Distant Memory | An Attack On Titan and How to Train Your Dragon Crossover

Chapter 3

Embers gently fluttered to the earth as Reiner and Erwin stood side by side. The survivors of the dragon attack solemnly carted away those who were lost in the battle. Corpses of fallen dragons were also carried off to be disposed of.

"Eight dead," Erwin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Twenty-six injured. That's double the amount we had in the last attack. They're getting more calculated with their destruction. More aggressive."

"I bet most of that destruction is attributed to the Night Fury that was with their pack?" Reiner guessed.

"Two of those killed were on the watchtower that it disintegrated," Erwin informed. "I watched them burn as they collided with the earth." Erwin shook his head, submitting to the upsetting disappointment of defeat. "The only comfort I can take from this is that Armin was safe."

"That he was," Reiner returned with a nod. "But, you know Chief, Armin could probably do a lot better on his own if you'd let him join the others in Dragon Training."

Erwin shot Reiner a scathing look. "I hope that's a joke."

"Am I laughing?" Reiner queried as Erwin's expression hardened. "I know you only want what's best for him but..."

"There are no buts," Erwin interjected. "I've already lost his mother. I can't lose him too."

"The longer he's kept from training, the weaker he gets! I'm not saying he becomes a full-fledged warrior, but imagine how much easier he can defend himself with just a little bit of Levi's help."

"I've made up my mind about this years ago when he was just a baby," Erwin responded coldly. "Armin's not going to train to kill dragons. He's perfectly safe with you in your forge."

Reiner rolled his eyes. "Look, Chief, I respect your wishes, I really do. But Armin has potential. Earlier he saved Annie Leonhardt from a Nadder. I saw him chase it away. And before that, he stopped me from getting killed in a dangerous situation. The talent is there. We just need to bring it out."

Erwin was silent as he considered this and Reiner carefully studied his chief's face, hoping to decipher an answer. "I'd never forgive myself if he got hurt."

"He won't get hurt," Reiner assured. "I help out with Levi's trainees all the time. I can watch over him for you. And if that doesn't work, Eren and Mikasa are enrolled in the program too. They're his best friends; if I can't keep an eye on him, surely they will!" Erwin shook his head, though his defiant stance was faltering. Reiner noticed this, smiling as he realized he was making a breakthrough. "He doesn't need to be the best, Chief. He just needs to be skilled enough to stay alive."

Erwin thought on this before nodding slowly. "I... I suppose you're right. But you have to promise me you'll pull him out of any situation that's too dangerous. If I lose my son because of this, you'll be losing a lot more than just the respect of Berk."

"Duly noted, Sir," Reiner responded, bowing his head. The two fell silent for another moment, continuing to observe the cleanup of their smoldering village. As the aftermath settled in, Reiner couldn't help but feel his confidence fade. Something Erwin had said was right: the attacks were getting more dangerous. Too dangerous. If they didn't act fast enough, Berk would be consumed in flames, and keeping Armin alive would be the least of their worries.

---

The young teenagers of Berk were gathered in the village's kill-ring: a rocky arena lined with cages strong enough to hold back the angriest of dragons in an interlocking, chained roof to keep them from ever escaping. Eren stood in the center, talking loudly about how his quick thinking last night saved a man, while Jean tried to counteract this with his own heroics. Mikasa stood close to Eren, listening quietly to the story like the other teens. All except for Annie, who separated herself from the group, talking casually to Reiner and Bertholdt.