her sword handles tightly, - They won't, she said with cold determination. Not while I'm here.

She and Armin flew up and rushed around Eren to protect him. The soldiers in the garrison were watching Eren's every move.

Gray watched, his mind racing. He knew what they had to do, but the implications of that action resonated heavily with him. For now, he had to play the role of the loyal soldier, but everything in him was screaming at him to find a way to exploit this new information. Eren was precious - and potentially a key. The key to their return to Marley without the Founding.

The captain of the garrison, a dark-haired man with an imposing beard, shouted to attract the attention of his troops, interrupting Gray's thoughts.

- Prepare to fire!

Eren, still on his knees, trembling and visibly disorientated, looked up to see the weapons pointed at him. Fear and confusion mingled on his face as he realised what was happening.

- Wait! shouted Armin as he stepped forward, raising his hands to show that he was unarmed. He's... he's with us! It's Eren! Eren Yeager! He's not an enemy!

- Stand back, soldier! roared the captain. That... child... came outta a Titan! We can't take any chances. Prepare to fire on my command!

Sweat trickled down Gray's back. He glanced at Reiner and Bertolt, who looked just as worried. All three knew they had to let Eren off the hook, at least for the time being. If he was killed now, their mission would be in danger.

- I won't let you touch him! Mikasa shouted, daring anyone to step forward.

The captain frowned, but remained impassive, - Final warning. Back off or we'll open fire.

The situation was becoming explosive, the slightest false move could trigger a tragedy. Gray knew he had to intervene somehow, but the question was how. How could he manipulate the situation in their favour while keeping his cover intact?

Eren, still on the ground, looked around, his eyes landing on each of his comrades, - I... I don't know what happened... he murmured, his voice broken with emotion. I didn't mean to...

Gray gritted his teeth. It was now or never. He stood up slowly, taking a step towards the edge of the roof to make himself heard, - Wait! he shouted, his voice loud and clear, - If it really is Eren, then he can explain what happened. Let's give him a chance to talk!

The captain hesitated, looking between Gray, Mikasa and the other members of the 104th Brigade. It was clear that uncertainty was creeping into his mind, but he couldn't risk everyone's safety on a simple gamble.

Time seemed to drag on, every second an eternity as the soldiers kept their fingers on the triggers, ready to carry out their orders.

- EREN YEAGER! he shouted. ARE YOU HUMAN OR TITAN?