Hi Everyone, this is my first AOT story and I just felt like it was a cool idea. I will probably just leave this as a one shot, but idk, I may continue it. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it and if you feel like it let me know too! I am still not that great at writing but I did my best.
Disclaimer: I only own my OC's
It was not a good day for the Survey Corps soldier who found herself alone in titan territory. Dirt caressed her back as she lay in a rut, bodies of her fallen squad covering her own. Their blood caked and dried on her clothes and face, lifeless eyes staring into her hazel ones. She shifted her body slightly to only be greeted with immense pain from her right shoulder. She had been laying there for a long time, the earlier battle flashing through her thoughts.
" Ah Jamie, what did you get yourself into." She voiced in a soft whisper.
She wanted to groan out loud but she didn't want to attract the attention of the titans that were still around. Each step they took shook the earth, reminding her just how close she was to death. It happened so fast. They were riding in the right flank like any other expedition. One moment she was listening to Blake and Dianne debating about whose horse was better, the next they were surrounded by titans that seemed to have popped out of nowhere.
We couldn't even get off a smoke shot.
Jamie's fist clenched the dirt in frustration. Squadron Leader Haley was the first to go, snatched right off his horse. Blake and Ean tried to to kill the 15 M that grabbed him, but was too late, their leader bit in half. Dianne was the next, crushed under foot after her blades broke trying to cut its ankle. The three remaining regrouped afterwards, managing to kill it and a couple 10 Ms when Ean went down. His gas canister was punctured at the worst moment sending him into another titan, knocking him out cold. It only took a moment before he was devoured. Blake and Jamie put up a good fight, managing to kill a few more titans when Blake was hit. His line grabbed and he was slammed into a rock, dead upon impact, leaving Jamie alone. She managed to somehow kill the remaining couple of titans giving her a small respite, and yet she was stranded, her horse long gone.
Blake's body slid down, pulling her from her thoughts. Jamie's eyes locked on his own wide eyed stare, still not believing she did this to her squad, to her friends. Treating them as human meat shields just to protect herself. She could feel Dianne's crushed remains strewn across her legs and feet, the lower torso of Haley laying across her own. Blake's body resting across the rest of her chest and face. The people she once swore to protect, now protecting her instead. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at the people whom she treasured. She laid there for a moment just staring into Blake's eyes wondering if his sister would ever smile again. Jamie could picture it now, little Morgan standing there bright eyed at the gates, looking to see if her big brother would come home, if he would have died for nothing. The worst part is, everyone would say yes.
No! They didn't die for nothing. I am going to make it out of here alive dammit! I am going to make it back and tell their families that they died as heroes, that they saved my life and brought back valuable information for humanity.
A pained smile made its way onto her face. It was funny to Jamie, this valuable information she secured was a random thought thrown out at one of the late night conversations she had with Hange. It was an odd friendship that developed between the two of them, and even though Hange was a little too eccentric for Jamie's tastes it didn't stop them from bonding. She often asked Hange about Titan behavior, her curiosity inherited from her parents. Her father was a Squadron Leader in the Survey Corps when she was little and would always stress how "knowledge is power" ,or however that old saying went, and yet here she was. Trying it out in the spur of the moment, clawing at anything for survival. The final smoke from the titans were starting to dissipate, and despite all of the pain they caused, the lives they ruined, Jamie didn't hate them. She knew that they had to be killed, it was no better than a dangerous animal that had to be put down. But to hate something that couldn't even control its impulses, that was no better than a giant walking baby? Maybe she was spending too much time with Hange and it was clouding her judgement, but all Jamie felt now was sadness.
Jamie closed her recalled a moment in her childhood with her father, one that was burned into her memory and she thought of often. It's funny how being near death makes one reflect on their life, and Jamie was no exception. Her father often took her hunting as a child whenever he could go home. They lived near a forest and it was common place for the two to go out and spend hours in comfortable silence. The one trip she recalled vividly is the time they encountered a small grey malnourished wolf. It was caught in a trap by a river, unable to move. Silver eyes flashed in distrust, hate, and determination,fangs bared snarling. The leg that was caught oozed a mix of yellow and green, obviously infected. It knew who its enemy was, and was prepared to fight for its life. The words her father said stuck with her forever.
"Remember that look Jamie, for that is what a fight for survival looks like. If you ever find yourself in a life or death situation, I expect you to have that same look on your face. When you are backed into a corner, all you have left is yourself."
All I have left is myself huh?
Jamie was no Captain Levi that's for sure. She had seen him work before from a distance and he definitely deserved his title. Jamie respected Captain Levi but never idolized him. She would only have one person she would want to be like, and that was the man whose wings of freedom she inherited. Blake and Ean, however, worshiped the ground he walked on, not that they would ever tell anyone that. It was painfully obvious to Jamie though considering they were in the same trainee class, and that was a few years ago. The last time they saw Captain Levi was during a training exercise and they showed off to try to get on his squad, it wasn't going to happen but she still thought it was funny. The only reason why the new Titan Kid Eren joined was because Captain Levi was looking after him. He didn't even look at their squad. They never even talked to the man before besides a simple "Yes Sir" in passing. Maybe next time- oh wait, there won't be a next time. They're dead. Despite the weight on her body she still thought they were alive, funny how the mind works.
It was approaching nighttime and Jamie started to seriously consider her options for survival. She still had a fair amount of gas left in her tanks, and she already decided that she would take Blake's and any spare blades she saw. She only hope that she would make it back to the wall in time. She may only be 4 hours out from it, but that was on horseback. Jamie doubted if her skills would be enough.
NO, they are enough, I am enough. I WILL make it back. The only choice I have is to be strong.
Jamie felt the wings of freedom on her back feel warm, her father's cloak like a warm hand, or perhaps it was blood, either way it gave her strength. She may have been 14th in her trainee class and she wasn't the best, but she also wasn't the worse. Adequate at all of the different courses, but not really excelling in anything. The only thing she really loved and was proud of her were horseback riding skills, but without a horse she didn't have much to go on. The only thing that she could hope for was a Survey Corps horse was forgotten and still wandering out and about. She might try whistling for one later. She waited a few more hours, the moon had risen by this point and she could no longer feel the vibrations in the earth from titans walking around. Deciding that now was her best chance she rose out of her hiding spot. Jamie could barely move her right arm, but luckily her hand could still squeeze and function. Jamie took off her cloak and wrapped Blake's gas canisters in it before slinging it onto her shoulder. She took one last look at her squad.
"Thank you for keeping me alive, and I am sorry I couldn't protect you." Jamie whispered those words, gave a salute and was off.
Jamie started off slow, grateful for the full moon that made it possible for her to see where she was going. She was in a plain with few trees around which was not ideal, but Jamie had to work with what she had, and that was rocks. Using her gear to attach to rocks she started running and flying through the fields. She used the rocks to help pick up momentum to the point where she was skipping through the plains, only using gas when needed. That lasted for about an hour or so when she heard a rumbling from behind. She couldn't see what the sound was but Jamie didn't stop. Taking a chance Jamie let out a whistle. A faint neigh came out from the distance. A smile blossomed onto her face at the fact she would have a horse again, and it only became wider when she saw who it was when it reached her.
Ah Sebastien my Sebe! How I knew we were meant to be together! The fact that you stayed and waited for me even though I am not your rider proves that you were meant to be mine!
Sebe was the horse of another squadron leader, but sometime during her time in the Corps he bonded with Jamie and the two were inseparable. There were plenty of times when she was on stable duty that she would take Sebe out for rides and for training practice. Jamie even put large rings on his saddle, not that the squadron leader noticed. She often had her squad members cover her tracks so she could have some alone time with her precious horse and train some moves that her own horse wouldn't allow. Jamie wasn't one to break the rules, but this horse was a soft spot for her. Hopping onto her friend the two dashed away as the rumbling got closer, in the end it was a titan. It seemed to Jamie that it was an abnormal considering that it wasn't sleeping, or whatever it was titans did.
"Lets get to work Sebe, neither of us are dying today" Jamie said, feeling a thousand times more confident than she was before. Taking a moment she stood up on the horse and launched herself at the titan, hooking its shoulder. Swinging onto it she went back and sliced with the sword with her one good arm getting a good cut in behind the neck before it leaned back trying to slam her into the ground. Quickly detaching she jumped to the side and gave two quick short whistles having Sebe run to the right side of the titan. Jamie sent out a hook and attached it to one of the rings to pull herself onto the horse. The two gained some distance while the abnormal righted itself back into a standing position. It once again dashed after them. Deciding it was time to switch tactics Jamie switched blades as to not befall the same fate as Dianne. The abnormal swung a meaty hand and Jamie dodged, hooking to its flesh and dashing to slice the back of the heel. A moment later it fell on its stomach and Jamie was quick to cut out its flesh, surrounding herself with steam on success. Deciding not to waste anymore time Jamie hopped back on Sebe and sped off into the night.
They were getting close to the wall when Jamie made the decision to rest Sebe. They ended up taking on a few more titans that were not sleeping, an amount that was a lot lower than what she would have faced when it was daytime and Jamie felt grateful. Even though she really wanted to keep moving, it was more important the Sebe recover some stamina since daytime was to be approaching soon and she wasn't quite at the wall. She would need her partner to be in top shape. Jamie looked down at herself deciding that she could use a short break as well. Her right arm was practically useless, and she landed wrong on one dismount causing her to twist her ankle. She had a cut on her face that she got sometime during the battle, bathing more of her blood with that of her squads. Her tanks were practically empty so she switched them with Blake's, and threw them to the side.
Putting her father's cloak back on the two continued their journey. The sun was starting to rise as the wall got closer and closer. Jamie was tired, but she knew that she couldn't stop now, determination sparkling in her eyes.
When I get back the first thing I will do is give Sebe a kiss, and then eat something. I am starving.
The wall was maybe 10 minutes away when a couple of titans appeared. Jamie let out a snarl, frustrated that she was so close to safety yet so far. Giving a quick short whistle Sebe moved to the left flank of the two titans, attacking the closest one. Attaching to the back of the titan Jamie reeled herself in and spun twice, cutting two large slashes into the titan causing it to collapse. She was hooking back into Sebe she felt a large hand slam against her body sending her flying past the horse. Giving a long whistle he dashed to her fall point catching the soldier before she slammed into the ground. Jamie felt the air being knocked out of her lungs, thinking that slamming into the ground might have hurt less. Disoriented Jamie whistled twice causing Sebe to drop back and flank the titan on the right side. Attaching to the leg she dashed in and cut above the heel, dropping the titan before finishing it off. Before the steam even appeared Jamie was already back on the horse and heading back towards the wall. The young soldier coughed up some blood. It seemed she cut her mouth when she landed on Sebe.
Before her eyes stared Wall Rose and the big beautiful gate waiting to let her in. Not relaxing Jamie sped up to the small window and started to bang on it rapidly.
"Open Up please! Survey Corps Member Jamie Duncan requests access! Squ- Squad 10!" Jamie spit out, struggling to get out the squad that was no more.
"Holy Shit, how did you survive out there? I thought it was bad when the expedition came back but you look awful. Hold on." The garrison soldier said and he hurriedly waved for someone to open the gate.
Jamie sighed in relief, feeling a wave of nothingness wash over her as the gates opened allowing her inside.
I made it back, like I said I would, but... but why do I feel so empty? Never mind that now, I need to report back on my findings.
Jamie led Sebe back inside as she felt the stares and whispers track her body, her knuckles turned white as she squeezed the reigns. Jamie's eyes still had a determined glint to them, but sadness as well. It was still pretty early in the morning when Jamie made it back to the stable. Getting off she gave Sebe multiple kisses and took the time to care for him. Giving him food and water, and brushing him down. The majority of the reason she survived was because of Sebe, and he deserved the best in the world. Once Sebe was taken care of Jamie walked to get breakfast. Opening the doors to the eating area she was met with stares, gasps, and silence.
Jamie knew she looked bad. She was caked in blood, dirt, and sweat. Right arm hanging limp and hobbling. What surprised her the most was the look on Hange's face when she walked in.
"Jamie, you're alive!" Hange exclaimed darting over to the younger girl and giving her a hug. Jamie just stood there trying to control her emotions. Hange was the only friend she had left in the corps. She mainly stuck around her own squad, and now they were gone and Jamie was alone.
"Yes, yes I am." Jamie said is a soft voice. After giving Hange's arm a squeeze she walked past her to the food, grabbing some bread and an apple to shove in her face. Turning back she found Hange there waiting for her and she dragged her over to the officer's table where the Commander and Captain Levi were sitting. Hange gave Jamie her seat as the group watched her eat in silence. Captain Levi just stared at her, surprised with a little bit of disgust mixed in. He didn't know who she was but her current state of attire had him pushed over the edge. Still reeling from the loss of his own squad he spat out some words that shouldn't have been said.
"Shouldn't you go get cleaned up first brat? You have blood all over you and its disgusting."
Jamie froze, rage igniting in her heart.
How DARE he, this is the blood of my comrades, my FRIENDS. How DARE he call it disgusting!
Before she could stop herself she grabbed a knife off the table and stabbed it into the wood near his fingers. Her eyes filled with anger and a sheen of tears.
"How DARE you say something like that to me Captain Levi. This blood is the only reason why I survived along with Sebe, how DARE you disrespect my squad like that. You don't have that right."
Hange's eyes lit up in recognition at her words, knowing full well what she had to do to survive, empathy showing in her eyes.
Jamie sat there holding his gaze, silence permeating the room. Hange leaned over to whisper something into Levi's ear causing his eyes to widen slightly and a fist under the table to clench. Jamie would guess later on what it was, but she was too consumed by her own grief to notice now.
"I see." Was all Captain Levi said before standing and walking away.
Jamie calmed down seeing him leave, as Commander Erwin looked at Jamie. Hange glanced over at Jamie curious about one point in her words.
"Jamie... who is Sebe?" Jamie smiled a little at the mention of her friend.
"Squadron Leader Mark's horse Sebastien, but I call him Sebe. We happen to be very close before this and we worked together to get back. If it was any other horse I wouldn't have made it. I know this is impertinent of me but I would like to ask if you could give him to me." Jamie asked eyes locked with Erwin.
"That would not be a problem considering how Squadron Leader Mark did not make it back from this last expedition. Sebastien is now under your care. Go get yourself checked out and cleaned up. Come to my office afterwards for a full report." Erwin said before getting up and leaving the dining area.
Jamie continued to eat next to Hange when a shadow appeared over her. Glancing up at it she saw Captain Levi holding two cups, presumably tea, in his hands. Leaning over he placed one in front of Jamie and whispered into her ear.
"I'm sorry." He righted himself and Jamie just gave him a nod. The man soon walked away and the tension in the air vanished.
It didn't take long for Jamie to finish eating and Hange escorted her to the infirmary. Despite the last expedition being a complete failure to capture the female titan, the corps was surrounded with chatter and a little bit of excitement at the prospect of one of their own surviving outside of the walls for the day. Jamie, however, didn't care about this and just let Hange help her out of the room. After getting medical attention and cleaned up, Jamie headed back to her now empty room that she shared with Dianna and went to sleep. Vowing that she would complete what she promised to her squad, if it was the last thing she did.
Look dad, I made it, I survived.
That was it! I hoped you enjoyed it. I honestly love Sebe so much. Writing the scenes with him made me happy. I apologize if I missed any grammar or spelling mistakes, I tried to get them all but I could have missed some. Anyways, I hope you all have a lovely day/night!