Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

A Single Precious Life

The base of Wall Rose was a sea of panic and chaos. Civilians surged toward the gates, desperate to escape the Titans advancing through Trost. But at the front of the crowd, an enormous caravan blocked the way—a merchant boss was pushing his way through, his heavy, overloaded wagon obstructing the exit. People shouted and shoved, their voices a mix of fear and fury.

"H-Hey, you guys!" a man in the crowd called out, his voice trembling. "Do you understand the situation we're in?"

The merchant boss barely glanced his way, his face set in a smug expression. "We're only doing this because we understand! If you want to live, help push!"

The crowd around him erupted in anger.

"Quit screwing around! That won't fit no matter how hard you push it!" someone shouted.

"You should let the people through first!" a woman yelled, clutching her child close. "The Titans will devour us all at this rate!"

A soldier near the front of the crowd looked uncertain, hesitating as people pushed him toward the merchant boss. "B-But..."

The merchant boss sneered, stepping closer to the soldier. "Just try it, flunky. I'm the boss of the company here."

The soldier faltered, intimidated.

"Who do you think provides the meals you soldiers shit out?" the boss continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "Can you pay to feed all the soldiers in this town? All of you, push! The goods here are worth more than what you could ever make in your petty lives! If you cooperate, you'll be rewarded!"

In the crowd, a woman tried to soothe her terrified child, holding him close as she whispered reassurances. "It's alright," she murmured, "your father will shoot all the Titans down with his cannon."

The child's wide eyes fixed on something in the distance. "Mom, look."

The woman followed her child's gaze, her eyes widening as she heard it—a deep, rumbling sound, like thunder rolling through the streets. The footsteps echoed closer, their rhythm unmistakable.

In an instant, the crowd froze. An Aberrant Titan appeared, its massive form barreling around the corner with horrifying speed, its eyes fixed on the panicked crowd.

People screamed, scrambling to push the caravan forward, their hands shaking as they threw their weight against the heavy load.

The merchant boss's voice cut through the chaos, his tone frantic but stubborn. "Push it through! If you don't want to die, push it through!"

A group of soldiers gave chase behind the Titan, their faces filled with grim determination.

"Damn, why is it ignoring us?!" one soldier shouted, his voice barely audible over the commotion.

"It's an Aberrant!" another called back. "Don't think too much about it!"

A third soldier's voice broke with frustration. "It's fast! Even we elites can't catch up to it!"

The soldiers' hearts sank as they realized the Titan was gaining ground, moving toward the crowd with terrifying intent. At this rate...

And then, a figure shot past the soldiers—a swift blur, slicing through the air with deadly precision. Jeiden latched onto the Aberrant's neck with her 3D Maneuver Gear, her blades flashing in the dim light as she sliced cleanly through the nape. The Aberrant's massive form shuddered, collapsing just before it could reach the crowd.

She landed in front of the crowd as they stumbled back in relief, her breathing steady, her eyes cold and focused.

Mikasa, arriving shortly after, took in the scene with a fierce glare. Her gaze locked onto the merchant and his men, who were still trying to push their caravan through the gate, oblivious to the people around them. "What... are you doing?"