Year 847
It was a beautiful day in Dauber village, the birds where singing their songs and the people are getting on with their own devices. There two individuals where standing in an open field surrounded by trees.
''Come Adlar we don't have all day''
The older man said while raising his fists. Then the next second the young Adlar charged his uncle with a strait punch which his uncle blocked ,then his uncle tried to kick Adlar's said which the boy evaded by jumping back and reengaging his uncle once again. They exchanged hits with one another until Adlar's uncle tried to kick Adlar, Adlar caught his uncle's foot. The older man tried to jump and kick Adlar with his other leg, but Adlar who fallen for this move countless of times was ready this time he raised his other hand and blocked the kick then watched as his uncle fallen down to the ground and quickly jumped on him.
''You have gotten better''
The older man complimented the young boy which was holding his fist just a couple of centimeters of his uncle's face. Satisfied with the fight Adlar stood up while giving a hand to his uncle which the older man gradually took it.
''I still don't understand why are you uncle Raimund teaching me how to fight with my fists, I'm going to kill titans not humans.''
Adlar said. For the whole year his uncle was training him how to find food, water, shelter and heck even because they didn't have ODM gears his uncle still thought him everything about them and even training him on balancing exercises. He was even thought how to kill a titan, albeit not with ODM gear and it's swords but on foot and using regular swords on dummies. Adlar could justify any of that finding food, water and shelter was important if he wants to survive beyond the walls, balancing exercises will help him more quickly to adapt to ODM gear and training with swords will allow him to wield them better and make him deadlier then most recruits, but one thing he didn't understand is one-on-one exercises as he said he is going to fight titans not humans.
''You see Adlar the Scout Regiment isn't the most liked one… In my day people would call us 'waste of money' and things like that, sometimes they would even tried to fight us. There was even some accidents when one of the soldiers was robbed and beaten up. That's why I tough you how to fight with bear fists.''
Raimund already lost count how many times Adlar questioned him about this. Adlair really needs to realize that not only the titans are the enemies of humanity, but human itself is the enemy to humanity. Noticing that Adlair was to say something, he quickly cut in before the young boy could say anything
''Now you better get ready, they will be here soon''
Nodding the boy left the grounds and vanished in the house leaving Raimund by himself.
''He grown up really well I wouldn't even say that he's twelve years old. He developed really nice under my tutelage and he's really matured. It's actually sad to think that he only matured because of his parents dead. Eawart, Marelda I hope you are resting in piece and are witching over your boy. He has grown in to splendid young man, I wish you would actually been here to see how your boy takes his first steps to his future.''(A/N: Fun fact Adlar like Eren and Mikasa was born in 835 and the 104th Cated corp begins in 847 according to official wiki, thus making them 12yrs old)
Adlair and Raimund where standing outside their house waiting for a man from Cadet Corps to come and take Adlar to the training camp. They didn't have to wait long for it.
SPIN SPIN
Soon there heard sound of cart wheels and then galloping of a horse. In the next second they saw a cart pulled by a single brown horse and a man wearing standard olive military uniform, but instead in of the wings of freedom of Scout Regiment or Roses of Garrison Regiment and Unicorn of MPs there was an emblem consist of two swords over a shield indicating that this man is indeed from the Training Corps and the one that Adlair with Raimund where waiting for. The cart bullet over them and the man asked.
''I'm from Southern Cadet Corp division under Keith Shardis. I'm here to pick up Adlar Kuhn.''
Raimund was surprised to hear that his friend and ex-commander of Scouts were now training Cadets. Life is full of surprises…
''I'm Adlar Kuhn.''
Adlar replied while his uncle was still daydreaming.
''Well then hop on kid, we have a long ride ahead of us.''
Adalr was about to do as he told when a firm hand of his uncle on his shoulder stoped him.
''Can I have a few words with him?''
Raimund asked the man in the cart.
''Sure just make it quick.''
The man replied in which Raimund nodded and turned to Adlar.
''Remember Adlar… Balance is the most important factor in using ODMs, the only way to kill a titan is to cut his nape if you cut anywhere else you just will stop him for a brief seconds ,but it will not end him. And…''
''Relax uncle Raimund you thought me well''
Raimund just smiled at Adlar's words and hugged him. Adlar was confused for a view seconds, but hugged his uncle back.
''Now go out there and make me and your parents proud boy.''
Raimund said while breaking the hug. Adlar smiled and nodded. Adlar hoped in to the cart and with the last goodbyes he parted off.
''Shadis train him well…''
Raimund said while watching as Adlar and the cart he slowly vanished into the horizon.
Line Break
The sun shined brightly in the skies. Many young men and women dressed in standard military uniform on their backs was the emblem of Cated Corps.
''You are now officially members of the training unit no.104! Unfortunately for you, I, Keith Shardis, will be in charge.''
Said a bald man on the platform eying new recruits. Keith already could tell that most of them won't even finish the trainings and others will be just titan food, but he will still train them even if he has to shove a foot up their asses he will god damn train them and make sure that at least they would be capable of defending themselves. Then he quickly laughed in his mind at his thoughts the top 10 will obviously choose MPs, while others will choose the Garrison maybe one of two will have the balls to pick the Scouts and come face to face with humanity's predators. No one here wants to 'die for humanity' all they want is easy life in interior. Then he continued his speech.
''I'm not here to give you a warm welcome. All of you are now merely livestock, waiting to be eaten by the titans. You're even worse than livestock! For the next three years, I'll train you useless shits. I'll teach you how to fight the titans! When you face a titan in three years, will you still be just food? Or will you become glorious wall to protect these walls? Or a mighty champion of mankind who will destroy the titans? The choice lies in your hands.''
Finishing his speech he looked around. Most of them where scarred ,this just solidifies his thought that these maggots all want an easy live, but he will give them none in those three years he will make them fear him and he will train them to true warriors of humanity. Maybe just maybe after his training more of them will choose the Scouts. He then saw a couple of determined looks and a couple of neutral looks. At least his speech was not wasted and managed to reach some of them. Now then comes Keith's favorite part intimidating them up close. Who to choose as his first victim? He walked forth to the recruits. Then he saw a blond male with hair till his shoulders and blue eyes he really looked innocent, the perfect target.
''You there!''
He said to the boy.
''Sir!''
He quickly placed his fist to his heart. At least he knows how to solute.
''Who the hell are you?''
''Armin Arlert from Shiganshina District, sir!''
The boy replied. Shiganshina? So he's the survivor of the breech, shouldn't he looked more matured if he survived the breach? Unless he was away at that time and didn't see anything, then it's all clear why he still looks innocent. Now it's time for some intimidation.
''That's so? What a ridiculous name! Did your father name you that?''
''My grandfather did, sir!''
Then Keith leaned to Arlert. The boy really looked panicked just what Keith wanted.
''Arlert, what did you came here to do?''
''To contribute to mankind's victory, sir!''
The boy replied. Victory he says. This one was really naïve and how does he think he will contribute by being eaten first?
''How commendable of you. We\ll use you as titan bait. Third line, face backwards!''
He then grabbed the boys head and turned him around. And for another one. This time it was a taller male he too came with blond here, but his was short cut and he had light brown eyes.
''Who the hell are you?
''Sir! Thomas Wagner from Trost District, sir!''
The boy replied already sweating. But the other blond at least hide his nervousness by shouting.
''I can't hear you!''
''Thomas Wagner from Trost-''
''Still no good!''
While Keith was shouting. An elderly man with grey hair and pair of glasses walked by.
''There they go again. You went through that first thing when you were in training too, right?''
He asked his younger colleague who was walking behind him.
''It brings me back.''
The man replied. They both looked how Keith interrogated a young girl with black hair.
''What's the point of intimidating them?''
The young man asked the grey haired man.
''it's a rite of passage. You reject the you up until then, in order to be shaped into capable soldiers, fresh from a clean state. This is a necessary process to accomplish that.''
Then something caught the young mans eyes.
''But he just skipped past that girl over there.''
The older man just smiled.
''The rite of passage in unnecessary for those who've already been through it. They're likely to be the ones who witnessed hell two years ago. It shows in their faces…Now let's go''
And both of them went on their way leaving Keith with recruits.
''Who the hell are you?!''
Keith asked a boy with short, light ash-brown hair with his sides and back trimmed shorter and of a darker hue and light brown eyes.
''Jean Kirstein from Trost District, sir!''
''Why did you come here to do?''
''To enlist in the Military Police and live within the inner walls, sir.''
Jean replied. This really pissed Keith he has the nerve to say that, people like him really makes him sick.
''I see. So you want to live within the inner walls, huh?''
''Sir.''
The boy replied happily. How Keith now wanted to beat the shit out of him and throw him to the titans. Even the titans would spit people like him back.
HEAD-BUTT
Then Keith head-butted the boy and the boy fallen down on his knees holding his head.
''Who said you could sit?! Someone who can't succeed here won't make it into the Military Police!''
Keith quickly went to the other recruit.
''Who are you? What did you come here to do?''
He shouted to the black haired boy.
''Marco Bott from Jinae Village in Wall rose's southern district, sir! I've come to enlist in the Military Police and devote myself to serving the king, sir!''
Another one of those at least he hid his intentions well.
''Really?"
Keith laughed
''That's all fine and well. Endeavor it. However…The king has no desire for your body.''
Keith said while leaning to the boy.
''You're next!''
He said to shaved headed boy.
''Connie Springer from Ragako Village in Wall Rose's southern district, sir!''
He saluted Keith. But Keith noticed that the salute was wrong. How he has the nerve to came here and don't know how to salute properly? Keith then grabbed Connie by the head and lifted him up.
''You have it backwards, Connie Springer. It should've been the first thing learned that salute is a symbol that openly declares your determination to offer your life. Is your heart on the right side?''
BITE
Then Keith heard the sound of someone biting food. He turned to the source and saw a young woman with light brown eyes and reddish brown hair kept in a ponytail that reaches the base of her neck munching a potato. He dropped the boy he was holding and turned to the girl.
''Hey, you. What are you doing?''
The girl was still eating and looking around.
''You, I'm talking to you! Who the hell are you?''
Keith shouted in the girls face. She gulped the food down her throat and saluted still holding a potato.
''Sasha Braus from Dauper Village in Wall Rose's southern district, sir!''
''Sasha Braus, what the hell are you holding in your right hand?''
''A steamed potato, sir. I happened to se it in the kitchen, so I took it, sir.''
''In other words, you stole it. Why… Why did you take that potato out now?''
''It's the best to eat it before it gets cold, so I decided now was the time to do it, sir.''
Keith still was looking at the girl. Was he stupid? Or was this girl stupid?
''No, I still don't understand…Why did you eat the potato?''
''Are you asking me why people eat potatoes, sir?''
Everyone where stunned by Sasha. Some even started to imagine what torture will the girl go through.
Sasha then took her potato and split the potato in half offering one piece to Keith.
''This half's for you, sir.''
Keith took it.
''Half?''
The girl then smiled awkwardly.
''You piece of shit… You will now run till you drop and then skip dinner and your week worth of food will be minimized, do you understand?''
He said lifting her by the head. Sasha just nodded.
'' .Running''
Keith dropped her and Sasha begun running. If someone pulls put a stunt like that Keith will put him/her in a wheelchair and feed him/her to the titans. Now for the last one.
He came in front of young man with short black hair and green eyes. Keith didn't really wanted to intimidate him, because by his look he already was ready to become a soldier. But he really reminded him of some of his soldiers back from his Scout days.
''Who are you?''
Keith asked now calmly. Then eyed him he was quite well build indicating that he exercised or that he was not afraid of manual labor
''Adlar Kuhn from Dauper village, sir!''
Now everything clicked in Keith's mind. He was the son of Eawart and Marelda. Keith heard that they both perished in that suicide mission that wiped out half of the papulation both were good soldiers.
''I have heard of Kuhn's both were fine warriors of humanity and what I see here is some kind of pig face worm who won't be used as titan fodder ,are you sure you are Kuhn?''
''Yes, sir!''
''What did you come here to do?''
''To join the Scouts, sir!''
PUNCH
Keith without saying a word punched Adlar in the gut. Adlar immediately grabbed his gut and gasped for air. Keith had to compliment him for not falling to his knees. Then he eyed the boy as he slowly stood strait and saluted. That was enough for Keith to see Adlar's determination.
''Everyone go back to your barracks!''
Keith shouted and everyone where walking away.
Line Break
Adlar was lying on his bed. That punch from Keith really hurt, it took him all of his will to not fall down. He already seen what he did to the boy named Jean and what he told him. Nothing will get in his way of joining scouts and killing all titans. Then he thought about Sasha , that girl never changes...
''Excuse me, everybody is told to gather for dinner''
Suddenly Adlair was brought back from his thoughts by a voice. He looked to the source and saw a petite gitl with long blond hair and blue eyes, he didn't even noticed when she opened the door. She smiled at him and he looked at her even Adlar had to admit he she was cute.
''Coming''
He then thanked her and got up and started walking with the girl by his side.
''Christa Lenz''
The girl said. Adlar just looked at her. What does he mean by Christa Lenz? The girl noticing his looks talked again.
''My name. My name is Christa Lenz.''
''My name is Adlar Kuhn''
''So how is your gut? I saw that our instructor punched you pretty hard? Does it hurt?''
Christa looked at him with sincerely.
''It's fine now. Don't worry''
He said to her. She just smiled and nodded.
When they arrived Adlar and Christa separated. Adlar looked around where to sit until he noticed a table of three and they had some space left.
''Can I sit here?''
Adlar asked. He eyed the occupants of the table and saw a blonde guy named Armin, then another boy with short dark brown hair and teal-green eyes, the last occupant was a girl with medium length black hair and black eyes.
''Yes, of course.''
Replied Armin and he seated next to him, now Adlar was looking into the girls eyes infront of him, both of them looked at each other as if searching for something.
''Adlar Kuhn''
Adlar extended his arm towards her
''Mikasa Ackermann''
The girl now known as Mikasa replied shaking his hand and then returned to eating their food.
Armin and the other boy where stunned. Mikasa rarely, almost never talked to others except them and here this boy named Adlar even got her to say her name and shake his hands. But before Armin or other boy could speak they were interrupted by another voice
''Hey guys this the guy I was talking about he is Eren he's from Shiganshina and he saw the Colossal Titan''
Then they were greeted by the sight of short shaved head boy named Connie and some other people around him. Noticing the commotion Adlar grabbed some breed and one apple and left, but that wasn't left unnoticed by Mikasa who silently eyed Adlar as he left, then she focused again on Eren.
Adalr walked out thru the door and walked in to the direction of the field where his childhood friend was running. He was still amazed by Sasha and what she pulled off.
FALL
As on queue Sasha fallen down near his feet he crouched and brought a piece of breed from the cafeteria and gently placed it on Sasha's nose as soon as the smell of bread hit her nostrils she grabbed the bread and devoured it then he brought out an apple which Sasha took it an ate quickly. Then she jumped on Adlar
''Are you a God?''
''No, just Adlar''
He smiled at her. She hugged him and kept repeating ''thank you, thank you'' over and over again.
''Am I interrupting something?''
Adlar and Sasha looked to the side and saw Christa with bread and water.
''An..An a-angel has come!''
Sasha exclaimed and jumped to the food crying. Adlar was amazed how much energy she had left still. Both of them watched as Sasha eaten and smiled at hungry girl's antics. After she ate she fallen down on Christa's lap and Adlar with Christa laughed.
''Hey, what're you three doing?''
The womanly voice was heard. Both of them turned and saw a middle-parted hair styled into a ponytail slender girl with intimidating golden eyes.
''Well, this girl been running all day until now.''
Christa replied.
''You…You think you're doing the right thing, aren't you? And you boy what are you doing with my Christa?''
She eyed Adlar.
''Nothing. I just fed the girl who is sleeping on Christa's lap.''
She then turned again to Christa.
''Are you doing it for potato girl? Was what you got out of it worth the effort?''
As her words ended he really wanted to punch this girl. What is wrong with her? You should always help people not expecting something in return.
''But, Adlar…''
Christa wanted to say something but was denied
''This talk is not about him, but about you''
Then they eyed each other. Until the standing girl sighted.
''Well, whatever. At any rate, Let's carry her to her bed.''
She picked Sasha up. Adlar was about to protest but then started to thing. If she helps only to get something in return, then she will obviously will want something from Sasha as a compensation. Maybe then will it teach Sasha not to pull stunts like that. Then he thought again. After all this is Sasha we are toking about of course she goanna pull this off again.
''Are you acting out of kindness too?''
Christa said.
''I'm doing this to put her in my debt, so I can take advantage of her. I can count on her stupidity.''
Then Adlar chuckled a bit. Then both girls turned to him.
''What so funny?''
The girl holding Sasha said.
''Nothing. Just go easy on her.''
The girl just flashed a smirk.
''We will see.''
And with final goodbyes Adlar went to his barrack. He opened and saw one tall boy with short dark hair and one really well build boy with short blond hair. Noticing him the boys turned to him.
''Ahh…So you are our roommate. I'm Reiner Braun nice to meet you''
The blond boy said and raised his hand which Adlar took and shaken it.
''Adlar Kuhn''
''And this is my friend Bertolt Hoover''
Then Adlar shaken hands with Bertholdt. After greeting and little bit of talking the three boys went to sleep.
Line Break
The next day all the cadets of 104th Cadet Corp where standing still in front of what looked like a giant ballista faced upwards. They were two wires coming out from the sides of the structure and what looks like ODM gears base in the middle.
''First off, we'll test your aptitude! Those incapable of this aren't suited to even be used as decoys! We'll have you transferred to reclaimed land!''
And the recruits one after other started taking the test. Some failing some succeeding.
Once again the greyed haired man with classes came to look on the progress of the recruits.
''Though this is but the most basic of tests, you can perceive one's aptitude for three-dimensional maneuvers at this pont.''
He said to his colleague. Then eyed the ones who are right now taking the test, he was greatly surprised when he saw a girl with black mid length hair standing still not even moving.
''Look. She's not wavering in the slightest. She likely understands what to do and how to do it. That's what I call aptitude.''
He then eyed all other recruits. He was greatly pleased to see that most of them are getting hang of it.
''It appears we have a lot of talent this year.''
''Um, sir. You want to see this.''
The younger said and pointed to the boy with short black hair and green eyes. What they both saw was that the boy was being lifted up he had perfect control not even moving and even saluted his instructor. The grey haired man thought that this was just another talented boy, but his next moves surprised them both. The boy was gently swinging from side to side they both thought that he lost control until the grey haired man saw that the wires of the mechanism where moving in harmony with the boy and the said boy wasn't falling to the ground indicating that the boy had the perfect control over his body. The grey hared man chuckled and fixed his glasses.
''Remember him, he will be a real monster when he finishes training.''
''And what about him?''
Then the younger man pointed at the boy who was hanging upside down.
''That's another example of aptitude. Even if you have the will, there can be cases in which you greatly underperform. ''
Then Keith kneeled down to the boy.
''What are you doing, Eren Jaeger?! Raise your upper body!''
Most of recruits started chuckling at Eren. He didn't understand. How was he supposed to do this? He tried some more but he didn't managed to do it properly. Then they lowered him and he watched as others took the test looking depressed.
Line Break
It was dinner time. Adlar once again sited next to Armin with Eren with bandaged head and Mikasa infront of them. He heard lots of whispering about Eren's failing of the aptitude test. The said boy was just starring and not moving.
''Eren.''
Mikasa grabbed Eren's shoulder trying to get Eren out of his trance.
''Don't pay them any mind. You still have tomorrow to get the hang of it.''
Armin tried to reassure his friend. Not all was lost.
''How pathetic. At this rate, exterminating them is…''
Eren said.
''Don't worry just get yourself together and try tomorrow.''
Adlar now chimed in. He was sure that Eren can get thru the aptitude test, he just has to have clean mind to do it, plus having comrades like Eren will help Adlar in the future. Then Mikasa talked.
''You shouldn't aim for that anymore.''
Everyone even Adlar was surprised by the words that left Mikasa's mouth.
''What did you say?''
Eren said to her. How could she said that after all he and she went thru?
''I said you shouldn't aim to be a soldier. After all, throwing away your life isn't the way to fight.''
She replied coldly.
''Look here. On that day, I witnessed everything that happened. Do you think I'm gonna give up because of something like this? ''
''But your resolution has nothing to do with it.''
''What? Why?''
Eren asked. Then Mikasa turned to him.
''Becouse the one that decides whether or not you can become a soldier… Isn't you.''
Eren just looked at her saying nothing.
BELL BELL
The bell rung indicating the end of dinner everybody stood up except Mikasa who continued her speech.
''I will take Eren out of here before he does something and you take care of Mikasa ok?''
Armin said to Adlar just nodded and sittd down once again listening to Mikasa. He wasn't really listening to her but more of examinating her. She really cared for Eren and didn't want him to get hurt. But she has to understand that holding down Eren she will not do any good instead she will slowly kill him inside. He is already grown up, he saw how titans killed his family how everything was dear to him was destroyed. Eren already can choose for himself and Mikasa has to learn that and accept his decisions.
''Hey Sasha''
Adlair waved to Sasha which was grawling on the ground trying to steal Mikasa's bread.
''Ohh… Hi Adlar.''
She stood up and sat next to Mikasa trying to steal the bread but Adlar denied it everytime.
''So how's your dad doing?''
Adlar asked his friend.
''He's doing alright , Hunting then fishing all that. How I miss his grilled boar''
She immediately started drooling thinking about her dad's boar. She really didn't changed in Adlar's eyes even now he thinks where does that all food she consumes go?
''How about your uncle?''
Sasha asked. She really didn't have much time to talk to Adlar for a year after his parents death. He was always training and Sasha had to help around the house and even go hunt from time to time which she enjoyed. Then she learned that Adlar will go to the army, then she learned that they're feeding there for free and of course she joined too.
''Same old, same old''
''What about her?''
Sasha asked pointing at in which Adlar shrugged his shoulders.
''Armin just asked me to take care of her while he walked out with Eren''
Adlar replied and both of them went silent as Sasha listened to Mikasa's speech.
''Don't worry. When the time comes I will go with you.''
Then Mikasa turned to Eren , but saw Sasha siting and staring at her. Both of them stared at one each other while Adlar barely contained his laughter.
''Um, so… Are you saying I can have that?''
Sasha said pointing at the bread. Mikasa looked at the breed at lifted it up slightly bending it to Sasha. Sasha looked really happy until Mikasa quickly shoved the bread in her mouth in which Sasha started crying. Adlar gave his bread to Sasha which she devoured with tears. After that Sasha left saying ''Ahh… I still got an apple under my pillow!''
''Why did you say it?''
Adlar said while walking out.
''What?''
Mikasa replied to him.
''I mean what did you told all those things to Eren?''
''Because they are true''
The Adlar stopped Mikasa and looked her in the eyes her black meeting his green.
''You're lying.''
''No''
''I'm not that stupid Mikasa I can see thing how they actually are, you care about him don't you?"
At those words Mikasa froze, how did Adlar managed to see her thr? Of course she cared about him, Eren was the only family she had left and she promised Eren's mom that she will look after Eren.
''He's my only family. I don't want to see him killed.''
Then Adlar perfectly understood her situation, after all he lost his parents and what was left for him is his uncle, so he perfectly understood Mikasa, but still she need understand that by holding him back he will only harm him.
''I perfectly understand you. But give him a chance to prove himself, he need this.''
''But what if he gets killed?''
''As you said you will always be there with him. Plus if he joins the scouts you will be always with him, because scouts are low on numbers and they always put friends together for them to have better synchronization and help each other survive ,that way you will always be there with him and if needed I will help you. So give him a chance okay?''
Adlar said to her trying to change her way of thinking. Surprisingly Mikasa took his words and nodded. Adlar mentally patted himself on the back and both of them resumed their walk to the barracks.
''I just noticed but have you cut your hair?"
Adlar said, he noticed that something about her was different and then he saw her hair in place of those mid length hair that reached the back, now stood chin-length hair. He got to say short hair looks good on her.
''Yes, cut them so they won't get in a way when using three-dimensional maneuver gear.''
''It really looks good on you and 'three-dimensional maneuver gear' is called ODM for short just so you know.''
Adlair said that, but he failed to notice the brief smile on Mikasa's face which quickly turned to her normal stoic face. After parting ways both of them went to their own barracks.
Opening the door Adalr saw his roommates Reiner and Bertolt what surprised was the sight of Eren and Armin.
''Am I interrupting?''
Adlar asked. Rainer turned to him and gave him his signature smile. Adlar really liked Rainer he was like the older brother to anyone here, while Bertolt slightly bothered Adlar as if he was hiding something.
''Adlar! No you are not interrupting anything we are just thinking how to help Eren with the aptitude test.''
Rainer said to him.
''Yes! I heard them both of them were naturals and you were even more than them!''
Eren said.
''We still don't know how to help him… Maybe you can help him Adlar?''
Rainer said looking down and up to Adlar. Adlar then thought for a bit.
''I think it's all about balance and having clear mind, like thinking of one thing that you are aiming for. You can call it a gut feeling. At least that's how I did it.''
Adlar said. He didn't think that all he was said to be helpful to Eren, but he doesn't know what to tell him, even he's uncle said the same words to him that he told Eren.
''That must be it!''
Rainer exclaimed.
''What?''
Eren said in hope.
''We are going for a walk to clear your mind.''
Rainer said and he and Bertold begun dressing up. Eren didn't think it will help him at all ,but he agreed that he needed to went off a bit.
''You coming Adlar?''
Rainer asked.
''No thank you, I'm tired and want to sleep.''
Adlar politely refused and went to his bed.
''Hmm, okay then''
And with that the four boys left and Adlar went to sleep.
Line Break
The next day everyone stood in front of Eren who was with a determined look on his face.
''Eren Jaeger, are you prepared?''
Keith asked the boy.
''Yes, sir!''
Eren replied. He will not fail this time.
Adlar stood and next to Mikasa and looked at Eren.
''Don't worry Mikasa he will do it and then you will be together.''
He said trying to reassure his new friend in which she just nodded and stood silently.
''Begin!''
As soon as Keith given the command Eren was lifted from the ground up in the air. He actually balanced himself to everyone's shock and stood still for a couple of seconds until suddenly he met the ground.
''I…I can still…''
Eren said, but he wasn't allowed to finish as Keith gave command to lower him to the ground. Eren was on his knees, he failed. Will everything he worked for end like this?
''Wagner, switch belts with Jaeger''
Keith calmly said.
''S-Sir!''
The boy replied and gave his belt to Eren. Everyone was silent and didn't understand what is happening and how will the new belt help him? Those where the thoughts swimming in everyone's heads until Keith gave the command to lift Eren once again.
''You had defective equipment. The metal fixtures on your belt were damaged''
Keith explained while Eren was hanging in the air.
''Though this is the first I've heard of faulty fixtures… It seems there's a need to start checking them during maintenance''
Everyone was amazed except Adlar ,because he didn't even heard for something like this to happen and It definitely can't be the first time this problem aroused as there was 103 corps of recruits before them who did the same test and none had the problem so that means that someone sabotaged it. But who could have done it and why?
''Th-Then what about my aptitude evaluation?''
Eren asked.
''I see no issues. Devote yourself to training.''
As soon as Keith said that Eren raised his arms in the air.
''I did it! I pulled it off!''
He shouted outload.
''See I told you he can do it''
Adlar said to now agape Mikasa.
''Loooks like it worked out somehow''
Rainer said
''His eyes are saying, 'How's that?''
Armin said happy for his friend.
''I knew he could do it.''
Said Adlar.
''No. He's relieved that he won't have to be separated from me.''
Said Mikasa which everyone eyed strangely. Adlar looked at her and given her in smile ,how wrong was she.
'No Mikasa, he is relieved that he will now won't depend on you anymore'
Adlair said in his minds.
As of today the real training begins.
Line Break
Year 850
It was raining, but that didn't stopped Keith for training the recruits.
''To slow! Pick up the pace, you blockheads!''
Keith shouted while riding a horse while the recruits ran with backpacks on their backs ,but one of them was hanging back.
''What's wrong Arlert? You're falling behind! Can't handle the weight? Should you alone be unburdened?''
Keith asked. Armin barely even had strength left to say something so she just kept running.
''If this were the real deal, you'd be meat for the Titans.''
Keith said and went forwards.
''Hand it over.''
Armin heard a voice and saw Rainer taking his backpack.
''At this rate, you'll be joining the dropouts. Today's training is being graded.''
Rainer said to him.
''But if you do that, your score will get dropped too, Rainer''
Armin said to his friend.
''Make an effort not to get caught. Don't make me change my mind.''
And how wrong they were as Keith already saw them, but told nothing and begun talking in his head
Rainer Braun. He has both a robust physique and mental strength. His comrades also have great trust in him.
Then he watched as Arlert took his backpack from Rainer and ran up front.
Armin Arlert. He elacks physical streght, but demonstrates prodigious aptitude in academics.
Next day Keith watched as recruits took on dummy titans and noticed three individuals aiming for the same titan.
Annie Leonhart. Though her slashes are flawless, she's a lone wolf that has difficulty working with others.
Bertolt Hoover. He has exceedingly high potential, but lacks assertiveness.
Jean Kirstein. His ODM maneuvers are top-class, but his hotheaded nature tends to cause discord.
And watched the boy flew off. Jean spotted another Titan dummy and was ready to strike it until shaved head boy sprung from behind him and stroke the titan, but his strike was denied by a reddish brown headed girl who stroke first.
Sasha Blouse. Though she has unusually good instincts, her character is unsuited for cooperative action.
Connie Springer. He's skilled at handling tight turn maneuvers, but is somewhat dim-witted.
Then he watched another pair of three flying towards newly deployed titan dummies. The two figures were flying neck to neck and striking dummies with great speed, but one cut was little bit deeper than other. And lastly came the third figure whose cut not as deeply as other two.
Mikasa Ackerman. She's completely proficient in every aspect, deserving nothing less than an unprecedented evaluation of generations to past.
Adlar Kuhn. He developed a bit of understanding with Mikasa in the past years. He knows what to an how to do it. He has both of his parents in him making him the ideal soldier.
Eren Jaeger. He doesn't possess any particular talent like those two in front of him, but he's improved his marks through pure effort. And he has extraordinarily strong sense of purpose.
Keith finished absorbing the recruits, they have grown up in the past three years some more than others.
Now later in the day the recruits where sparring with each other, one was with a wooden knife and other with his bear fist. The one with a knife acted like an attacker and the other one as a defender, both of those roles had one objective to beat down your opponent except the defender had to take the knife away. The recruits where going each against other except a couple of individuals, one of those individuals was Adlar who is just sitting under the tree with his eyes closed. He really kind of hated now that his uncle has trained him in hand-to-hand fighting as he could beat his opponents easily and such he didn't have anything to do. He tried to get Sasha to spar with him, but she refused and then tried other recruits, but the outcome was the same.
Adlar opened his eyes to see Mikasa standing with her stoic face. He had to say he made some good progress with her over the years trying her to open up and drop her 'Eren can't function without me' mindset he still need the work with the last part, but progress was made. Now she talked with more people and didn't stalk Eren everywhere that was seen now as she stood here in front of him instead of next to Eren.
''Hello Mikasa''
He said to the girl in which she nodded.
''So how can I help you?''
He asked her.
''Spar''
She said. Adlar was a bit surprised, that he had to even double check if what he heart was right.
''Can you repeat that?'
''I want to spar with you ''
Mikasa said. Adlar thought about it at accepted it.
''So who is going to attack first?''
Adlar asked her while plying with the wooden knife in his hands.
''Don't care''
She said and Adlar smiled and handed her the knife.
''Then ladies first.''
Mikasa took the knife and got in a stance with her knees bend and knife pointing directly at Adlar. Adlar too got in his stance with his knees slightly bend and his hand raised his right hand was at chin level and close to him while his left was at a chest level and a bit rather than his right. He nodded at her indicating that he was ready.
Mikasa rushed directly at Adlar thrusting the wooden knife to his chest, Adlar bend right and blocked the strike with his left hand then procceded with a right hook at Mikasa which she ducked and spun under Adlar's right side and drove the knife at his back. Adlar immediately reacted at what happened and jumped forwards dodging the strike. Once again Mikasa rushed him in response he rolled, but what he didn't anticipate that Mikasa would so quickly react to him and now he held her hands with his and knife just barely from his face. Mikasa quickly kicked his side sanding him flaying. It was great luck that he didn't have any broken ribs. Mikasa quickly jumped on the fallen Adlar but he did a bare roll and kicked at her legs in which Mikasa jumped back giving the time for Adlar to stand up. A large crowd gathered around them watching them go again each other without any of them giving up, but the both combatants didn't pay mind to them instead they were in their own world. Once again they stood in front of each other showing some signs of fatigue with heavy breathing and sweat. They were both terminated to end this with one last move. Mikasa did a high kick aiming for his head, but Adlar reacted and ducked and in one sweep kicked the only leg that Mikasa used as a center of balance, knocking Mikasa down he jumped on her trying to disarm her, but she managed to dodge it and instead pining him. Mikasa once again tride to strike now pinned Adlar but he managed to catch her hand and now both of them playing tug of war with Mikasa trying to touch Adlar, while he tried to push her back. Adlar seeing no way out quickly brought his free leg and banded around Mikasas neck and brought her chest down to the ground ,then he proceeded to bend her arm backwards on his leg causing her pain ,after that she released the knife and Adlar took it quickly placing it on her chest. Cheers erupted around them as Adlar stood up giving a hand to Mikasa which she took it.
''Sorry if I was a bit rough''
Adlar said. In their fight he managed to land some nasty blows, he didn't expect her to be this good, so he wasn't holding back against her so he was worried.
''It's fine.''
Said Mikasa.
As on queue came Seith, eyeing the commotion.
''What is going in here and why you block heads aren't training?''
He asked and then immediately everyone went to the training. Adlar and Mikasa decided to rest, that spar took a lot of them.
Line Break
And so, 218 recruits made it to graduation. All of them where standing still in the cold evening. Only ten of them where standing from others those ten where Adla, Mikasa, Rainer, Bertold, Annie, Eren, Jean, Marco, Connie and lastly Sasha they made up the top ten of 104th.
''Offer your lives!''
An officer said.
''Yes, sir!''
The recruits saluted.
''From this day forth, all of you who have graduated from being trainees have three options. Firstly, the Garrison, which is responsible for wall fortifications and defending the towns. Secondly, the Scouts, which resolutely ventures outside the wall into Titan territory. And lastly, the Military Police, which governs the citizens and maintains order. Of course, only those that we previously announced to be ranked amongst the top ten trainees can select the third option! Now let the graduation ceremony begin!''
And with that the graduates went to the nearby town and begun partying. Everyone was chatting happily and talking where they will enlist.
''Adlar!''
Adlar turned around and saw a boy and girl walking towards them.
''Oh hey!''
He said. He already thought how awkward that has sounded, well it's not his problem that he didn't memorize 218 names.
''Are you going to join the Military Police?''
The girl asked him.
''No, I'm joining the Scouts''
He replied now the other boy talked.
''Are you seriously passing up the Military Police?''
''Yes.''
''But why? Why pass up the easy life?''
Both of them asked. Now that Adlar thinks about it he just once to join the scouts ,because he just want to kill every single of them ,but recently he started daubing it that this was his only reason to join the scouts.
''I have personal score to settle with them, plus both of my parents and uncle where scouts''
''But think about it the live in Interior it is worth more than some score''
The boy reasoned, but Adlar just denied him.
''I have already made my mind in this, so no going back.''
Then everyone was interrupted by a loud shout.
''You can't win!''
Adlar immediately searched his surroundings and saw a blond guy shouting at Eren and Adlar went closer to listen.
''You know too, right? About the tens of thousands of victims. The answer was obvious after over twenty percent of the population was lost. Mankind can't win against the Titans.''
The blonde said looking all depressed.
''So…Are you giving up because you think you can't win?''
Eren asked.
''Well…''
The blond said but was denied.
''True, up until now, it's been a losing for mankind. But that's because we didn't know much about the Titans! A battle of resources against the Titans is pointless. Although we lost, the information we obtained through fighting will surely bring hope! Are we going to abandon the tactical advances gained through tens of thousands of sacrifices and quietly wait for the Titans to devour us all? You've got to be kidding me! I'll…exterminate every last Titan and escape these confining walls! That's my dream. Mankind hasn't truly been defeated just yet!''
After Eren finished his speech the silence followed, Eren cried up a bit and ran outside. With Armin, Mikasa and later Adlar fallowing him.
The three of them found Eren sitting outside on the stairs. Armin sited next to Eren while Mikasa sat behind Eren and Armin and Adlar just leaning to the wall.
''Eren, what's that dream you mentioned erlier?''
Armin said breaking the silence.
''Oh, it's what you told me about. Going outside instead of staying here.''
Eren replied. Then Armin let out a breath.
''I'll enlist in the Scouts''
Armin said with determined look.
''Armin are you sure?''
Eren asked.
''Let him be, after all I'm joining the Scouts too, this is what I came here to do''
Everyone looked now at Adlar.
''I'll choose the Scouts too.''
Mikasa said.
''Come on, you're the second of the class. Go with Military Police.''
Eren tried to reason with her. But as Adlar thought this was futile.
''If you enlist in the Military Police so will I. If you enlist in the Garrison, I'll do the same. If you're not together with me, you'll die early, after all.''
Mikasa said going into 'Eren can't function without me' mode as Adlar liked to call it. This was Adlar's second goal after killing the Titans, his second goal was to beat the 'Eren can't function without me' mode off of Mikasa.
''I didn't ask you to protect me.''
Eren said everyone can't see that he is getting tired off Mikasa.
''I don't want to lose any more of my family.''
Mikasa said and Adlar looked at her with sympathetic eyes, he knew the feeling and pain of losing one's family, but she needs to realize that Eren is capable of watching after himself he finished in top ten for nothing.
Eren then looked at the skie and everyone looked after him. Today was a beautiful night the stars where shining brightly with the moon. All of them hoping that the piece never ended.
A/N: That's it. First thing first is that about 90procent of you voted for Adlar x Mikasa and the thing is it's workable but hard as first you need to get her out of 'Eren can't function without me' mindset and then conquer her stoicness (I don't know the real world so let's call it that) ,but I will work it out somehow I already have planned how things will work out and no this won't be I love you after you done something and now let's fuck. They will warm up slowly to each other and then they will live together in a beautiful wooden house near the lake. Now secondly I'm looking for a Beta reader, well not Beta more like proofreader. Basically what you have to do is read what I will send you give thoughts about it and fix some mistakes if you see one (All I ask you is to be good at English and know about AoT world) If you are interested just PM me. Now the next update, well… I don't know when it will be as I'm working hard right now and enjoying summer, but I will try to update this in mid or late September. That's it from me Bye-Bye!