Hello there i came with another story. This is different than the Armin x Reader, rated M mainly because of swearing and bloodshed. Don't expect too much sex, although you never know... Anyways, let's begin.
It was the first day of training at the camp. Keith Shadis walked among the new recruits. He knew he had to press them, to crush them and their dreams if need be, to make them realize once and for all what was the life they had chosen. He picked one of the males, a tall, dark brown haired boy with brown eyes. He didn't show any sign of fear or nerves as Shadis stood in front of him, his eyes threatening him like a blade on his throat.
_You there! -shouted commandant Shadis- Who are you?
The slim boy salutated, his body erect, his voice clear.
_Alastor Bane, sir!
_Alastor Bane, huh... what kind of shitty name is that for some titan fodder?
_Alastor was my mother's choice sir! As for Bane, i chose it myself, a few years ago!
_You chose it yourself? You dare reject your family's name? Are you so ashamed of your heritage, you bastard?
_Well, not really sir. But my family was eaten two years ago, so i felt it was time for a change. Not that they'll mind, if you get me.
Keith Shadis blinked, more disturbed than when he saw Sasha eating her potato. It wasn't because of the words Bane had said. It was his tone. There wasn't any rage in it, or fear, or sarcasm. There was... nothing. He said all that as if talking about the weather, or market prices. He noticed the rest of the recruits where shaken as well, some of them murmuring about that soulless speech. He regained his composture and glared at him, his voice full of poison.
_So then... why are you here, Alastor Bane? -he looked at the recruits face to find any trace of emotion, in vain.
_To join the Survey Corps, sir. I'm here to fight those titan fuckers off.
Was it Shadis' imagination, or there was a tiny spark in his eyes, for a brief moment? Without saying a word, he went on to scare another recruit.
Later, in the dining hall, Alastor found himself eating alone, everyone else talking to Eren and Armin, witnesses of the Colossal Titan attack. It was when someone asked about what normal titans looked like, that Thomas Wagner said:
_Hey, Alastor, you are a survivor of the attack too. Did you see any Titans?
Bane stopped eating and looked at his comrades, then nodded.
_I saw many. One of them had long arms and short legs with a kind of square body. That one ate my neighbour Stan, and his sister, Eloise. -Everyone froze at the comment- Then, as my mom and dad ran to a carriage to get away, another one came. It was taller, skinny, i could count his ribs. Had a stupid smile on his face when it got my dad. Bit him in half. Then...
_Holy shit, Bane, you're cold as hell! -bursted Connie, eyes wide- I could never talk about something like that so calmly, i bet you made it up to scare us!
Everyone in the room started supporting Connie. A few yelled "lier", "asshole", and other insults. Alastor didn't seem to care, waiting until they shut up to speak, without losing his calm tone.
_First: Connie, hell is supposed to be hot, so anyone can be colder. Second: i made nothing up. You guys wanted to know what they where like. I know that, and i'm telling you what i saw. And third: i've always been like this, at least since i can remember. Never could feel shit. I don't know why. Sorry if i disturbed you, it's just... i can't feel, like you, many things... i saw my family being eaten alive, yet wasn't sad. I heard giant steps coming after me as a ran to the forest to hide, yet never felt fear. All i felt was a bit of confusion, cause i had no idea where they came from. That, and some relief when i got to the ships. Nothing else. Now, do you want me to go on, or was it enough?
Everyone was silent. Slowly, they went back to each table, whispering and glancing everynow and then to the "weirdo", who was eating again. Only Connie stayed up, then walked towards him and sat beside him. People stared at them.
_So, you say you feel nothin?
_Yup.
_Not even if someone did THIS!?
Connie's hand took Alastor's knife. He wanted to suprise him, to tear down that facade... because it had to be a facade. Nobody could just feel nothing. He'd learn...
Bane's hand was so fast nobody realized until they saw Connie stopped moving his too far from Alastor's face or neck. In fact, he could just grab the knife before the other had an iron grip on his wrist. His eyes met, one surprised, the other... unamused to say something.
_You can't surprise someone if you attack as you finish the sentence, Connie. -He pressed his wrist, making him drop the knife.- You should... -as he talked, he hit Connie's face with his plate, covering him with food- attack as they listen.
Cleaning his hand in Connie's shirt, he left the building. He couldn't blame them. If even his parents could not understand his behaviour... or more likely, his lack of emotions. He never demanded anything, always obeyed, never lied, never broke anything, never expressed amy whims or desires. It was more an obedient co-worker than a son. And it disturbed them. Quite a bit. Specially his mother. He sometimes wondered if she suspected about what he'd done...
_I guess i'll never know. -he thought, heading to his room.
He barely talked. He never joked. All his compliments or congratulations were logical, calculated comments about his partner's performance. Never about their personality, or looks. A few girls considered him a "loner" who just needed to be shown some affection to change him, but their attempts to get closer collided against a wall of ice. It seemed he only lived for training, only stopping to eat, take a shower or sleep. It wasn't until they finshed that hand-to-hand combat session that he showed some signs of having a life like the rest.
_Wow, Alastor -said Eren- where did you learn to fight like that?
_Back home.
_But how? Was your dad into fighting, like Annie's? -Armin's eyes sparked with curiosity.
_No. It was... kind of strange. It was a short time after i started physical training. I was six, if memory works corectly.
_Six? Why so early? -Jean couldn't help being dragged into the conversation- Sorry. I was listening guys, i'm leaving.
_No, it's okay. I can tell you all the story, if you want. -they all nodded. Bane stared into the void, as the memories came to him...
It was an afternoon like any other. His father sent him away after he finished his chores in the small farm they had. Once he was free, Alastor liked to wander in the vicinities, specially in the forest nearby. His parents didn't care. Sometimes he thought they were a bit dissapointed when he came home. Anyways, he decided to take a walk in the forest, to try and find something to entertain himself with. When he was near the river that crossed said forest, he heard voices. Male voices. Curious, he headed in that direction. When he got to the source of the voices, he saw six soldiers from the Garrison. They were just hanging around, some talking, some drinking, and two of them were almost naked, swimming in the river. Alastor had never seen bodies worked by excercise. His dad was the classical farmer, neither thin not fat, just average. And his neighbours weren't worried about fitness either. He wondered how they managed to get their bodies in such a good state. Not feeling afraid or nervous, he stepped out of the bushes he was hiding behind, surprising the men.
_Whoa kid, what are you doing here? Are you lost? -The one who seemed the older one of the group looked at him, a bit worried.
_Come on Sherman - said one as he drank- he's just another brat who ran from his parents' house to avoid doing his chores, amirite buddy?
_No, you're wrong -Alastor calm voice got everyone's attention-. I finished my chores, so i decided to take a walk. I heard you and came. I want to ask you something.
The soldiers looked at each other for a few seconds, then bursted into laughter. Sherman looked back at the kid.
_Well son, if there's something you want to know about these brave soldiers -some claps and whistles- you can ask.
_How did you get those bodies? -Alastor pointed at the two soldiers still in the water.
Sherman didn't see that question coming. He thought he'd want to know if he could touch their 3DMG, or hear stories about being a soldier or... he carefully looked the kid's face for any sign of joking. He wasn't, it was certain.
_Uhhh, you see, as recruits, we had to train our bodies to be strong so we could serve the humanity, right guys?
_Long live the king! -shouted one of the soldiers rising his glass, and everyone except Sherman drank.
_And what did you do?
_Why do you want to know that?
_Because i want to train.
_Sherman, this brat is here to make us waste our time -the soldier stood up-. Fuck off, brat!
Alastor didn't move. His eyes were fixed on Sherman's green orbs. The soldier looked at his comrade seriously.
_I decide if this is a waste of time, Harris. Anyways -Sherman shook his head, his red hair waving like flames- i don't think you can't stand such excercise boy. Go home.
_How can you know if you don't let me try? -Alastor's answer made him smile despite himself. The kid had guts. Or no brains. Sherman knelt so his eyes met the kid's.
_Alright boy, you win -looking at his confused friends, Sherman talked-. Alright guys, we have a new recruit! Let's make this brat sweat!
Two hours later, Alastor's body ached for a rest. Still, he didn't stop making his arms push himself up, hearing the soldiers cheers and teases, fire running through his muscles. They made him do lots of different excercises, from push ups to climbing, to try and push a soldier, races from one point to another of the forest, anything that came to their minds. Even when felt like falling apart, Alastor never let a single word come out of his lips, complying to the soldier's tests among their cheers and laughter. It wasn't until it seemed he'd collapse than Sherman stopped everything. The kid fell on his knees, covered in sweat, breathing heavily as the red haired member of the Garrison walked up to him.
_Well kid, that was definitely a show -Sherman pat his back, almost making him fall-. I guess it's enough for now. Are you satisfied?
_Was this... enough... to satisfy... your trainer, Sherman? -Alastor's eyes were fixed on his as he spoke- Did he... just... let you go?
The other soldiers looked at each other, not exactly understanding the meaning of those phrases. Sherman just smiled.
_No, it wasn't.
_Then i'm not satisfied. Not until i'm as strong as you... no, until i'm stronger than you all.
Nobody laughed this time. Alastor's voice was full of decision. Sherman looked at him, as if measuring him.
_Why, kid? Shouldn't you be back home, with your parents? Or with your friends?
_I have no friends. -The kid shrugged his shoulders- As for my parents, i think they wouldn't give a shit if a didn't come back. Well, maybe mum would cry -big yawn- a bit. Shit, i'm tired. Maybe i should sleep here and go home in the morning. -he said, lying on the ground.
Sherman looked back at his comrades. Their faces showed a wide range of feelings -curiosity, pity, disgust, and surprisingly, hints of fear-. He wasn't sure of what to do with this kid. He sounded empty, as if only a shell was present, his soul, his essence, lost somewhere else. He glanced back at Alastor, then spoke.
_Let's make a deal, kid. -He sighed, as Alastor lifted his head from the grass to look at him- I'll take you back home this time, but not again. When you feel ready, come back here -he shut his men's protest with a gesture-. We may not be here, but if we are, we'll train you to become a soldier. But you must know your limits. Otherwise, you'll end up sleeping in the forest, and the gods know what will happen then. And something else: Never tell anyone about this, you understand? Or i'll beat you myself and let you here to rot. -His voice turned into a harsh growl as he finished his speech-
Alastor looked at him, sat on the ground. His expression was as empty as when they first met.
_I have no one to tell my secrets, sir. Just... take me home.
_And that's pretty much it. I trained time and time again, learned to fight, to take care of 3DMG equipment, learnt about the titans and their supposed weak spot, how to fight them... the theory, that is. And when they weren't there, i trained myself, until i was twelve. That's when the titans attacked. I never saw the soldiers again, except Harris.
_Really? -Jean looked at him curiously- When?
_WHEN the titans attacked. Harris was eaten.
_Shit, man -Eren felt a chill running through his spine- you are really cold. Don't you have any acquaintances still alive?
_Yes, i do. When i was leaving through the forest, some people followed me. I knew the place like no one else did, so i just avoided the zones where titans could see us, and that's how we reached for the ships, just in time. They were quite grateful, i must admit. Some even offered to take me with them, since my parents were dead. But i chose to live alone for a while, working here and there, until a felt it was time for a change and decided to join the military.
_But why the Survey Corps? -Jean asked the question that bothered him since they met- With you skill, you will surely finish among the top ten. You should do as i and aim for the Police. What's wrong with that?
Bane opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a female voice coming from behind him.
_Hello there guys! -Mina Carolina, one of the "just needs some love" girls of the camp- What are you talking about? Can i join the conversation?
_Oh, hi Mina -Armin looked at her a bit exasperated by the interruption- we where...
_The guys wanted to compare. -Alastor said suddenly-. Dick sizes. I'm winning, mind you. Wanna watch?
Mina stopped on the track, blushing until her face looked like a tomato. She turned on her heels and left, mumbling something about "stupid guys and their dicks". Eren, Armin and Jean watched as she walked, then looked at Alastor, who, for the first time since they saw him, smiled.
_I guess chat time is over. I hope your curiosity has been sated. Now excuse me, i have other things to do.
_But... you didn't answer the question! -Eren grabbed his arm to stop him- Why do you want to join the Corps?
Alastor didn't look at him. He just sighed as he shook his arm from Eren's grip. As he walked away, he turned back.
_As i said, Eren, i have no one to share my secrets with.
"At least," he thought "not by now, it seems."