1ST POV
.
.
As days, weeks and months passed, a vast majority of refugees worked tirelessly to rejuvenate arid lands, aiming to enhance grain production. Initially, the looming threat of dwindling supplies had been a growing concern. Fate took an unexpected turn, and that's where my intervention made a difference.
Using my abilities, I not only assisted the refugees but significantly increased crop yields. This triumph not only averted the scarcity crisis but also showcased the resilience of Wall Rose residents in improving harvests.
Despite the positive outcomes, a rather drastic decision was made to randomly select some refugees to "Retake" Wall Maria the following year—an approach I found excessively dumb, and infuriating. Armin's grandpa was still among those chosen, something I was already aware of, unfortunately. Allowing him to die was out of the question though, especially if it meant saving Armin's only relative.
That day, I discreetly equipped him with something that would aid his survival out there. He wouldn't be aware of my action, but it was all I could do to keep him alive at the moment.
Though he believed it might be the last time he'd ever see his grandson, he still passed on his hat to Armin and thoroughly thanked me for everything I had done for the past year. I won't deny that I bawled my eyes out despite knowing that he'll mostly be fine, but I just couldn't help myself. I embraced him tightly, surprising him and the trio.
So, I put my plan into action—a tweaked version of my [Notice Me Not] , geared specifically against Titans to keep him safe. Tossed in some survival tips in his head, you know, in case he found himself roughing it in the woods until we meet again, which I'm pretty sure we will.
Back then, their numbers were 110,000, like 10% of the population. But here's the kicker—only a hundred folks made it back from that whole mission. A real gut punch, sacrificing so many and only getting a handful in return. It did save the rest, but man, it hit hard.
Even with my attempt to ease the aftermath, I've never been this mad at their government. They knew they didn't have to pull a move like that, but nope, they went ahead and sent them straight into the jaws of doom. Total jerks. Good news is, people were starting to resent them, so that was that.
That night, I held Armin tightly as he wept in sorrow. Eren and Mikasa observed, well aware of the anguish of losing a parent. I felt a pang of guilt for not saying anything, but it was essential for him to follow the path meant for him. My role was to ensure their safety, and although I'd only known them for a year, I began questioning some of my past decisions. Could I have done more?
"It's all the titans' fault! If we could just kill them or drive them away, we could return Home..." Eren's voice seethed with anger.
'No, Eren... They're victims too, trapped in their fates just like all of you...' I grimly pondered. Man, fuck Marley.
"Listen, Armin, I'm enlisting in the military next year," he declared, determination blazing in his eyes. Armin glanced at him, utterly surprised, while Mikasa sighed in resignation. "Then I'll become strong enough to fight!"
Armin gazed at him for a long moment before casting his eyes downward. "Then count me in."
Eren squawked in surprise, clearly caught off guard. "You can't do that!"
"It's my choice!"
"I'm going too," Mikasa interjected abruptly, and I remained silent, observing their exchange.
"Huh? Are you sure...? You don't have to, Mikasa... You could stay back while we—"
"No. I'll come to make sure you both stay alive," she asserted firmly.
Eren glanced downward, not contesting her words, then looked ahead, resolute. "So it's settled. The three of us are going!"
They then turned to me, seeking my opinion on their decisions.
I blinked, caught off guard, and couldn't help but internally coo. Looks like I had a say in this.
I simply pulled them into a bear hug, and they all squeaked in surprise.
"I won't stand in your way. I was originally planning to enlist this year, but I'll hold off and join you instead!" I said with affection, giving their heads a pat. "I've grown attached to you three, so count me in." Grinning, I noticed how flustered they were by my spontaneous display of affection, even though they seemed less put off by it than a year ago. A work in progress, I suppose.
'I swear Isayama is a bastard for all the shit they'll face. That's it, imma protect these little beans.'
My train of thought was interrupted by the sensation of three sets of arms enveloping me. I blinked, looking down at Eren, Mikasa, and Armin and—
'Oh, boy.'
"W-why... Why are you all crying?!" I started to panic internally, seeing my little beans in tears!
"Thank you so much..." Eren's voice quivered. "Thank you for everything, Colith..." the others nodded in agreement.
My gaze softened. I understand...
I let out a soft sigh, gently rubbing their backs. "No need for thanks, kiddos... I'd do it all over again, even without your asking. You deserve so much more than this..."
I wiped away Armin's tears as he hiccupped.
"And never hesitate to ask for help, or anything else you need," I assured him.
I ran my fingers through Mikasa's hair, feeling her sigh softly, finding some comfort.
"It's the least I can do, considering everything you've lost..." I gently kissed Eren's forehead as he shook with emotion.
We stayed in that embrace for a while before eventually heading home.
'Alright, forget the plot, I'm kidnapping these beans.'
As time went on, I made a decision to check on old man Klaus one day, wanting to see how he was faring. Since it hadn't been too long, I was curious about his situation. I informed the kids that I had some errands to run and took that chance to teleport back home without any disruptions.
While my physical body remained in bed, I took mental control of a random titan roaming in the forest within Wall Maria and headed towards the area where I sensed the only living and moving human aura. The others were still in stasis; that was something I needed to address.
Old man Klaus didn't even flinch upon seeing the titan I was controlling. 'Heh, he must have grown used to other titans ignoring him.'
He had managed to salvage a cabin in the woods and seemed to be living peacefully by hunting. Seeing that he was doing well, I returned to my own body and spent some time in my cozy house. Honestly, it's a lot better than the one in Trost.
"It's comfortable for the little beans at least," I yawned, settling down to watch a playthrough of Resident Evil Village on YouTube. I'm a bit of a coward and can't handle jump scares when playing the game myself. Figures.
As time went by, I grew even closer to the kids. We spent more moments together, and I got to witness different facets of their personalities.
It was quite heartwarming, seeing these sides of them. We still had a year before enlisting and I made sure to make the most of it.
.
.
3rd POV
.
.
Beneath the harsh sun, a group of individuals stood, each displaying a mix of emotions from apprehension to indifference etched upon their faces.
For some, the reasons for being present were unclear—perhaps familial obligations drove them, while others pursued personal aspirations, seemingly having little left to risk.
Yet, in an odd twist, all eyes, save for three individuals, fixated on a peculiar figure: a young girl with dark skin. Her charcoal hair possessed a magical allure under the sun's reflections. Her golden irises held a captivating power, simultaneously sweet and commanding, capable of ensnaring the attention of those who dared to look deeply. Freckles adorned her face, lending it an angelic quality, while a scar hinted at an unquestionably resilient spirit. Her lips wore the faintest hint of a smile, completing a truly mesmerizing sight.
Most intriguing to them was her unusual skin tone, a feature that sparked their intense curiosity. They couldn't help but observe her closely, astounded by the unprecedented hue. Was she even of human origin? It remained a mystery to them.
"ALRIGHT, ATTENTION!"
Their scrutiny was abruptly cut off by a sudden, commanding voice that caused everyone to startle and swiftly redirect their gaze to the source.
A bald man, his eyes carrying the weight of witnessed horrors, glared sternly at the assembled group.
"YOU ARE NOW MEMBERS OF TRAINING UNIT NO. 104! UNDER MY COMMAND," Keith Shadis thundered, his voice cutting through the air.
"NO WARM WELCOMES HERE! YOU'RE NOTHING BUT LIVESTOCK, WAITING TO BE SNATCHED UP BY TITANS! WORSE THAN THAT!" His stare turned piercing. "FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, I'LL TRAIN YOU WORTHLESS LOT."
His insult widened some eyes in the crowd. "I WILL TEACH YOU TO CONFRONT THE TITANS! WILL YOU REMAIN MERE MEAT IN THREE YEARS' TIME?" A shudder rippled through someone.
"OR WILL YOU STAND AS THE SHINING BULWARK TO DEFEND THESE WALLS? OR RISE AS VALIANT DEFENDERS OF MANKIND, CRUSHING THE TITANS?" A momentary pause ensued. "THE CHOICE IS YOURS!"
A teal-eyed brunette fixed his gaze ahead. 'Don't worry,' he hardened his resolve, 'I'll annihilate every single one of them,' he vowed, resolute.
.
.
1ST POV
.
.
'YA ALLAH, IT'S HAPPENING, IT'S HAPPENING, IT'S HAPPENING!!!!!'
I was beyond excited! Trying hard not to lose it in front of the others.
'FINALLY, YES!!!'
I knew all eyes would be on me though.
'Come on, seriously, never seen a black person before? THAT'S JUST PLAIN RUDE!'
Amidst the multitude of fixed gazes on me, I scanned the place, brushing off the scrutiny. Positioned beside Armin because he's baby, I waited, wanting to be done with this.
Noticing his tense shoulders, I leaned in slightly and whispered, "you alright, 'Min?"
He jumped, a tad startled, but recognized my voice and glanced up at me.
Considering I stood at the honorable height of 5'2" or 1m61, my real height, 'Bold of you to assume I won't grow taller 'cause I WANNA LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE BWAHAHA-' But, I digress.
Giving him an assuring smile, I said, "You'll be okay, don't worry. I'm rooting for you."
Grateful for the support, he glanced at me before swiftly looking forward as Shadis approached our row. The man scrutinized his next subjects like a hawk eyeing its prey until his gaze landed on me. His face shifted from surprise to his usual scowl in an instant.
'Nice control, man. That's worth at least 10 points!'
Engaging in his usual intimidating routine, he approached and positioned himself directly in front of Armin.
"AND WHO DO WE HAVE HERE?"
'And suddenly, I'm deaf. Damn, this guy's got some serious vocal cords.'
The blond hesitated for a moment before promptly responding, "I'M ARMIN ARLERT FROM SHIGANSHINA, SIR!"
"Wow seriously? WHAT A DUMB NAME!"
My eye twitched slightly. 'If it weren't necessary, I'd have punched him so hard he'd have landed on Pluto.'
"YOUR PARENTS GAVE YOU THAT NAME?"
"It was my grandfather, sir!" he stated firmly.
Closing in, he loomed over the blond. "ARLERT, WHY ARE YOU HERE?"
Gritting his teeth, he shouted, "TO CONTRIBUTE TO HUMANITY'S VICTORY, SIR!"
Well said, kid!
"HOW ADMIRABLE!!" His glare intensified.
'Oh putain, he's terrifying-'
"YOU'D MAKE A FIRST-RATE TITAN FEAST." He stood upright and pivoted Armin before fixing his gaze on me.
'Oh fuck, oh shit, oh crap, it's my turn?! CAN'T I JUST, AVOID THIS ENTIRELY—'
"AND YOU, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!"
Oh dear.
My mind went blank, my body acted independently. Saluting, I managed, "Colith Tobe, from Trost district, sir," His eyes widened in slight recognition.
Seemed like he recalled my voice from that forest encounter.
I sensed the inquisitive glances of others fixed upon me.
"Oh? What brings you here, Tobe?" His tone softened just a tad.
My gaze hardened, brimming with an unwavering resolve that surprised him. "To keep my precious people from harm and restore to humanity what rightfully belongs to her—freedom, sir," I concluded firmly.
A hush fell over the field at my proclamation.
'Oof, not even a round of applause? Well, okay then…'
"Quite impressive. How do you plan to achieve that, Tobe?" He inquired, genuinely curious for my response. I didn't hesitate:
"By enlisting in the Survey Corps and venturing beyond the walls, sir."
A glint of pride flickered in his eyes. "Ah, turning yourself into mere livestock, then?"
"That's correct."
My forthright reply surprised many, even my beans; evidently, they hadn't anticipated this from me.
"However, not until we uncover the secrets behind the Titans and eradicate them," I concluded, a hint of despair sneaking into my thoughts. 'It's not their fault *sob*.'
Impressed, Shadis nodded before pivoting me around and proceeding to the next row, ready to unsettle the others.
Phew, I did it. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I ACTUALLY DID IT. Went smoother than my school presentations, that's for sure.
Glancing down at Armin, I caught his gaze; he offered a small smile, and I returned it warmly. I tuned out the rest, already knowing what was about to unfold. And then...
CHOMP!
...
Silence enveloped the field, save for the munching noises.
My attention swiftly darted toward the source of the sound. I couldn't help but stifle a quiet giggle as I witnessed Connie being hoisted up by his head, but I promptly returned my focus to the great...
...and illustrious...
Potato girl!
'SASHAAAAAAAAAAAA!' I screamed internally, bracing myself for the most legendary moment.
All eyes turned towards her, utterly astonished, while she nonchalantly savored her potato, completely unfazed. Even Shadis halted his reprimand, too stunned by the scene unfolding.
She carried on munching as if it were normal. Shadis let go of Connie, who tumbled to the ground with a groan.
"Hey, you. What on earth do you think you're doing ?" he inquired, voice dangerous.
'don'tlaughdon'tlaughdon'tlaugh-' I repeated in my head like a mantra.
She glanced left and right before taking another bite, leaving the nearby cadets utterly astonished.
Shadis snapped.
"YOU! I'M TALKING TO YOU! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" He bellowed directly in front of her, catching her off guard. She hastily finished munching, swallowed, and then responded with a salute, clutching the potato:
"I'm Sasha Braus, hailing from Dauper village, in Wall Rose's Southern District, Sir!"
"Sasha Braus..." His voice turned menacing. "What's that you're holding in your right hand?"
"A boiled potato, sir," I nearly wheezed. Almost. "I found it in the kitchens and decided to take it!" she honestly replied.
Everyone gaped at the sheer audacity of this girl, and I was there, struggling to contain myself from bursting into a mad cackle. It shouldn't have been this funny but their interaction was golden!
"Are you saying you stole it? Why?" Shadis inquired, straightforward. "Why are you eating a potato at this moment?"
"I wanted to enjoy it while it was still warm," she replied matter-of-factly, oblivious to the fact that she was inadvertently digging her own grave, "so I thought it was now or never, sir."
A strangled sound almost escaped my lips, but I hastily covered my mouth. Armin shot me a funny look, questioning if I was okay. I managed a feeble nod and instructed him to focus. Perplexed, he nodded back and redirected his attention to the unfolding scene.
Shadis pressed on, "I still don't get it." A brief pause. "Why are you eating a potato?"
'THE CONFUSION ON HER FACE! I CAN'T-'
"Are you asking why people eat potatoes in general, sir?"
The ensuing silence pushed me to redouble my efforts.
Shadis remained silent, facing her, as if waiting, while she suddenly had an 'epiphany' and proceeded to 'divide' the potato. With a tsk, she extended her hand, offering the tiniest piece. "Would you like half, Sir?"
'THE AUDACITY.'
Shadis was so bewildered that he accepted it, examining the piece before glancing at her. "Half...?"
Her response was only a proud smirk.
'Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment our dear Colith met her demise.'
EDITED