Zuri: Attack On Titan

Hanji's Analysis

I sit boredly on top of a palomino colored horse, while the rest of the furry horses arebrown. Eren and Mikasa flank me, with Armin bringing up the rear. Levi rides up front. "Well, this doesn't feel cramped at all." I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes. I hear muffled chuckles from Armin and Eren, and silence from Levi. Mikasa turns my way and gives me a stare that simply says shut-the-fuck-up-or-I-swear-I'll-Murder-You-In-Your-Sleep. I sigh, leaning on the horse. He lets out a grunt, though I know he likes me. I rub him between the ears, and he continues to trot with the rest of the group.

We finally arrive at the old castle that the Scout Regiment calls its base apparently. I put my foot in the stirrup of the saddle and jump off before the horse stops, flying over Armin's head. I smile at him for a split second before landing behind his horse as it trots ahead. The palomino stops with the rest of the group.

"Learn how to wait for your team." Levi says. "If were going to train you, you need to learn that above all else." I stand up, brushing some dust from my shoulder. Eren shakily dismounts his horse, and Mikasa flies off like it is nothing. Armin dismounts like.. it was difficult. I look at him with a worriedly before returning my attention to Levi.

The next day after I'm roomed with Mikasa (great, by the way.) We start my training. I ace the aptitude test with flying colors, drawing the attention of Erwin. I train hard, harder. I workout even after training sessions. If any Titan DARES to lay a single giant FINGER on Armin, I'll kill them. I swear to God, I will.

For the next 6 months I train harder than 'any other cadet has before', according to Erwin. My short chips of conversation are always cut by training and my workouts. But finally, I, "graduate."

And then we get to Hanji.

The full Regiment is called down for a group dinner. I turn to Mikasa, about to ask her a question. "Don't." She says. I stop mid-word and turn back around. "You know, you don't have to hate me." I say, changing my top. "Well, whatever." She says. "Don't think your all big now that you have some sort of Titan power like Eren."

I pull on an olive green T-shirt over a pair of cream pants. I wasn't really feeling like going for a very nice look. I tie on the brown tunic vest over the shirt and then lace on my boots. I stand up, pulling back my long brown hair into a ponytail. Even high on my head, the ponytail still sways down my back. Mikasa and I move down the hallway as one unit, stopping by Armin and Eren's room before continuing. I happen to land between Eren and Armin, and I turn to Armin and smile at him. Mikasa doesn't make a sound as she smoothly slides between Eren and I. *Wow.* I think.*Thats why she hates me.*

We walk down the two flights of stairs to the dining hall, and take our usual seats. I sit down with some of the newest soldiers with Eren next to me and Armin directly across from me, while Mikasa sits up with the more elite soldiers. I watch the door as Erwin, Levi, and Hanji enter, Hanji making the room feel more alive with that sense of energy that always appeared when she did. They took their places at the highest ends of the long table.

There is a clinking of a cup against the table that instantly alerts every to shut their mouths. Hanji stands, making her way in a dignified manner down to where I sat.

"If you did not know this, in which, of course you do," Hanji begins, placing her hands on my shoulders. "Miss Zuri Murbin is the third known Titan Shifter to mankind. And that is the reason she is here." Hanji pauses to take a drink of water and clear her throat before continuing. "And starting tomorrow, I will begin to question Miss Murbin about her abilities, weaknesses in her Titan form.." Hanji pauses.

"And, Unlike Mr. Jaeger, hopefully get the chance to actually see her in Titan form for the sake of testing."

I set my cup down, and feel the whole room go stiff. I stay silent as Hanji leans over my shoulder. "If that's alright with YOU, Miss Murbin." She says, looming near my ear. I flinch a tiny bit from all the stone-hard before nodding, hoping it wasn't noticeable. "Great!" Hanji yells into my ear, hopping up. "Im very excited to see how your Titan skills differ!" She says, darting her gaze between Eren and I before half running half hopping to her seat. The table slowly resumes eating, but I don't. I sit there, staring at my food. *So thats what they have been thinking about. This whole time.* I think, mentally sighing.

*They told me I was good so I wouldn't quit. They didn't say anything so I wouldn't try to run away. They tell me now because they know I won't leave. Though,* I think, smirking. *You can't control if I leave or not.*

*Only Armin can do that.*

After dinner, I walk back to my room, thoughtlessly changing into a cotton shirt and warm pants. I flop onto my mattress, curling under the light blanket. I lay there, thinking until I drift into unconsciousness.

I wake up to a very-happy-looking Hanji staring down at me. I jump, squealing. Hanji laughs. "Miss Murbin, meet me down in the dining hall when you actually have decent clothes on!" She says, walking out. I sit up to see Mikasa staring at me. "Mikasa.." I begin to say. She flips over, and stares at the wall. I sigh, changing into my training uniform. I grasp the door knob with my right hand and turn my head to look at her back.

"I'm not trying to steal Eren."

I hear her stutter as I close the door, and I sprint down to the Dining hall, sliding down the railing at the stairs. I lightly open the doors to the Dining hall, to see Hanji sitting alone at the long dining table. I wait patiently for her order at the doorway. "Don't just stand there, come in." She says. I instantly obey, coming in and sitting down across from her.

Hanji doesn't stop.

She asks question upon question, sometimes asking the same one many times. Knowing its the easiest to do, I answer with the truth. Her last question brings me up short.

"So, why did you decide to join our Regiment?"

I look up at her from my empty bowl of oatmeal that someone had brought out to me. I look into her deep brown pools of eyes and think about my answer.

*Why DID I join the Scout Regiment?*

"Well I didn't really have much of a choice." I begin. "But I made my decision on the wall when the Colossal Titan attacked that I would join the Survey Corps." Hanji looks at me questioningly. "But why?" She says. I stare at her, trying to make it look like the answer was very obvious. Again, I decided on the truth.

"So I could protect soldier Armin Arlert."

Hanji doesn't gasp or coo, just simply nods thoughtfully. She then stands, and holds her hand out to mine. "We know you aren't bad, then." She says. "So I am very excited to try these Titan experiments."

I sigh, taking her hand. "Fine." I say sarcastically. "But you know I can't promise anything."

She turns around, walking backwards to the door. Her eyes are full of humor, and I have to hold in a laugh.

"Yeah Yeah. SO, tell me about your crush on Armin!"