My name is (F/n), (F/n) (L/n).  I live in wall Rose with my two older brothers and father.  I don't really remember my mother that much, she disappeared when I was only a few weeks old.

Whenever I ask my brothers or father about mother, they ignore my questions and change the subject.  Enough about my past though.  I'll let you know a little more about my brothers and father.

Tristan, the oldest, is in the Military Police. He's been with them for a little over a year now and was stationed in wall Sina. So we don't see him that often.

Quincy, the middle child, helps our dad out at our shop. He's been thinking about leaving the family business and joining the Garrison squad for some time now.

Our dad owns the shop. I actually work there alongside Quincy. We build omni-directional mobility gear parts, like the swords and the ODM gear itself. Since we build them, Quincy and I secretly practice with them at nighttime.

We're pretty good, considering we've been using them for a few years now. Now that you know a little about my family, it's time you learn about me.

I just turned eighteen a few weeks ago, and I've been working at the family business for about four years now.  Tristan used to work here with Quincy before I took his place when he joined the military.

I have a dream to join the scouts, but I can't since Quincy will most likely leave for the Garrison.  That would only leave our dad to work alone.  He can't do it by himself, he doesn't want to hire anyone because he's cheap.

So I'm basically stuck here until we figure something out.  I bet I know what you're curious about now.

"What is your ability?"

Is that what you're asking?  Why don't I tell you.  It all started when I was five years old.  Well, that's when I noticed it.  I could see people all around me no matter where I was.

Now you're probably confused by what I mean.  What I didn't know, was that I wasn't only seeing living people.  Most of those people around me... were dead.

I can see ghosts, spirits, demons, whatever you want to call them.  I can also talk to them, it's quite fun if you ask me.

They have a name for this ability too, it's called a "psychic medium".  Not only can I see and talk to spirits, I can also see others' futures!  However, my family didn't believe me at first.

Once I told them things that I wouldn't know about their past, they rethought about their beliefs.  One of my goals with this power, is to see or communicate with my mother.

Though that is a little extreme, there's a good 50/50 chance that I can do it.

I haven't told anyone else about my abilities outside of my family. I can't. If someone found out, I could be killed. Everyone thinks of us as "witches" or the "Devil" himself.

I've read stories in books about people with my same power from long ago, and they were all killed because of it. Their deaths were all brutal but the exact same way.

First they were beaten until they couldn't even stand anymore. Then, they were tied to a large wooden post and set on fire while the whole town watched.

I can not have something like that happen to me. That's why I have to stay as far away as possible from the very religious folks here. They're the ones who think of us as witches.

I kind of can't blame them. I mean, I'd be pretty freaked out too if I heard of someone who could talk to dead people.

Let's get back onto the subject about being raised by all males. Well, I'm not a typical girl. I don't wear makeup and I most certainly don't wear dresses and skirts. Hell no.

My friend, Katsumi, is always trying to get me to wear girly things and makeup. But she never succeeds. Well, actually, she did one time.

Flashback

"I swear to God, Katsumi! Don't you dare put that shit on my face!"

I shouted while running away from her.

"Oh, come on! It's not that bad!"

"Oh, yes it is! Why do you even wear it? What's the point?"

She didn't respond.

I looked over my shoulder and saw that she was gone.

"Katsumi?"

I asked, stopping in my tracks.

"GOT YOU!"

She jumped on my back making me fall over.

"Son of a bitch..."

I muttered.

"Now that I've caught you, would you please let me do your makeup?"

"...Fine."

Time Skip

"And... done!"

"Oh God..."

"What do you think?"

Katsumi handed me a small mirror.

I braced myself for the mess that was going to be on my face.

"What. The. Fuck?"

Katsumi giggled as she explained what she did.

"So I put (color) eyeshadow on to match your (e/c) eyes.  Then I did a little bit of black eyeliner, mascara and (color) lipstick."

I sighed, looking over her work.

"Can I do your hair now?!"

"Knock yourself out... I don't care anymore."

"Yay! Oh man, there's so many things to choose from and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! What do I do?!"

"How about you shut up and do something already before I change my mind."

"Sounds like a plan!"

Katsumi took a section of hair from the top of my head and started to braid it. (If your hair is long enough)

"So this is what girls do?"

"Yeah.  My sister would always do my hair and she taught me how to apply makeup."

"Oh really?"

"Hey, how's Tristan?"

"Good I guess. I just got a letter from him the other day."

"And...?"

"Well nothing really. He just mentioned that he got promoted to a Captain."

"Wow! That's amazing! Heh, another thing to make Miyuki even more in love with him."

"Why aren't those two dating yet?  I swear they have a thing for each other!"

"I know right! Ah~ I can see it now..."

"You picturing their wedding?"

"Yes."

"We can be sister-in-laws."

"I DIDN'T THINK OF THAT!"

"Next time he has a day off, we're setting those two on a date."

"Perfect."

After she finished French braiding my hair, she handed me the mirror again.

"Oh Kat..."

"Let's go show your dad and Quincy!"

"No!"

Katsumi grabbed my arm and led me out of my room and into the kitchen, down the hall.

Before we walked in, she looked around the corner and called out to them.

"Hey Mr. (L/n), Quincy, I'd like to present to you... ladylike-(F/n)!"

She pulled me over so they could see me.

Quincy instantly started laughing so hard with his mouth full of water so he did a spit-take.

"HOLY FUCK, (F/N)!  AHAHA!"

"What the hell is all that shit covering your face?"

"It's called makeup."

Katsumi said sternly.

"I'm taking this off-"

"No! Just leave it on for another five minutes! Please?!"

"No."

"C'mon, (nickname).  Let's take ya out into town and see if we can get ya a man!"

Quincy started pushing me towards the stairs.

"Quincy, quit!"

I elbowed him in the chest, running back down the hall and locking myself in the bathroom.

"(F/n), come out!"

"Not until I remove this pancake from my face!"

Flashback End

Every once in awhile, a commander from one of the military regiments comes in to get supplies for the ODMs.

Speaking of which, the commander of the Survey Corps should be here today to pick up more swords.

*Jingle, jingle*

The bell above the door rang so I looked over my shoulder, at the door, and saw the commander walk in.

"Good afternoon, Commander Smith.  We just finished getting all your swords ready, so perfect timing."

I grinned, heading to the back to retrieve the crates.

Quincy was in the back and helped me bring the crates out to the wagon that the Commander brought.

"Alright, how much do I owe you?"

"It would be 1,000 coins, but I'll give you a discount since you're our best customer.  750 sound good?"

"Sounds like a deal."

Mr. Smith took out a coin pouch and passed it over to me.

"Thank you."

"You know, while I'm here, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?"

I furrowed my brows at the tall man.

"Would you be interested in joining the military? Preferably the Survey Corps? You're very smart and already know the mechanics of an ODM. Plus, I've seen you use the actual gear before and you've got a great talent for it. You could skip the three year training since you're already fit enough and know how to use ODM."

"...O-... w-wow... I don't know what to say..."

Again, a smile started to appear.

"It's always been my dream to join the Scouts! But I don't know if I can leave my dad to run the business by himself... He won't hire anyone else."

"Here, how about I give you two weeks to make a decision. When you've decided, just come on over to our Headquarters, any time."

He smiled before going to the door.

"Have a good rest of your day."

He waved.

"Okay, thank you so much! And you too!"

I waved back.

After the Commander left, I couldn't help but do a little dance to get my excitement out.

"I have to tell Quincy..."

"What'd you wanna talk about, (nickname)?"

Quincy asked when I sat down at the table with them for dinner.

"Well... Mr. Smith asked me something before he left."

"He didn't ask you anything-"

"Dad?!"

"What?!  I was just making sure he wasn't a pedophile!"

"Oh my God..."

I muttered, rolling my eyes.

"Continue..."

"Anyway," I sighed, looking back at Quincy. "He asked if I was interested in joining the military."

"*Cough* W-What...?!"

My dad half choked on his food.

"Specifically, the Survey Corps."

"Wow."

Was all Quincy said.

"I know, it's a lot!  But you both know how much I want to join the Scouts.  I really want to do this, but not if Quincy isn't okay with it."

"What about me?!  You should care about what I think, too!"

My dad argued.

"I know... and I do.  But he wants to train for the Garrison and we both can't leave you to run the shop alone."

My brother stayed silent, contemplating everything.

"(F/n) should go."

"Wha-?"

"She should go.  I can stay and help out.  It's not like the Garrison are going anywhere, I can join in a few more years."

"Quincy, no, I don't want to stop-"

"(F/n), it's fine.  Go live your dream."

He gave me a small smile.

"All right, I'll go."

And that brings us to here, today.

I've been in the Scouts for about two weeks now and I couldn't be happier.

I've made a few friends, not much but I don't care.  I'd say Jean is one of my closest friends now.  We sorta had that *click* when we first met, y'know?

He's told me a lot about his past and how he had a friend named Marco.  Poor guy.  But honestly, he didn't have to tell me that much since I knew just about everything else.

Let me explain...

Flashback

"Why haven't you told me much about your family?"

I asked, sitting next to Jean.

"Well, there's just not much to say..."

He scratched the back of his neck.

Then I focused a little more and then I saw it.

He doesn't get along with his mother?

"Jean, why don't- Never mind."

"No, tell me.  It's okay."

"It's nothing."

I waved my hand.

I can't tell him, or else he might think of me as a witch!

"Okay...?"

Flashback End

"W-Why am I bleeding so much...?  I didn't hurt myself!  What is goi- Ow!  S-Somebody... ple-ase hel-p me!"

Why do I keep getting this reoccurring nightmare?

"S-Someone- AHH!  An-yone!"

Why is that woman screaming for help?  And why is she bleeding?

"Wh-at's ha-happening to... me?"

Why won't anyone help her?  Who is she?

I shot up from my bed, sweating.  It's the twelfth time I've had this nightmare in a month.  Why is that though?

Bringing a hand to my face, I let go of the thought and got out of bed.  I glanced out my window and the sun seemed to be rising.  Guess it was already time to get up.

I went over to my dresser and pulled out my Scouts' uniform. Once I was striped down to my undergarments, I turned around and looked at myself in my full length mirror.

I got closer to it before I stopped to look down at my massive scars on my waist and chest. I had a pretty bad accident a few years ago. I don't want to go into detail about it, for I'm very ashamed of it.

I sighed, trailing my fingers over the marks of my fucked up past. Then I remembered I had a job to do so I quickly went back to my uniform and put it on before my belts.

When I finished, I fixed my hair and walked out the door.

Time to start another day.

While walking down the hall towards the mess hall, I noticed transparent figures with Scouts' uniforms on.

Which I could only guess they were deceased Scouts members. There were so many of them... I'd have to say around thirty.

Two in particular caught my attention, though. A young girl with red hair in pigtails and green eyes. She was accompanied by a taller male with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Apparently they noticed me and the girl waved with a smile. My (e/c) orbs widened. This has never happened before. Whenever I see the dead, they pay no attention to me.

I hesitantly waved back with an awkward, astonished grin.

...Wow...

When I finally reached the mess hall, I spotted my small group of friends. Jean was arguing with that pretty determined brunette again so I went over there to stop the two.

All I had to do was grab his hair and drag him away while he repeatedly begged me to let go. We got over to an empty table so I let go of Jean.

"What the hell was that for?!"

"You need to stop fighting with that poor boy! You don't know what he's been through, so leave him alone."

"You're not my mom."

He muttered but I still heard. I just sighed, not wanting to further more into the argument.

"Wait here and I'll get us food."

"All right."

When I returned with some bread and tea, I stopped and stood in front of the table.

"(F/n)...?  Something wrong?"

Jean asked, raising an eyebrow.

"-Oh, yeah!  Everything's fine!"

I smiled, handing him a loaf and tea.

While Jean was preoccupied, I glanced back up and behind him.

A figure with a trainees' uniform stood behind him.  By his looks, I guessed he was Marco since Jean told me what he looked like.

Tall, brown hair and eyes, freckles and a bright smile.  Description matches him pretty well.

And just like that, he was gone. Strange.

Flashback

"(F/n)?"

"Huh...?"

I sat up in my bed, rubbing my eyes.

Who called?

"(F/n)?"

"Who's there?"

I asked the unfamiliar voice.

"It's me... Your grandpa..."

My eyes widened with shock.

"W-what?  But my grandpa's dead..."

I kept looking around my room until I finally found the source of the voice.

It was a little hard to see since it was still dark out, but I could see the silhouette of a man in the corner of my room.

"I'm so glad I finally got to meet you..."

"Get away from me!"

I shouted when he started to get closer to me.

I quickly jumped off my bed and ran out the door, down the hall and into my dad's room. I ran as fast as my little five-year-old legs could run.

"Dad! There's a man in my room!"

I yelled, shaking his arm.

"Hu- What?!"

In the blink of an eye, he was already in my room with a gun.

After a thorough search in my bedroom and the rest of the house, he didn't find the man.

"Are you sure you saw him? What did he look like?"

My dad asked.

"I don't know... It was too dark to see.  But he said he was my grandpa."

"But your grandpa's dead...?"

He quietly said.

"You should stay in your brothers' room tonight."

He led me to Tristan and Quincy's room, which was across the hall from mine.

After my dad shut the door, I looked and saw both my brothers asleep on their bunks.

Tristan was on bottom so I climbed into his bed.

He rolled over and woke up when I laid down.

"What was all that shouting, earlier?"

He whispered.

"I saw a man in my room."

"Oh (f/n)... you and your imagination."

He sighed, rolling back over.

Flashback End

Ever since that night, the man started appearing in my dreams.

I was able to communicate with him.

He never did want to harm me in any way.  He was just misunderstood at first.

Turns out, he really was my grandfather.

My grandfather passed away a few months before I was born.  How would I know?  Well... one night I saw it.  In my dream.  He showed me.  I do believe him.

I've also seen old pictures of him and my dad when he was around my age.  So it really was him.

And that was my first ever encounter with the other side.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

『Word Count:』2,989

Well there you guys go! I really hope y'all liked this first chapter! I just couldn't wait any longer to publish it, so I said "screw it" and lookie now!

I got the idea for this book way back in April and didn't start production until late July 😅

It would be very much appreciated if you guys could leave a comment telling me your thoughts! Feedback is always welcome!

All right, I'll see y'all in the next update! (God, I sound like a YouTuber)

~AlpineBreadStick