"Hey you!"
"Sir!"
"Who the hell are you?!"
"Armin Arlert from Shiganshina District!" a blonde boy cried out
"I see! That's a ridiculous name! Did your parents give it to you?!"
Armin replied instantly "My grandfather did sir!"
"Arlert! Why are you here?!"
Closing his eyes Armin loudly replied "To help humanity achieve victory!"
"How very admirable of you! We can feed you to the Titans!" Keith Shadis responded
Slight laugher could suddenly be heard among the group and many tensed as they glanced over towards the black haired teen wearing sunglasses. Shadis was in turn livid at someone laughing of all things and marched up to the teenager
"Just what the hell are you laughing at cadet?!" Keith asked as sunglasses turned towards him and slowly lifted his dark shades, revealing a pair of bored sky blue eyes
"You just remind him of a person we know" said the one beside sunglasses, looking equally bored as the former. The teen looked similar to sunglasses, expect maybe a year or two younger. Heck, it almost looked as if they were brothers to be honest
"You agreed with me! Don't you dare let me take all the blame when you also laughed" sunglasses said with a glare at the younger one, who didn't seem fazed
"Yet I wasn't the one to get caught like you did" the younger replied as sunglasses was about to say something, but Keith seemed to have enough of the exchange
"Who the hell are you two?!"
Both locked eyes with one another as if they were having a silent conversation. After a moment of complete silence, sunglasses looked back at Keith with a sigh
"Name's Jason Todd" he said in a carefree tone, making many who were near him to move away in fear of Keith doing something "The runt beside me is Tim Drake"
A brunette a couple of rows away, looked over at the duo curiously. They didn't seem the least bit frighten by Keith like many others were, heck they looked eerily calm as if this was something they did everyday. Maybe it was a regular thing since Tim had mentioned that Keith reminded them of someone they know... perhaps a trainer or something?
"What district and reason do you have for joining?!" Keith continued or more like demanded
Jason shrugged, remembering the cover story Tim had come up with "Same as the blonde over there, Shiganshina. As for our reason to fight, what other reason is needed than to help those who can't or won't fight back against the Titans. I'd rather go down fighting than live in fear"
Tim glanced at the audience and decided that maybe they needed more details or something "What Jaybird means" Tim started as a few chuckled at the nickname, much to Jason's annoyance but he stayed silent "Is that we want to help protect people. If we fight and can make a different, even a slight one than we're willing to risk our lives and fight so that others may live to see another day. If we don't fight... then who will?"
"I think you broke them baby bird" Jason said since many looked in shock and awe at the explanation that was given
Keith stood silent, evaluating the duo. Soon he continued his way without another word onto the next person
After many introductions and Sasha with the Potato incident
"Whoa, he still has Potato Girl running" said Connie Springer as he, Mina Carolina, Marco Bolt, Armin Arlert and Eren Yeager stared at Sasha Braus who was running due to a 'misunderstanding' or 'accident' that happened involving a potato during introductions
"Man, she's been at it for five solid hours" said an impressed Marco "She's really something. Still, being told to run until she's on the verge of death didn't seem to bother her quite as much as being told she has to skip dinner"
"Dauper's a small hunting village in the mountains, isn't it?" Connie asked, but no one answered his question
Suddenly a carriage was seen, something Eren took note of as he asked "What's that?"
"They're dropouts. They asked to work in the fields instead" Mina answered
"What? It's only the first day too" Armin commented
"That's just how it is here. The powerless have no choice but to leave" Eren stated
"You sure seem pretty confident that you'll pass. Training hasn't even started and you're already being arrogant. Thoughts like that will get you killed" a new voice joined as everyone turned and saw Jason and Tim, who was writing in a notebook
"Weren't you pretty cocky and confident as well during you know what" Tim said mysteriously, his eyes giving Jason a slight glance before his attention was back on his notes. None of them understood the meaning, expect the person who it was directed towards
Jason didn't say anything to that, but you could see his eyes held a different emotion in them as if lost in memories
"Aren't you two-" Armin started only to get cut of by Tim
"Tim Drake. That's Jason Todd. Nice to meet you all" he said and slowly turned to Eren "You were one of the few that Shadis skipped during introductions. Eren Yeager, right? If I were to take a guess and base it on the facts, I'm gonna say your from Shiganshina"
Eren nodded, surprised at how he guessed correctly without any hesitation "That's right and Armin's one of my best friends" he said, giving the blonde a smile
"Wait all four of you are from Shiganshina, then that means you saw the Colossal Titan?!" Connie suddenly said
The four looked at one another, the same expression on their face. Eren being the brave one, answered the question "Yeah..."
Mess Hall
Since admitting the fact that he saw the Colossal Titan, Eren had been getting none stop questions asked by many who wanted to get some info from him
"It's not like that!" Eren said, while taking a bite from his bread "Titans aren't actually that big a deal! Once we've mastered the ODM gear, they'll be nothing to us!"
The one called Jean Kirstein, listened with a disinterested face as Eren continued "We finally get to train as soldiers. I was just overcome with emotion, that's all. I'm going to join the Survey Corps and drive the Titans out of this world! I'm gonna slaughter-"
Suddenly Jean cut into his monologue "Whoa, what are you, crazy? Did you just say you're gonna join the Survey Corps?" he called out
"Yeah, that's right. Aren't you the one who wants to join the Military Police and live the easy live?"
"I'm all about being honest, you see. It's nicer than being, say a loser who acts tough but is actually scared" Jean continued
Knocking over his chair as he stood up, Eren said "Are you implying something?"
Marco held his hands up, trying to stop the duo... however it didn't stop the two from what they wanted to say
"I wasn't really..." Jean started saying, meeting Eren halfway as suddenly a bell was heard in the distance
Sighing Jean held out a hand "Whatever, I'm sorry. I don't mean to dismiss your ideas. Let's call it even with this"
Eren in turn just slapped his hand against Jean's, saying he was sorry too and walked way
Over at another table, Jason and Tim stared as Eren left with the black haired girl, Mikasa Ackerman, following after him
"He sure is over confident. Keep that attitude up and he'll be killed in no time" Jason commented, thinking once again about his younger self as he saw Jean say something to Mikasa only for her to seemingly dismiss it and continue her way outside
Tim nodded "Wonder what's his story. He was never asked why he joined, but I'm guessing something must have happened when that Colossal Titan attacked Shiganshina"
Jason looked back at his bread and sighed at how this reminded him of his time on the streets "That kid has a look of wanting revenge. I'm gonna say it's likely he lost someone to the Titans"
"Maybe you're right. Would make sense if he did. But wouldn't everyone have lost someone to the Titans" it was quiet between the two for a moment, before Tim held out his notebook and opened it up for Jason to see as the older teen moved slightly to get a better look
"Anyway, I've gotten more information about this world. Eren spoke of ODM gear and Survey Corps. According to what I picked up from a couple of whispers and also some who were willing to answer my questions, the gear he spoke of is basically something like this" Tim said, showing a semi good drawing of the gear. He's glad no one noticed when he found the piece of equipment lying forgotten near the back of the boys side "Omni-directional mobility, ODM for short, allows great mobility when facing the Titans in combat"
"So, a grappling gun of sorts and it can carry swords" Jason translated as Tim rolled his eyes, but nonetheless nodded as he flipped the page to show notes on the Survey Corps
"The Survey Corps on the other hand are involved in direct Titan combat, Titan study, human expansion, and outside exploration"
"What about the Military Police? The one that looks like a horse said he was joining" Jason asked, finishing his dinner
Tim flipped a page "They just maintain order, but they also serve as the king's guard. They, unlike the Survey Corps, don't come into contact with Titans and as such carry firearms instead"
"Well I know which one I'm going to join while we're stuck here" Jason commented as both he and Tim left the mess hall. Both just hoped nothing would happen in the near future
ODM Gear Testing Day
"These are only just the bare fundamental. Still, you can determine a person's knack for ODM gear-mobility at this stage" the silver haired superior said as he looked at the many trainees
"Observe" he said, turning his attention to the black haired girl. Mikasa was balancing with ease, not struggling whatsoever "Completely steady. She knows exactly what to do and how to do it. That's what aptitude is all about"
"So the same as those two over there" said the other beside him as he pointed to two other trainees
Turning to the two mention, Jason and Tim were seen at ease like Mikasa and were even seen eating a piece of bread and reading a notebook "They look as if they have been doing this sort of thing their whole life. I've watched them, both are confident with their skills and seem to be above many of their teammates"
Jean, Connie and Sasha were seen doing pretty good as the two onlookers passed by
"Umm what about him?"
"Now that's another definition of aptitude. Some people might have plenty of motivation yet turn out to be less than capable"
Eren was seen hanging completely upside down as Keith suddenly approached him "What are you doing Eren Yeager?! Straighten yourself up!"
This in turn caught the attention of Tim as he saw the boy who wanted nothing more than to slaughter the Titans struggle with the gear. Jason also noticed this, but decided he'd sit back and watch for now. Besides, how else is he gonna get his entertainment without a good book or TV around
'What is this? How am I suppose to... This can't be for real' though Eren horrified, missing the suspicious look Tim was giving his gear
That evening
"Just follow the basics and you'll be able to do it. Don't think about being fancy or anything. Focus on your front and back balance, then slowly place your weight into the belts on your waist and feet" Mikasa instructed
"You can do it if you stay calm. Even I did it, after all" Armin added as Eren turned towards him
"Alright, I feel like I've got it this time. Lift me up, Armin" Eren said as Armin nodded and slowly lifted him as Eren was able to stay still for a second before flipping and hitting the ground
The trio left the area, not noticing the pair of eyes that followed them from afar
When Tim was sure no one was awake that night, he slowly made his way towards the gear Eren used. Just as he was about to check it, someone interrupted him
"Thought I'd find you out here" Jason said coming to a stop beside him "Isn't this the gear that Yeager kid was using?"
"Yeah it is. I wanted to see if there was something wrong with the gear since I haven't seen anyone else in Eren's position" Tim seriously said as he got on the equipment with Jason sighing
"Why are you helping Tim. You know we don't belong in this world and for all we know tomorrow might be our last day" Jason said as he kicked a small rock "I get that since we're here we should help, it was why we decided on joining this training when we first arrived, but we also agreed we wouldn't be getting too involved"
"I know what we said Jason, I was there. I just can't help but think that Eren has a huge part to play in this and if he doesn't succeed, than something bad might happen" Tim said in a monotone
Seeing that there was nothing he could do to stop the teen, Jason had no choice but to help him out as he lifted the former Robin and saw him balancing with a bit of a struggle "I'm guessing something isn't right since before you were balancing on that thing with ease"
"There is something wrong with it. Switch with me so I can take a look" Tim said
Since he was out here and he literally had nothing to do, Jason switched places with Tim and also noticed the difference with the one he was currently on
Tim saw what was the problem and was going to do something until suddenly a light was seen making their way over towards them. The two turned and saw Eren, Armin, Reiner Braun and Bertolt Hoover with confusion on their faces
"You're the two from the introduction ceremony and also one of the few who were seen balancing easily on the gear today" Reiner said, recognizing the duo before them, while Eren looked in shock at how Jason was balancing on his gear
"What are you doing out here?" Armin asked as Jason about to answer when they suddenly heard some talking making them all rush towards the boys cabin. Tim, while lying on his bed, suddenly remembered he wasn't able to fix the gear and made a note to say something if Eren once again 'fails'
The next day
"Eren Yeager, are you ready?!"
"Yes sir!" Eren replied 'I going to do it! I am! I might not have raw aptitude, but no one has more guts than I do!'
"Begin!"
'To hell with logic! I know it's completely baseless, but guts are all I got!' Eren though as the wires started to lift him up 'They're my weapon!'
Eren was seen hanging steady, with both Jason and Tim looking quite surprised by this since they both knew the truth about that gear
'I did it! I'm doing it!' he thought happily... only to suddenly lose his balance and once again be flipped "N-not yet! I can still do it!" Eren said as he desperately tried to straighten up
Suddenly everyone watched as Tim moved to the front and helped Eren back onto his feet. He slowly took his own belts off and held them towards Eren "Here, your equipment is defective. I was looking at it last night and wasn't able to change it in time for you. I have to admit, I thought only Jason and I would be able to balance on faulty equipment, but seems I was wrong" he said as Eren was now seen balancing with ease "Anyway that belt you were using has a broken clasp. I don't know if these break or not, but someone should have checked it before letting you use it"
Unknown to anyone, Tim gave Keith a side glance when he talked about the gear being defective
"Then, even with broken equipment, he still managed to hang in there for a few seconds?"
"Whoa"
Jason was seen shaking his head with a smirk 'Perhaps baby bird wasn't wrong... maybe that Eren Yeager kid is special'
"Th-then, what about my aptitude evaluation?" Eren asked
"You pass. Train hard!" with that Keith walked away as Eren threw his hands in the air 'I did it! I did it!'
Turning back towards Tim, the brunette gave him a small smile "Tim?" Eren started as the teen stopped his walking "Thanks for that" he said as Tim waved him off
"It was nothing. Besides, didn't you say you were planning on slaughtering all the Titans? Can't have you do that without passing"
Eren nods at this and turned to look at Mikasa. He gave her a determined look 'What do you think of that Mikasa?! I can do it! I can fight the Titans! There's no need for me to depend on you anymore'
Mikasa in turn stared at him with an open mouth and heard as Armin said "His eyes say 'What do you think of that?'"
"No" the raven haired girl said "He feels relieved that he doesn't have to leave me now" was what she said in response to Armin's comment as those around her stare at her in silence
Later on, in a forest Keith was seen on a horse as all the trainees were on their ODM Gear, using them for the first time in this type of environment. Eren, while using his own, couldn't help but watch both Tim and Jason using their gears as if it were second nature for them. He hoped to one day get to their level or surpass them and Mikasa
There aren't much DC and Attack on Titan crossovers so I thought I'd do one myself. This will follow parts of the manga, but mostly anime based. While not explained, Tim and Jason were in an accident which transported them into the AOT world. Till next time!
P.S. Big shoutout to the Power to Strive series (go check it out if you haven't) as there fanfic has been a big help in terms of dialogue from the anime