Arc I : Restarting the Journey

Interlude I : A Special Person?


"Sometime you don't need reason to help someone."

It was at that moment that Historia Reiss or known as Christa Lenz, know that Reinhard Trias is perhaps someone that similar like her

No... No, he did not, unlike her that empty and doesn't know the meaning of his existence, he truly did...

But he is someone that exactly how "Christa Lenz" supposed to be

Kind to everyone, caring to others, inspiring them with words of encouragement and support, and also selfless. Even when he injured but he keep pushing himself with smile to ease the others that around him

She has observe him from far, she watched how he interact with his peers and friends, she watched how he patiently chiding them when they make mistake before teaching them with encouragement, she watched how he went around and offer help when there are those that in deep problem

After few days of observing him, she found that his behavior is genuine, there's no hint of malice or hidden intention that bad. He is truly helping other with pure goal to make them improve

He still hiding something though, she knew he did, and she sure he aware that she knew as well. However whatever that he hide, it did not change him as person, true it influence him but the act of kindness is truly come from him

Or at least that what she get so far

She did not confident with her skills to read other people, she has no experience to talk with people after all, unlike Reinhard who seems capable to know what should be said to other

But let it be said she is not stupid

The moment she saw Mikasa's fist crashed to his lower chest and his eyes bulged out in pain, she perfectly aware that punch will not left him fine no matter what. She know that Reinhard is not the strongest boy, there's reason why he keep training after all, not because he is training maniac but he did it out of necessity

So she keep her eyes on him after the match, the moment the cadets disperse and went to take their dinner, she pretend to go with the others while keep watching him, and when he slipped out, she immediately follow him

And she learn the truth about the extent of his injury

She listen how Miss Hebert told him how bad it is, and how she start to disapprove what Mikasa did. She listen how Reinhard immediately come to her defense despite the girl just almost broke his ribs. She listen how he explain how she probably did it unintentionally and how he hold back himself to make sure Mikasa's image won't be painted in bad light. She listen how he don't want that to happen because he truly care for her, to girl that just punch him with everything she had and could possibly kill him

And she found herself loss of words for a moment

She is not the best in reading people, but she aware that Reinhard's defense about Mikasa could be right. It sounds logical and make sense actually. She remember how Mikasa seems desperate when she trapped by Reinhard's legs, how her face turned to blue and let out choked voice, it could be true that she never intended to hit him that hard

But she also remember how scary and... Aggressive Mikasa's expression when she strike him. She never thought that such beautiful person like Mikasa could make expression like that, it was really unsettling

In the end though it doesn't matter, intentionally or not, it doesn't change the fact Mikasa has overdid it, and it injure Reinhard more than it should

Yet those things did not crossed in her mind, it was there but it was not her current main focus

For Historia Reiss has make decision that will change her life forever in that moment

'I want to become someone like him.'

Someone that always thinks of other, kind and selfless, even when injured by his friend he still come to her defense without any hesitation, and willing to burdening himself so people can keep happy

He is the perfect model of "Good" person supposed to be, but not just ended in there, he is also talented, very talented, he is one of, or probably could be, the best cadet in their generation

Someone like him... He will be remembered in future... His existence will have big impact to the World

She want to be like that... She want to be like him, standing side by side with him, where the World will remember her existence...

She is uncertain what the meaning of her life in the World, what her purpose is, but she don't want to left forgotten, she don't want to gone just like that...

And for now... For now she will walk the path that Reinhard Trias walk...

Perhaps she could find the meaning of her existence through him

She snapped from her inner thought when Reinhard's hiss of pain come out once more from the infirmary, followed by Miss Hebert's strict voice that chiding him

Seeing she has get what she wish for, she slowly, and quietly stand, then she walk away carefully so Reinhard did not hear her

Now that she already has make her decision, she have to talk with someone, a certain short black haired beauty to be precise

She only manage to take few steps away from the wall when she heard footsteps from behind her. For a moment she feel her heart beating faster in panic as she quickly spun and meet face to face with equally surprised...

"Ymir?" She said, voice filled with shock "What-"

Before she can speak the taller girl moved, faster than she expect and close the distance between them, her hand instantly clasped to her mouth, preventing her from talking

"Christa." Ymir hissed lowly "The Hell are you doing here?!" She quickly glanced around and shook her head "It doesn't matter, let's get out from here first, don't want that idiot to notice us."

She give nod to her, she can agree with that. Both of them waste no time and immediately leaving quietly, going back to their dormitory

When they were far enough from the infirmary, Ymir open the conversation

"You heard everything." Ymir stated

"Yes." She admitted with nod "And Ymir, you too, right?"

"Of course I did." Ymir grunted "Why are you there anyway?"

"I... I know Reinhard trying to hide his injury." She replied uncertainly "At least I suspect it so I follow him silently to check is he okay or not." She added "What about you, Ymir?"

"Same here." Ymir shrugged "Except I follow him since perhaps I can get a blackmail material that can be used."

"Ymir..."

Even if she sounded chiding but Christa did not believe that is why Ymir check on Reinhard. She is...

Truthfully Christa didn't know what to said about her. On one hand Ymir is... Mean, like really mean, she had seen how she pushed Sasha after all for owing them a "favor" and how troubling it is

But at same time Ymir behave strangely... She... Is confused at her... Really...

"So what will you do?" Ymir asked "About this I mean."

About this... Yeah, about this, she really need to act isn't she? She can't just let... Let things like this happen

"I will talk to Mikasa." She answered "I want to know is she really hurt Reinhard intentionally or not, and I will make her apologize to him." She declared firmly

Ymir halted in her middle of walk and stare at her, and she keep staring at her as if she has found something that so ridiculous to the point she can't stop staring at it

"What?" She asked, for some reason she feel she just got insulted

"You want to talk and order Mikasa, the girl who put the best fighter among us into infirmary with nearly broken ribs, and ordering her?" Ymir inquired, there sarcasm in her voice "Yeah, I can't wait to see how it would end."

If she put it like that... Ymir is not entirely wrong... Compared to Mikasa, she is... Small... Even compared to normal girl Christa is not the... Biggest or strongest girl around. She can be considered as one of the smallest girls among her peers!

And Mikasa... Christa has seen how the girl is... She caught it unintentionally when Mikasa' strip and by Gods, her body is covered with muscles! Not enough to make her looks like a man but the way her muscles coiled and tightened whenever she move...

Christa won't be surprised if Mikasa can crush her hand with a simple grip

And yet...

"I'm not one who judge book by their cover, I just asking. Petite doesn't mean bad after all, you know, there's rumor about one of the best soldiers in Survey Corps

"Rumor?"

"Yeah, it is said that he is extremely talented, however his height is... Not very tall."

"Really?"

"I swear, I've heard about it among the soldiers that gossiping. So who care that you're small? Who know in future you will be as good as him."

As good as him...

"I'm still going to talk with her." She insisted, blue eyes burning with determination as memory of what the boy she looked up said to her crossed inside her mind

"And let just say you did, do you think she will admit anything to you?" Ymir continued "Christa, I'm not the brightest person, but even I know that there something wrong in Mikasa's head."

She knew that, not the last one but the first, she knew there's chance Mikasa will not answer her, and try she did, Christa can't imagine herself to force the Ackerman to talk, not without making the confrontation known by everyone

Something that Reinhard getting hurt for and not wish to happen in first place

"I'm still going to do it!" She declared strictly

Ymir stared at her once again, her sharp eyes was filled with incredulity, and this time Christa did not back down and staring back at the taller girl

They keep their gaze locked to each other for almost a minute, and neither of them seems willing to give up, crystal blue meet oak brown

"It will never work." Ymir said in matter of fact tone "And you know it, you can't get answer from her. It will only wasting time and can make things worse." She told her

Once again that was true, what Ymir said hold some merit... But it doesn't-

"I will talk to Mikasa."

What?

"You can't come with me however, your presence will only make things more complicated, trust me. But you still can watch from afar, go hide or something when I approach her."

After saying that Ymir resume her walk and for moment Christa did not follow her, still caught in confusion. When she snapped from that confusion, she waste no time to run after the taller girl

"Why?" She found herself asking "Why? You seems not interested to it. So why?"

Ymir tilted her head and meet her eyes, and Christa wasn't sure but for a moment she seems caught anger in there, not "I'm angry because you did something stupid and it annoy me" anger but "You started this, I will make sure you get what you sow" kind of anger

But that expression quickly replaced by her usual sharp and mischievous look

"I just want to tear Mikasa a new one. Could be fun to push the buttons of someone like her for once."


Reinhard Trias...

The first time they met, she has no special opinion about him, an extraordinary boy that she feel grateful at for helping Eren when he collapse after training to use 3D Gear and cheering for him, but other than that? She doesn't think much about him

That change though as the days went with Eren and Armin often to talk with him

She observe and watch how her friends chatting with the boy, how he being patient with Eren's enthusiasm attitude and give his support to Armin who lacking confident in himself, how he pointing and fixing Eren's mistake when he did something wrong, how he cheer and run side by side with Armin when they training

She watched how Eren and Armin seems become comfortable with his presence, how both of them laughing with Reinhard when the boy was by himself, how admiration and respect started to grow inside their eyes whenever they see the older boy

And how she feel herself started to left alone by her friends...

No... Not left alone... But replaced...

She still remember clearly as sun in the morning, how Eren and Armin look at her with admiration in past when they were child, how both of them would depend on her and she stood in front of them when something happened

Now though... That is only memory from the past...

Eren no longer wish to depend on her. At one point she understand that Eren want to forge his own path, however the problem is, he always angry and mad whenever she care for him, even when she give advice or pointer to fix his mistake but he ignore them all

Armin while still follow and understand her, but the fire that bright in the past was... Diminished. And it also not helping when sometime he took side with Eren who obviously in wrong

Then Reinhard come, and only in few days, Eren and Armin look at him almost like how they view her in past

It make her frustrated, especially in Eren's case. The advice and pointer that Reinhard give to him is not much different from hers, yet, he took all of them without complaint and also with smile

She doesn't like it... Something is fishy about the boy, there's something about him that make her very suspicious, and his behavior... He seems supporting Eren's goal to become Survey Corps too much, didn't he realize just how dangerous that is? If he want to join Survey Corps then go alone, don't drag someone else

Although... She knew it would be useless to stop Eren, he already make his mind after all, even before Wall Maria got breached he already want to join Survey Corps

What frustrate her more is the boy also being nothing but kind and polite to her as well. When she in need of something, he always come to her without being asked and gladly offer his assistance

He did not talk much when they together, and he don't mind her silence, he never act awkward or nervous despite they barely trade a words when together, in fact he seems comfortable and knew that it was not bother her very much as well

That make her very uncomfortable in another way. Here is the boy that being nothing but kind, yet she harbor ill feeling to him

Still doesn't make her not uncomfortable enough to punch him with all she got during the match this noon

Let it be said that she has her frustration and... Well... Frankly, she doesn't know did she punch him with real intention to hurt him or it was unintentional

Because she admit, she found herself satisfied when see the boy's eyes bulged out in pain like that, however it also make her feel a bit guilty at same time for having such feeling

"Mikasa..."

She blinked and turned her face, meeting Armin who has concerned expression

"Yes?" She asked

"Are you okay?" He asked "You looks like have something in your mind."

"I'm fine." She answered nonchalantly "It was nothing important."

"About what?"

This time it was Eren who asking her the question while paused in middle of his eating

"... Reinhard."

The moment that boy's name mentioned, she caught small glimpse of admiration from her friends eyes, and it irked her

"Hm? Reinhard? What about him?" Eren asked, seems more interested than before

Damn... She really don't want to talk about this, not with them

"Nothing important." She repeated "I just-"

"Oi, Mikasa!"

She send silent gratitude to whoever call her and make her have reason to not talk about it

That gratitude however, diminished when she see who call her

Ymir...

And despite how her expression was nonchalant and normal, Mikasa is perceptive enough to see that her sharp eyes seems hold more edge than usual behind them

"Yes?" She asked

"I want to talk about something, can we go outside?" Ymir asked while pointing to outside

What this girl want?

"Sure."


Let it be said that if someone insult or looking down at her, Mina Carolina wouldn't care very much about it

She aware that she is not special or something like that

Born as the second daughter of three, her big sister already have her own job -it wasn't good but it was not bad either- and her little sister still in school

Before, life was plain and average yet peaceful. Her family is not rich, barely above standard, her father working as merchant and her mother open bakery stand, the income is stable and often they got more than necessary,

It was a bit boring, but Mina was happy and content about it

Then the Wall Maria breached and everything change

Refugee, people that used to live in Wall Maria come, jobs become harder due to sudden increase of population, the living place get crowded and losing their lands, the foods and crops was overwhelmed and become not enough for everyone

Life become harder for Humanity

Her father become busier and always goes home late, her big sister also forced to abandon her own job to help their dad, she also helped her mother on daily in her store or sometime spending her free -when she get one- time to watch over her little sister

Things were bad for them, but not so bad because they have extra money from their saving. It was only thanks to that they still able to eat properly and her little sister manage to continue her study

However the income and the outcome of their life become unbalance. Little by little, their money started to drained, it won't last long if things keep going like that

And so Mina make her decision. She will join the Military

When you join the Military, everything will be payed by the government, the food and your main necessity for your life as cadet, all of them is free

If she join the Military then she will get all of that, which mean one less person to feed for her family, at same time her family can save more. She won't be with them for three years perhaps, that was enough time for her parent to come an idea or gather their money once again. That still not mentioning she got payed too, albeit not very much

Of course none of her parent agree, joining military is not simple things. Once you register and graduate, you will be given choice which regiment you want to join, and you have to serve them for a few months at least before able to retiring. If you enter top 10, then perhaps you can join the Military Police and live safely inside the Wall, but if not...

After Wall Maria breached people began to realize just what kind of horror that exist out there, just what kind of monster that living out beyond the Wall and waiting for them. Even if Mina tried to argue that she can choose the Garrison but it still not enough to reassure them, one Wall has been breached after all, what guarantee the next one won't?

So their parent keep their decision, she won't join military and Mina only can follow it. However it was like she predict, there was no increase in their funding, it got lower instead. The final nail was come when her big sister got ill and need to be treated. They have the money for the medical bill, however if they uses that money then...

And so it was decided that Mina will join the military and here she is now

At first when she joined Military and went through the training, she immediately regret her decision

It is not like it was tiring... Okay, it was, while true her stamina is not bad since she often to help her parent with manual labor ever since Wall Maria breached but military training is still something else. However that was not the main reason she regret her decision

It was the mental training that exhaust her

She was never a brave person, ever since she small, she is just normal, neutral. Lacking a courage. Someone you can find in public, people that cursing the government but did not dare to committing act

Frankly, she was really struck when the instructor insult her like that. Yes, she knew since the beginning she has no talent. Yes, she knew that she isn't doing any good. But does he really have to said it like that?

"I will help you two then."

Then come Reinhard and everything become fine

No, seriously, even if it sounded cheesy but it is the truth, everything become fine when he start to enter their life

Not completely fine of course, but things become more tolerable and easy at least

Reinhard, the boy was always there for them, he truly keep his words, he helped them when they training, cheering for them while he himself also panting in exhaustion. When they need help with hand-to-hand combat, he fixed their stance and told them how to punch or kick properly, he also helped them to hover properly in air with 3D gear, which proven to be very helpful for yesterday when they get to try their gear for the first time

"I will help you two. I might not look like much and my stamina is not the best, but I'm quite skilled in few things."

Skilled in few things her butt, Reinhard is more than that, he is absolutely good, a prodigy! She still remember how enraptured she was when she saw him floating in sky with arms and legs spread open, remember how fast he move and smooth in that gear

It was amazing, like watching eagle spreading their wings and soar majestically to the sky, there is no flaw in his movement, perfect

He is truly the best cadet in their generation! What happened today just proof of that! Even facing Mikasa he did not lose and the result come out as tie! However there's no mistaking when come to 3D gear and everything else, Reinhard surpass the Ackerman wholly

And that kind of guy... Willing to spend his time to teach them privately, to teach her, her who has no talent and simply average girl

She don't know what to say about that, but one thing for sure, she is grateful for what he did, truly she is...

"Mina Carolina!"

A tap on her shoulders, followed by loud voice make her yelped in surprise. Laughter come after that and she turned and glared to the one who responsible for it

"Thomas!" She growled threateningly

"Sorry, Mina." Thomas chuckled "You're look so dazed, I can't resist." He stated with grin "Mind if I sit there?" He asked while carrying his own food

"Yes, I do."

"Thank you!"

Much to her annoyance, the blond ignore her and take seat near to her. Mina simply let out sigh and glanced around, she briefly paused and wave her hand to another cadet she knew before resuming her search

"What? Looking for Captain?" Thomas inquired with smirk

She shoot him another glare for a moment before nodded "Yeah, I didn't see him ever since his spar against Mikasa." She said "Do you know where he is?"

"Well, I did meet him before I come here." Thomas hummed "He said the instructor want to meet him."

"Instructor?" Mina's face curled to concerned expression in instant "What the instructor want with him?"

It wasn't secret that for some unknown reason Instructor Shadis always keep his eyes on Reinhard, there many occasion their friend got pointed to demonstrate something or answering question that too hard for others, it as if the man harbor some ill feeling -Reinhard claim the instructor just want to help him by testing him but she don't believe that- to Reinhard

Which is why she can't help but concerned when hear this news

"I don't know, Captain also seems have no idea what that sadist want." Thomas replied with shrug

"I see..." What that man with him? Hopefully it was not a bad thing "What do you think the instructor want with him?"

"I have no idea." Thomas said "I can't get any good picture about that man to be honest."

"Same here..." Mina murmured

"Hey, not need to be concerned." Thomas chuckled "Captain will be fine, he can handle himself pretty well."

"I know that."

"Do you?" Thomas asked, his eyebrow quirking "You look like you can't spend time without seeing him for a few seconds."

Mina feel her face warmed at that, why the heck he have to phrase it in that way?! "I'm not!" She squawked "I mean, I'm just worried about him!" She said, she briefly looking around and keep her voice low "I mean, he seems not completely fine after fighting Mikasa."

Here Thomas winced, his hand instinctively went to his own chest "I think everyone know about that." He murmured

Mina blinked in slight surprise "What do you mean by that?"

"Mikasa hit Captain very hard, it was obvious." Thomas answered solemnly "True, he seems look fine but that punch before? That look damn good." He winced again after that "I had spar with Mikasa before, and she throw me over her shoulder like I'm some kind of kid. She is strong, I tell you that."

That did not lessen her worry, only increase it further frankly

Mina knew that Mikasa has reputation, during the first week ever since they started, Mikasa have similar record with Reinhard, the one that ace the basic gear move the moment they wield it, undefeated in hand-to-hand combat training no matter who their opponent, and everything else

However she never see much of them directly. She heard about them, yes, but she doesn't know much, and it was not helping that Mikasa is... Different from Reinhard, she is very hard to be approached and almost give no care to her surrounding

Today though, after see how Mikasa fight against her mentor, let it be said that she started to believe in those rumor, even the exaggerated one

She has seen Reinhard fight, he teach her and Thomas after all. She has seen how he dismantle Thomas and any fighters that he face so far, how fast and efficient his move was, how skilled he is in combat

And yet... Mikasa smashed all those skills and technique like a wolf tearing apart their prey

That fact was very important because it prove that all rumor about Mikasa is true, and if they did, then Reinhard is clearly not fine after receive such attack from her, no matter how he looks fine

"Is he really fine?" Mina murmured

"I understand you're worried." Thomas stated "However, this is Captain we were talking about." He said "The guy who keep running even when he out of breath and looks almost die, the guy who every single day abusing his own body when the others take a break or spending time with their friends."

"Phrasing Thomas!" She admonished in exasperated voice. Seriously, the boy really need to learn how to stop speaking in innuendo

"What? That was the truth." Thomas replied with nonchalant shrug "We only know Captain for a week, but can you tell me what else he do in his free time other than training or helping others?"

"He goes to plaza last Sunday to buy tea leaves and stuff." She pointed as she remember how Reinhard goes off and tell them he have business in plaza "Beside, I don't think what he did is bad things, he helping people." That was admirable trait, honorable and noble, he helped them whenever he can and never hesitate to do that

One of the best traits about him

"See my point?" Thomas pointed "He is always busy, even when he supposed to rest, so I don't think this is actually big matter for him." He said

Well... If he put it that way... That was not wrong...

Her reply was cut off when she caught sight of Mikasa and Ymir walking out together from the cabin, and it make her blinked in slight confusion. Now that was pair you rarely see together seeing Ymir seems always with Christa if she not bothering other girl, but even Ymir knew to not bother Mikasa

'I wonder what was that.' She thought curiously as she watched where the duo was and Christa that also leaving


Reinhard Trias...

The boy is actually not looked much at first, he remember when he meet the boy face to face, he can see how pretty much there naivety and ignorant in his eyes, just like the others that he yelled at

The fact he fall because he got shouted in face is proof of that

But then the boy stand firmly after he fall and look at him in eyes, and Keith realize that he is mistaken

That eyes... He see nothing but determination and conviction in there, eyes that belong to those who spending their time in harsh field and never give up. It was the eyes that he see everyday during his time as Commander in Survey Corps

Eyes of Soldier

That is why he did not said much after he introduce himself, perhaps he was mistaken when he saw him for the first time, a simple mistake that happen

It was supported further when he saw how the boy went through his training

He excel at everything, from the basic movement of 3D gear, combat training, leadership lecture, all of them. The only flaw is his stamina that barely above standard but he not hesitate to improve it as he have his own training regiment everyday so his body become more sturdy

Which is downright very absurd if he thought about it

He had read the boy background file. Come from Shiganshina District, orphan and live in orphanage with other kids that become victim from the fall of Wall Maria, only for a year before he register to the military. Overall it was normal and common background

Then why the hell he come out so good in here?!

Mikasa Ackerman, his sole rival and the best cadet among the girls, is good too, however the background she have is actually supporting her result. There file about her getting in fight with other kids a bit often in past and how she always beat them up in the end, there's also words from the caretaker saying that she is brilliant girl despite her stoic nature

But Reinhard Trias has no such background

Very good at something, yet doesn't have background that make sense at all, it as if he just come from some place that defying logic

'What the hell with this boy?' He sounds exactly like someone he know from somewhere. Someone that somehow find himself outside the Wall and claimed has amnesia but still remember his name and he was a doctor

A very, very, good doctor

Perhaps... The reason why he was being very harsh on this boy... Is because...

"Reinhard Trias, I got note from Nurse Hebert about your recent injury." He said in monotone as he stared at the boy "And you claim you don't want to be treated like injured and keep going like usual."

"Yes, sir."

He stare at the boy, from his auburn colored hair that styled into short, and his honey gold eyes that shone with the same light he saw when he meet his eyes for the first time

"You have bruised ribs, that by any mean is not easy injury. It could become lethal one if you keep pushing your body." He said "And I've read the extra note that Nurse Hebert write, that you refuse the treatment because you concerned it will affect your friends relationship with each other." What a strange reason, really "Care to explain that?"

"Well..."

And so he listen to the boy explanation, about how it will affect Mikasa's reputation, how it will cause crack in their group relationship, how it will make things difficult and uncomfortable for everyone and how he don't want that happen

"I see... I can understand your reasoning." In a way he did, he is truly care for his friends after all, a very good trait truthfully, however "But letting this slip is not good things. It doesn't matter if Ackerman did it intentionally or not, she still need to learn some restrain, she can injure people seriously next time." Which is true, can't have some accident because she unable to control herself now, right? Better to let her learn about this soon

"Sir, with all respect, I think Mikasa aware of that already." Reinhard said with placating voice "She is one of people that can control herself the best. This, is simply an accident, I don't think such things will happen once again."

"Are you trying to tell me what I should do, cadet?" He asked, voice laced with slight growl

"No, Sir. It's simply a suggestion, nothing more." Reinhard answered immediately

There's no sign of fear or panic in his eyes despite he just warn him, his facial expression also remain unchanged

"You seems have quite a lot of faith on her." He commented

The boy's calm face broke into small smile and he nodded "Of course, she is my friend after all."

In response of such statement he quirked his eyebrow and narrowed his gaze at the boy's chest, at his ribs that wrapped by bandage behind his cloth

Reinhard seems aware what his silent message is and openly shift his expression to grimace but offer no more words

"Very well, I will let this slide, consider this as payback for your astounding performance in the first week." He commented, and because he also partially responsible for what happened to him, not like he going to admit it though "But if it happen again, I won't hesitate. You keep an eye on her, understand, Trias?!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Reinhard replied while performing salute

He caught slight wince from the boy when he move, obviously he have some difficulty making sudden movement, even if it barely visible

"Good, you're dismissed then, go and get some dinner before curfew."

"Thank you, Sir!"

He give grunt at the boy who smiled in relief and satisfaction before turned and leaving from his office

Not long after that he tilted his head and spin his chair, facing the window and glance at the dark stars in the sky that twinkling

He remember what the boy said this noon after he finished his spar with Eren Yeager, how he claim that Eren Yeager in future will surpass him, how he said it with full confident as if he knew Eren Yeager would be someone acknowledged in future

A very familiar conversation...

For a moment his mind went back to that day, where he spend his time with his friend, chatting in the restaurant. However this time Grisha Yeager was replaced by someone else while he was replaced by the man's son

'Carla... I wonder what will you said if you still alive...' He thought bitterly

Compared to Reinhard Trias, Eren Yeager is perhaps not very much of cadet. Make no mistake, Eren Yeager do have some talent that make him stand above common peers like Mina Carolina or Thomas Wagner, and his determination also surpass the others as well, however those traits is also something that Reinhard Trias, and the boy have it better than Yeager

Does history bounded to repeat itself? Will Eren Yeager meet the same end just like him... Or will he proved to be special, just like Grisha and Reinhard believe?

Whichever it is... He only can hope and pray for the best for him from far...

He is only bystander that watching after all...


"It has been a week ever since we enter the military..." Bertholdt muttered "I must say, it certainly not as bad as I thought."

"Hmph, you sell yourself too cheap Bertholdt." Reiner replied with snort "I admit, the training is a bit taxing, especially using the 3D gear."

"Yeah." Bertholdt grimaced at the memory "Hovering in the air with it is one thing, but to move is something else."

Which is true, while yesterday they manage to move with small problem on it, but their movement was not smooth and fluent, it was rigid and stiff, almost like a doll that children have. Even Mikasa Ackerman also has trouble using the gear to move fluently

In fact, no one able to display perfect and smooth movement save for Reinhard Trias

"That guy, Reinhard, he make it looks like easy to use that gear." Reiner muttered, in reality it wasn't easy at all. Reiner doesn't have problem with the height to be honest, however aiming the grapple and operating the control is something else. It was hard to do such multiple things while in air, not to mention they also have to control their body movement to not get entangled by the wire or loss their balance "What do you think about him, Bertholdt?" He asked

"Reinhard, huh..." Bertholdt rubbed the back of his neck "He never talked to us so I can't judge much, but he seems fine guy." He said "One time I caught him looking at me when we were running, and he smiled while waving his hand."

"And he polite too..." Reiner muttered "I wonder, was he get personal lesson before coming here?"

That kind of movement... There's no way that was the first time Reinhard using the 3D gear, he probably has used it in the past before joining the military. But from who and how? It was clear that possessing 3D gear if you're not soldiers -or official seller- is breaking the law

Then again, giving this kingdom current state, it wasn't much shocking if someone have them, they know just how corrupt this place after all

"What do you think, Annie?" He asked

Annie who only silence ever since the beginning tilt her head, her face contain bored and uncaring expression as usual. However Reiner can see there sharpness and calculation in her eyes

"He is interesting." She answered "The way he fight, his movement kind of similar with mine."

Not entirely similar, however the basic was same, utilizing the eight limbs of fists, elbows, knees and shins. But that was where the similarity ended, for one, Reinhard's attacking method is more aggressive and quick, he uses his limbs more often instead of grappling with his opponent like hers

When it did however, it was downright lethal

The movement he uses against Ackerman today is proof of that. Had it was hers or normal person, there chance they would collapse from lack of air or in worst case their neck could be broken

The style itself seems strange to be honest, it almost like bastard version of hers, yet it look effective when he utilize them

"Hmm, now you said it... I guess you're right." Reiner murmured as he rub his chin, he might be not know much about Annie's fighting style, but he is not ignorant about it a he had gotten taste of it in past

"What should we do then?" Bertholdt asked

"For now? Nothing." Reiner answered "Reinhard might be special case, but he is not related to our goal, just treat him like usual." He ordered "Of course, we going to keep an eye on him, he is talented enough, he could become future threat for us." He turned to Annie and give her look "Same thing occur to Mikasa."

"Mikasa, is more simple than Reinhard." Annie replied "I can see her nature and motivation easily, but Reinhard?" She trailed off and shook her head in negative manner

"... So what do you suggest?"

"Nothing." She said "I'm agree with you, let him be, we still have quite time after all, and it better to be used on something else." She exclaimed

What left unsaid however, she would try to talk with him if she have chance. She is curious how the auburn haired boy know to fight like that after all


Sorry this come out quite late, I was planning to update story last week, however RL decide to interfere and make my schedule busier

Anyway, so we got to see how other characters see Reinhard. From Christa and Mina admiration in their own way, Mikasa's frustration and feeling, Keith's bitterness, and what the Warrior thought about him

Originally I plan to write Ymir as well, however I think five perspective already enough for now. They only know him for a week after all, only those who sharp or "special" in some way can get much thought about him. Mina in here is included because she see Reinhard through "normal" view, a prodigy who not hesitate to helping others, and I also give her some background

Hopefully you like her background, I was planning to use Thomas at first but decide to use Mina instead

Frankly, the hardest one to write in here is Mikasa. It was easy to thought of her as someone who entirely obsessed with Eren but in reality, she is not. She still have strong sense of right and wrong, yes she is still blinded when it come to Eren but she not psychopath or heartless girl who didn't care to everyone save for Eren and Armin,

Hopefully I able to portray her character right in here, if you think she is being a bit OOC for upset with Reinhard over something like this, please note that she is still a child despite her mature personality, she still not mature or accustomed enough. Reinhard existence just too sudden and she not ready for it thus she react a bit harsh

As for the Warrior, yes, Reinhard did attract their attention but it wasn't much, and why the hell they should be? As far they know, other than watching him for future threat, Reinhard has no relation with their goal at all. They will keep an eye on him, but it won't make them extremely paranoid, they already did their investigation before joining the military after all, and Reinhard's condition is not very unique for them

Please note that all about Reinhard here is not 100% truth, this is how others see him after all, take this seriously since this will play quite role in future

We also get glimpse of Reinhard's appearance, finally! After straight for 6 chapters! We found how he looks like! Boy with auburn hair and honey gold eyes, and want to help everyone

Sounds familiar?

Yeah, he is based on Shirou Emiya from Fate Stay/Night!

Truthfully I was confused how to make his appearance at first. I mean, I can't just get good model for him. Even after watching the character creation from YouTube, I still find it to be difficult. I mean, the creation, from hair to face, it was actually filled with canon character face! Heck, we can even make our character twin to them if we want!

I feels that would be... Unoriginal, so I dismiss most of them. However at same time I can't use strange model since the people on Paradis seems have their own model appearance!

His appearance idea come to me when I write how he realize he can't save everyone but it doesn't mean he couldn't save as much as he could. I thought "why the hell this boy seems familiar?" after writing that and viola! Shirou Emiya make his appearance!

It seems pretty good since Shirou himself is not extraordinary handsome or something like that, very fitting for MC so I use him as model

Next chapter, we will be back to Reinhard's perspective! Our boy will get his surprise soon! There will be two or three more chapters before we close this Arc and move to the next one! Stay tune and keep reading if you curious about it! And don't forget to give this story Favorite, Follow, and Review

Ja Ne! XD

P.S : Btw, does anyone know when Petra, Oluo, Eld, and Gunther join Survey Corps? I knew Petra and Oluo join the Survey Corps together but at what years? And is that mean they were Training Squad 104th senior? Were they still in barrack with Eren's generation when they just joined? I don't know much about military cadet system, so a little help here will be very appreciated!