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

Chapter 18: Brothers in Arms, Hidden Enemies

The rain had begun to flood the silent lands of Paradis Island. After the members of the Scouts had rescued them, it began to pound harder and harder until it became unsatiable.

As a result, the people in the ruins of the Tower had no choice but to flee and take refuge near the Wall. It took them a long, but they eventually reached the foot of Wall Rose.

Using fairly complicated systems, consisting of a combination of pulleys, trolleys and mechanisms, they managed to get the wounded to the top of the wall first.

Gray, with no serious injuries other than a small amount of dried blood on his forehead from the shock when the tower collapsed, was among the last to climb the wall.

When all was said and done, he made no fuss and waited for the pulley to take him to the top of wall, where he arrved safely. Once he had reached safety, he sat down on the ground, breathing in the air and finally taking a break.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eren helping Reiner up, who had injured his arm. Gray hadn't notice this detail with all the chaos that had ensued after his transformation. Note to himself: ask Reiner how on earth he'd managed to injure himself.

As soon as he saw that Reiner and Bertolt were safe and sound, he approached them.

- How you doin'? he asked Reiner, in a voice that carried a hint of anger.

- It hurts like hell, he growled, looking at Gray.

- You all right, Reiner? How're you holding up? asked Eren from the edge of the wall.

- Honestly, it's hard, he grunted. I had my forearm eaten by a Titan. When I think about it, I've never been so scared. I thought I was gonna die.

'Of Course', Gray thought. As if he'd been scared.

- It can happen to anyone, even someone as strong as you, said Eren, helping Armin up the wall.

- What are you talking about? If I was strong, it wouldn't have happened to me twice! Tell him, Armin! he asked the blond. When I almost got torn to shreds in a Titan's fist! I've already had two near-death experiences in a short space of time! At this rate, I'm not gonna last long. I chose to become a soldier, but I wasn't expecting this. Your body has to take a beating, but it's mentally that you suffer the most. Anyway... We've gotta plug that breach in the Wall. We've already wasted enough time with my whining.

- You're right, said Eren in a confident voice, moving towards the rest of the group. We've gotta get back to work or... you won't be going home any time soon.

He'll shut up! growled Gray in his head. He was already suffering enough and didn't need Eren Yeager to remind him of home.

- We can't give up another centimetre of land, he finished.

- Truer words were never spoken! exclaimed Bertolt, opening his arms wide. Home! Let's go! We've been here long enough!

Shall we? What was he playing at? Gray asked himself, looking at Bertolt in horror, no longer able to hide the fact that he was putting on an act.

- We're gettin' there! We're sparing no effort and we've almost succeeded, haven't we?

- That's true... murmured Reiner, letting a smile appear on his face. You're right. We don't have much further to go before it's done!

- What are you talking about? asked Eren.

Gray stood still, stunned by Bertolt's suggestion. He only listened with one ear when Hannes, an alcoholic and member of the garrison, came to the wall. The same happened when Hange announced that the troops were leaving.