OUR SHALLOW GRAVES

That's When It Started...

If I had to recall, that's when it started. On that particular day. It was after Hanji's experiments from being down in the well, consistently biting my hands in hopes of a transformation. It hadn't worked to our dismay. I was sitting with the Levi squad, having a small meal before resuming the tests. I had knocked the teaspoon off the table in my haste. It was when I was reaching for it when everything suddenly came into view. I had partially turned into a titan. I was left in a slight daze, unbeknownst of what was going on around me.

"H-help me.," I croaked. My arm was stuck in the mountain of titan flesh. I looked back towards my teammates in hopes that someone could cut me out when I saw a back facing me.

"Stand down.," he said. It was the captain. They all had their swords in hand in the event that I'd attack them. I was terrified.

"S-sir, he attack-.," Eld tried to say.

"He didn't. I don't believe that it was on purpose, so stand down.," he ordered. They did as they were told still, weary of the situation, while Hanji was helping me free. Once my arm was released, the partial body began to decay, steaming hot. As I looked at my hands, they were clean from the various wounds that were once inflicted.

"Why don't you go ahead to the basement? You're looking pale.," Hanji suggested. I nodded as I began my journey to the deepest part of the castle. Hanji offered a hand seeing as I was stumbling slightly. I refused, giving her a slight smile as I left. I could see the concern in her eyes but she kept quiet. Once I had laid my head down, I felt better. My body started feeling heavier by the minute seeing I wasn't used to the transformations.

"But sir, please see reason.," a voice echoed. They probably thought I was asleep or didn't know that it echoed down to hear. I listened intently to the conversation.

"I don't see the reason for your concern, the situation was handled properly. Case closed.," H-Heichou?

"You were the closest to him, Sir. What if he was after you?" Petra?

"With all due respect, the boy doesn't even know if he can control his abilities. He's a liability.," Definitely Eld.

"A liability that I chose to take responsibility for. He has shown nothing except kindness to us, and even with his abilities he has no wish to inflict harm to any of us.," Levi said.

"That kid's a monster. We don't really know what's in his head. We don't really know who Eren Jaeger even is. For all, we know it may as well be a cover.," Auro. That stung.

"Watch your tone Auro. He's anything but. I will agree he isn't the brightest in the bunch but we all saw his file. He is who he says he is. Nothing more nothing less, end of discussion. It's late so head to your quarters.," With that, the group dispersed. Eren thought long and hard about the conversation that took place. They're right though. I am a monster. But I am not out of control. He thought. He opened the drawer to his nightstand. A standard Corps knife awaited him. It was protocol to be handed these in the event the 3DMG wires got tangled. It also helped with chores in the stables. Eren looked at the knife as he unsheathed it. As he pressed the cool metal to his skin he clenched his teeth. All I have to do is not turn, right? I just gotta focus on keeping the monster in. He thought. As he pressed the blade deeper he grimaced. He watched as his blood started to seep from the abrasion. Small sparks started to flow. Don't turn, don't turn. He repeated in his mind. The sparks then disappeared and all that was left was his open wound. He sighed at the small triumph. He wrapped his arm to stop the bleeding. It wasn't enough to be concerning, but it would be easier if he didn't have to answer any questions because of it.

"It's not like anyone would notice though. So why to hide it when nobody would even pay attention.," a voice said. He looked up to see Armin's golden locks, gleaming from the limited light down there. He had lost Armin to the titan. He wasn't able to save his friend from being eaten, but he was unable to save himself either.

"I mean, you were hardly ever noticed before. Why would they start now?" He pressed further.

"Infection. No need to die so helplessly.," Eren replied. When he looked up again, he was gone. Eren sighed to himself.

"But how else would you die though? I mean, we aren't there anymore.," Mikasa took Armin's place. Eren sighed again. A titan had grabbed her mid-air. Even with his newfound abilities, he just wasn't fast enough. He scoffed at her.

"Who knows. Maybe they'll just execute me tomorrow.," he replied half-heartedly. To his surprise, she soon disappeared as well. Eren was left alone, locked away to be forgotten. It was cold and damp, but it was better than death. He played with the bandages that covered a section of his arm. As he did, one thought floated through his mind. I'm gonna control this. Even if it's the last thing I do. He thought before the dark depths of unconscious swept him away into a dreamless sleep. At least that's what he hoped.

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Hi hi, though I'd say hello and thank you for reading my story. I know the title isn't original, but the other writer discontinued her story and I am using it as a sort of fuel to lead my story. I know it seems kinda lame but I do hope that you enjoy it. I also ask that if you would like to see something happen or have any ideas or criticism towards the stary that'll be greatly appreciated. Ciao.