Unexpected Circumstances

Chapter 1: Rising Tide

If I'm being honest, I hate everyone here. If we ignore the majority that are just too weak and stupid to be worth my time then there are a rare few that draw my interest. Mikasa is clearly the strongest one here but she devotes herself to Eren for whatever reason, I couldn't wrap my head around it. Armin is physically weak but at least has a brain, the best one here it seems. Eren's his polar opposite, plenty of physical strength but significantly lacking in the brain cell department. Still, that determination is admirable, and he'd be a useful pawn if he wasn't putting it to such a lost cause which makes him just as useless as the rest of the naive ones here... But if he's so useless then why am I still thinking about him? Annie slightly clenched her jaw so much that it was barely noticeable and glanced around the mess hall hoping to find something that would distract her attention. Unfortunately, the most interesting event happening was Eren and Jean getting in each others faces with their pointless bickering. She glanced over to Reiner and Bertholt who were observing the small scuffle with stoic expressions with perhaps, a hint of amusement. Wonder what they think of him. Hopefully, I'm not the only one with an interest in his behaviour. For my sake, anyway. Reiner caught her gaze and raised a brow in silent question of why she was looking at him so intensely. A subtle shake of her head told him it was nothing as she turned her eyes to the mush that was her dinner; anything that wasn't Eren.

Hand to hand combat. Sure, it was one of her more preferred activities, but she didn't really want to do anything here. No one could give her a challenge and she didn't particularly like anyone enough to spar with them. So, she aimlessly walked around the field trying to avoid the troublesome instructor that so often tried to bust her non-existent balls. With luck such as hers, fate, or Reiner, decided to shove one Eren Yeager into her path. She immediately shot a glare at Reiner, What are you playing at?
"Come on Eren, teach her what it means to be a soldier." I see, he's mocking me. Whatever, I don't mind putting Yeager on his ass, he gets what he deserves. She was still miffed that he could draw her interest from seemingly nowhere. Eren noticed her expression and instantly grimaced.
"Reiner, do I have to?" He whined, "She looks like one pissed off woman." Oh Eren, you have no idea. Reiner put his hand on Eren's shoulder.
"Don't be afraid Eren, I'm sure you can easily take her. Nothing triumphs over the spirit and determination of a soldier!" He declared.
"You're right Reiner. Get ready Annie! Here I come!" Of course, Eren couldn't be any more predictable if he tried as Annie easily kicked his legs out and drove his face to an unscheduled meeting with the ground. Shame, I was hoping he had something to offer but he's completely pathetic. Eren wasted no time picking himself up off the ground and charging her again with the wooden training knife in hand. She sighed and easily disarmed him before throwing him to the ground. Before he could get up she straddled his midsection and drove the knife towards his chest, forcing him to grab her wrists and resist.
"You always this useless Yeager?" He narrowed his eyes at her and pushed harder but with her entire weight behind the knife, she was slowly pressing it towards his chest.
"No," he gasped.
"Really? Your family wouldn't ask the same question?" Fuck, why did I say that. It just came out of nowhere. Immediately, those green eyes of his filled with rage and a low growl rumbled throughout his chest. He quickly overpowered her with raw strength and wildly swung at her head. So, rage fuels his strength. She quickly stood up and waited for him to do the same before rushing him, dodging his strike, and looping an arm around his neck while hooking the other under his armpit before throwing him to the ground. She expected him to struggle and attempt to throw her off but to her surprise he slackened in her grip. Wary, she untangled herself from him and stood up before looking down at him. He was staring blankly at the sky, the rage in his eyes replaced with a hopeless sadness. A pang of regret reverberated through her body and she glanced at Reiner to see him frowning at her, clearly thinking she took it a bit far. She looked back to Eren.
"I'm..."
"No, you're right," he interrupted her. "I'm a weak, pathetic fool who couldn't save anyone for the life of me."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that," she continued. "Your physical strength is admirable, but you lack technique and control."
"It doesn't matter, physical strength alone can't kill titans."
"But technique and control can mean making the rational decisions necessary to save lives." What am I saying? Giving him false hope like this? I shouldn't be saying this, I'm just making the situation worse than it has to be. I should really just leave. She turned and began to walk away.
"Annie, wait. That fighting style, where did you learn it?" Don't answer him, don't answer him, just ignore him.
"My father taught me." Fuck.
"It's a really good technique, your father must be an impressive man." She clenched her fists.
"He is and he's the only person that matters to me right now."
"Fair enough. Unfortunately, I don't know where my father is and my last memory of him isn't too fond." He grimaced. Annie raised an eyebrow, Was he abused?
"Whatever the case, I wish he taught me some badass combat techniques." Annie turned to look at him and looked down at the ground.
"Well, if you're interested, I can show you a few things." Her hair hid a rare smile, she didn't mind showing him a few things. She knew she shouldn't, she knew she shouldn't get close to anyone no matter what, but consequences be damned, she didn't care. It was only a few fighting lessons after all, they weren't friends...