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

Chapter 20: Shelter

The leaves crunched under Gray's footsteps as he advanced through the forest, his arms laden with dead wood. The silence of the trees, disturbed only by the breath of the wind, was almost soothing, but he didn't let it distract him. Every creak, every noise could be a sign of danger. For the past three days, Captain Levi's new squad, of which he was a member, had settled into this old cabin, isolated from the rest of the world. It wasn't ideal, but it was all they had for the time being.

The first few days had been strange. Silence reigned between them, each still scarred by recent events. Gray, on the other hand, had found a kind of routine in his new daily life. First thing in the morning, he'd head off into the forest to gather wood and check out the surroundings, while the others took care of repairs to the cabin. The rest of the day was often devoted to equipment maintenance or training. Even so, a certain tension persisted, with no one willing to talk about the past.

Back at the cabin, Gray pushed open the creaky door and entered the main room. The smell of the wood fire filled the air, warming the austere but functional space. The squad wasn't large - a few recruits fresh from training, just like him - but they were already a close-knit team despite the circumstances.

The new squad replaced the Captain's old squad of a few soldiers, all of whom had perished during Annie's attack in the forest.

She definitely didn't go easy on the soldiers.

The people in the new squad were all people he knew. Sasha, Jean, Armin, Mikasa, Conny, Krista (who had decided on the first night to reveal her real name "Historia" to the group, but hadn't explained why) and Yeager.

Over the past few days, Gray had been able to talk a little more with the people in the squad. He'd discovered, to his amazement, that Sasha wasn't as dumb as one might think, and even had a rather funny side. As for Jean, apart from his ability to irritate everyone's nerves, he had revealed a kindly side too. Armin, Mikasa and Conny hadn't changed at all.

The biggest changes were in Eren and Historia. Eren had become darker than before and seemed to reject Mikasa and Armin more than before. Since Historia had revealed her name, she had freed herself a little more and seemed less shy than what she used to be.

In any case, Gray stayed as far away from Eren as possible, talking to him only when necessary. He didn't want to associate with the Founding Titan.

Even days after the battle, Gray still couldn't believe that, if he wanted to, Eren could dictate his every move and have complete control over him.

Every afternoon, he left the cabin and went up the nearby hill to train. His training consisted of a basic sequence of sword techniques, but he was trying to improve his three-dimensional equipment, with Captain Levi coming to his aid from time to time.

Gray stood at the top of the hill, the cool wind on his face, his movements jerky as he adjusted his three-dimensional equipment. The cabin was below, barely visible through the trees. This was the hour of his daily training, a time when he could concentrate solely on himself, far from the memories of the battle and Eren's overwhelming presence.

Just as he was about to launch himself into the air, a familiar, authoritative voice sounded behind him.

- Gray, don't forget to manage your propulsion. Your movements must be fluid, not hesitant.

It was Levi, the Captain, who stepped forward with apparent nonchalance, but Gray knew he was still paying attention.

- I know, Captain, Gray replied, turning around in surprise. I'm just trying to get used to the system.

Levi approached him, watching his movements.

- Let me show you, he said,

positioning himself next to Gray. Watch carefully.