Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

Decisions and Resolves

The military building buzzed with tension as the recruits lined up, their gear being meticulously inspected. The sound of metal clinking and boots shuffling filled the room as soldiers worked through the process, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and unease.

"Next!" a soldier barked, waving over a recruit.

"When's the last time the shaft was replaced?" another soldier asked, his voice steady but authoritative.

"Six days ago," Sasha replied earnestly, "after the cleaning operation."

"It checks out," the soldier confirmed with a nod.

"Okay, next!" the first soldier called. "You there."

Krista stepped forward, her voice soft but steady. "I'm Krista Lenz of the 42nd Squad."

"We'll inspect your gear," the soldier instructed, already examining her equipment.

Nearby, a few recruits muttered amongst themselves, their voices low but filled with curiosity.

"So you can be punished for killing a Titan, too?" one recruit whispered.

"As strange as it sounds, those were valuable specimens," another replied.

"Even so," the first recruit continued, "why are they searching for the culprit among us recruits?"

"Yeah," a third added. "Everyone's exhausted from cleaning up the battlefield until today."

Connie scratched the back of his head, his expression puzzled. "The culprit must've really hated the Titans."

Armin sighed, his voice thoughtful but tinged with frustration. "Yeah. But in this case, they pretty much helped the Titans out. Their lust for revenge may have been sated, but mankind will suffer for it."

Connie frowned, his brows furrowing as he considered Armin's words. "I'm an idiot, so I think I get it. Before I saw a Titan, I seriously planned to enlist in the Survey Corps. But now, I'm not so sure. Today's the day we have to decide, too."

His gaze shifted to Jean, standing quietly nearby with his fists clenched tightly. Connie's thoughts raced. Is Jean seriously...?

Flashback: The Night of the Funeral Pyres

The courtyard was bathed in the flickering light of funeral pyres, the air thick with smoke and grief. Connie wept openly, his tears reflecting the sorrow of the day.

Jean stood apart from the group, his expression hard as he approached one of the fires. He knelt down, his hand reaching toward the charred remains. Among the ashes, he picked up a few stray bones, his heart heavy with regret.

"Hey, Marco..." Jean muttered softly, his voice cracking. "I can't tell which of these are your bones anymore."

His thoughts weighed on him like an anchor. If I hadn't become a soldier, I wouldn't have had to worry about who'd die next. I get it. I know we have to fight. Still... not everyone can be a reckless idiot like you.

A gentle hand rested on his shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. Jean turned to see Jeiden standing beside him, her expression kind but firm.

"You know what needs to be done," she said quietly, her voice steady but understanding.

Jean hesitated, her words echoing in his mind. As he glanced back at the flames, a vision of Marco appeared before him, his voice clear and reassuring.

"You might get mad, but listen," Marco said, his tone calm and encouraging. "You're not a strong person, so you can sympathize with the feelings of the weak. Nevertheless, you excel at looking at things objectively, so you have a clear idea of what needs to be done."