Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

Gates of Hope and Fear

The sun shone brightly over the town as a crowd gathered at the gates, filling the air with a palpable sense of excitement and awe. The large iron gates stood open, towering over the streets where people buzzed in anticipation. The familiar sight of the Recon Corps, adorned in their signature green cloaks, was enough to stir a rare sense of hope among the citizens. A hope that, after years of terror, they might finally be able to live without the constant looming threat of Titans.

Shouts rang out from the crowd as the soldiers marched by.

"They're here! The main force of the Recon Corps is here!" cried one man, his voice filled with fervor.

"Commander Erwin! Kick their Titan asses for me!" shouted another, as though his words alone could summon victory from the jaws of death.

The people's energy was infectious, their faith in the Recon Corps nearly tangible. Eyes glimmered with admiration, particularly when the figure of Commander Levi appeared at the forefront. His stoic face, sharp and unwavering, drew a distinct reaction from the masses.

"There's Commander Levi!" a townsperson yelled, pointing in awe. "They say he alone counts for a full unit!"

Levi's sharp gaze swept over the crowd. The adoration meant little to him—another distraction, another noise to drown out. He clicked his tongue in irritation, his usual air of indifference setting him apart from the enthusiastic onlookers. "Tsk... Can they shut up?" he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for those nearby to catch.

But then, something caught his eye. Just beyond the fervor, standing a little apart from the thick of the crowd, Levi's gaze landed on a group of younger soldiers watching the Recon Corps. They were fresh recruits, recently graduated from the Cadet Corps. Among them stood a woman with blonde hair that glinted in the sunlight, her blue eyes bright with an energy he couldn't place. She was laughing at something one of her comrades had said, her smile effortless, lighting up her features with a softness that, for reasons Levi couldn't understand, made his chest tighten.

Beside her, a curly brunette with a carefree expression cracked a joke, nudging the blonde playfully. Their laughter, their easy camaraderie, was so at odds with the grimness surrounding them. Levi tore his eyes away, the strange ache in his chest unsettling him. He didn't have time for this—not now, not ever.

Meanwhile, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jeiden, and Sasha stood watching the scene unfold. The sight of the Recon Corps—those fearless soldiers who dared venture outside the walls—stirred something within them.

Eren's eyes were filled with a mix of admiration and resolve. "They look completely different from five years ago," he said quietly. "People really count on the Recon Corps a lot."

Jeiden nodded, her own gaze fixed on the soldiers. "It's cheering everyone up," she said, her voice soft but steady. "The past won't have to be repeated."

Sasha, standing beside her, chimed in, though her tone held a hint of anxiety. "The artillery has been improved as well. That Colossal Titan won't come again, right?"

Jeiden glanced at her friend and offered a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, hopefully."

Eren, his usual fiery demeanor rearing its head, scoffed. "How can you be so naive, you old married couple?!"

Sasha's face flushed a deep crimson. "Don't call us a couple!" she protested, flustered, while Jeiden simply gave Eren an exasperated look.

"Don't be so hasty, Eren," Jeiden remarked dryly, her teasing tone barely concealing her worry. She knew better than to let herself be swept away by hope too easily, but in moments like this, even she couldn't help but want to believe.