Chains of Destiny | Attack on Titan x OC

35

"Hello! Adrasteia right? Didn't expect you'd join the Scouts."

Adrasteia was walking toward the Survey Corps training grounds when Eren's voice rang out.

"Eren, by the way," the green-eyed boy said, extending his hand with a friendly smile.

Adrasteia glanced at him, then returned the smile and shook his hand. "I know," she said. "Your name's been making the rounds ever since the Battle of Trost."

Eren scratched the back of his neck, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I guess it has," he admitted. "So. . . why did you join the Scouts?"

Adrasteia shrugged, her gaze drifting skyward. Above, her raven soared in wide circles, its silhouette stark against the bright blue sky.

"I have my reasons," she said simply, her eyes following the raven as it swooped and turned.

Eren noticed her distant look and decided to press on. "You know, you should join us sometime! You're always alone during training days," he said, his tone warm but tinged with curiosity.

Adrasteia glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, one brow raised.

Eren quickly raised his hands in defense. "Wait, no! I didn't mean that in a bad way! I just mean, uh. . . I've noticed you like to keep to yourself. And I thought maybe you'd like to hang out with us instead. But if you don't, that's totally fine, I guess. . ." His words trailed off into a sheepish laugh.

A soft chuckle escaped Adrasteia's lips as she shook her head. "No offense taken. I just. . . prefer to keep to myself most of the time."

Eren looked genuinely surprised. "What?! But having friends isn't bad! I mean, we're all in this together, right? You'd probably have more fun if you spent some time with us."

Adrasteia smiled faintly, extending her arm. In a graceful swoop, the raven landed on her hand, its glossy black feathers shimmering under the sunlight.

Eren's eyes widened as he took in the bird's striking appearance. "I've seen you with that bird before," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "It always sticks close to you, following you around. What kind of bird is that? I don't think I've ever seen one like it."

Adrasteia gently stroked the raven's back, and it let out a soft caw, tilting its head as if it understood their conversation. "He's a raven," she said. "His name is Orion."

"A raven?" Eren repeated, stepping closer to get a better look. Orion's piercing eyes locked onto him, intelligent and unyielding. "He's. . . amazing. But how did you—?"

Adrasteia chuckled softly. "How did I get him? Or how did he become so attached to me?"

"Both, I guess," Eren admitted, still captivated by the bird.

Her gaze softened as she looked at Orion. "I found him when I was younger. He was injured, and I couldn't just leave him there. So I nursed him back to health. He could've flown away once he recovered, but. . ." She smiled, her eyes filled with a mix of affection and mystery. "He stayed."

Eren nodded, still fascinated. "He's more than just a bird, isn't he?"

"You could say that," Adrasteia replied, her tone cryptic. "Orion's been my companion here. He's seen things, heard things, that no one else has."

Eren tilted his head, curiosity growing. "Seen and heard things? What do you mean?"

Adrasteia smirked faintly, but instead of answering, she raised her arm slightly. Orion spread his wings and took off into the sky, his form a shadow against the bright horizon.