Chains of Destiny | Attack on Titan x OC

03

Stepping out of her barracks, Adrasteia was greeted by the bustling energy of her fellow soldiers. Some were already sparring, their shouts mingling with the sound of clashing metal. 

Others gathered in small groups, discussing strategies and exchanging banter. She felt the pull of their camaraderie, but she kept her distance, preferring to watch rather than join.

"I miss sparring with Array," she sighed, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. 

Memories flooded her mind, transporting her back to the mornings spent in the sun-drenched fields beside their palace. 

She could almost hear the echo of laughter, the rhythmic sounds of swords clashing, and the playful taunts they exchanged.

Array had always been patient yet relentless in their sparring sessions, pushing her to her limits. 

They would start at dawn, the air crisp and fresh, and practice until the sun reached its zenith. She remembered how he would feign an attack just to see her reaction, a smirk on his face as he encouraged her to think strategically.

"Focus, Deia! You can't just swing wildly!" he would tease, his voice laced with warmth. 

"Stop calling me Deia!" she would complain at her brother's weird nickname for her.

"Why? It suits you!"

She would retaliate with a determined grin, her own laughter mingling with his, each moment filled with a sense of security and love that seemed so distant now.

In those days, the world felt simpler, untouched by the harsh realities that loomed over her now. Sparring with Array was more than just training; it was a connection, a bond that made her feel invincible. Together, they had envisioned a future where they would fight side by side, protecting their home and each other.

But everything had changed in an instant, leaving her with nothing but the memories of their shared laughter and the empty space where he once stood. 

Now, as she trained with the cadets, the absence of that connection felt like a void she couldn't fill.

She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the melancholy that threatened to engulf her. 

'Array wouldn't want me to dwell on the past, she reminded herself. He would want me to grow stronger.'

"And why aren't you in training grounds soldier?"

Adrasteia was startled at the cold voice that spoke behind her. It was none other than Captain Levi along with his squad. The Special Operations Squad.

She turned to face him, her heart racing. "I was just. . . thinking about something, Captain," she answered so casually, not giving a care that she was talking to her superior.

Levi's gaze bore into her, sharp and unwavering. It felt like he could see right through her, dissecting her thoughts in an instant. The other members of his squad, Petra, Eld, Oluo, and Gunther watched silently, their expressions a mixture of fear for the young cadet that spoke so casually to their captain.

"Training is where you need to be," Levi said, his tone devoid of warmth. "You don't have the luxury of slacking off."

She mentally rolled her eyes. 'Always so bossy,' she thought as she stared at the dull gray eyes of her superior once again.

"I was just taking a moment to—" she started, but Levi cut her off.

"Moments don't win battles. Get back to it." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.