Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

Trials and Short Reunions

The courtroom was suffocating with tension as Eren was escorted to the center of the room. Chains clinked against the cold floor as he was forced to kneel, a steel rod placed over his handcuffs to prevent him from standing. His eyes darted nervously around the room, taking in the crowd of faces glaring at him with suspicion, fear, and disgust.

What's with this lineup? Eren thought, his heart pounding. What are they even judging here?

His gaze shifted to a corner of the room, where he spotted Mikasa, Jeiden, and Armin standing among the spectators. A flicker of hope stirred in his chest. You guys... Their presence was reassuring, even if the odds felt overwhelmingly stacked against him.

The doors opened, and Dhalis Zachary, Commander-in-Chief of the military, entered the room with an air of authority. The murmurs of the crowd hushed instantly as he strode to his seat.

"Well then, let us begin," Dhalis announced, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Eren Jaeger, yes? You are a soldier, sworn to sacrifice your life for the public good. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir," Eren replied, his voice steady despite the anxiety clawing at his insides.

"This is an exceptional situation," Dhalis continued. "This tribunal will be held under military, not civilian, law. The final decision rests entirely in my hands. Your fate will be decided here."

Jeiden shifted uncomfortably, her thoughts grim. I knew it...

"Do you have any objections?" Dhalis asked, his sharp gaze locking onto Eren.

"No, sir," Eren answered, his fists tightening against the cuffs.

"I appreciate your perception," Dhalis said with a faint nod. "I will be direct. As anticipated, concealing your existence has proved impossible. We must make your existence public in some form, or a threat to humanity other than the Titans may arise. What I will decide today is which force will have custody of you. The Military Police? Or the Survey Corps? Then, I ask the Military Police for their proposal."

Commander Nile Dawk stepped forward, his expression grim and his voice unwavering. "Yes, sir. I, Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dawk, will present my proposal. After a thorough investigation of Eren's body, we believe he should be eliminated immediately. It's certainly true that his Titan power overcame our previous peril. However, now his existence threatens to spark a civil war. So we ask him to die for humanity's sake, leaving behind all the information he can."

Eren's jaw tightened as the weight of Nile's words sank in. "Ngh..."

Suddenly, another voice rang out from the crowd. "There's no need for that!" Priest Nick of the Wallist faith stepped forward, his face twisted in outrage. "He's an invasive pest! He has deceived the walls that embody God's wisdom!"

Eren's thoughts turned bitter. That's one of the Wallists. Five years ago, no one paid any attention to them...

"He must be killed at once!" Nick declared, his voice filled with fervor.

"Priest Nick," Dhalis interrupted, his tone sharp. "Order, please."

But they've gained power, Eren thought, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"We'll hear the Survey Corps's proposal next," Dhalis announced.

Commander Erwin Smith stepped forward, his calm and composed demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos in the room. "Yes, sir. I, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, will present my proposal. We would welcome Eren as an official member of our forces and use his powers to retake Wall Maria. That is all."

Dhalis raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? That's all?"

"Yes, sir," Erwin replied. "With his power, we can retake Wall Maria. We believe it is clear what our priorities should be."