Leon Wang's Journal

Entry #1 15.8.2250 23:58

Yo, it's Leon, or Leon Wang, or Wang Jia Long…Just call me whichever way you want but not Leon Kirkland please.

So, the other day, Icey suggested we keep a war journal to ourselves since we've now graduated from the Training Corps and become a full-fledged soldier. Yes, he did say "war journal" because he knew I would tease him, like, forever if he said "diary" instead. It's a pretty intriguing idea to me actually. I guess we can treat it like some sort of memento; something for people to remember our existence if we happen to die on the battlefield. (This is, if anyone happens to find and read this).

Let's see…what should I put here first? I've jotted down the name already and what's next…oh yea, I'm sixteen by the way. I joined the army to fight the titans that have started ravaging our planet approximately two centuries ago. Some hysterical scientists must have deemed it an awesome idea to clone some mutants and wield them as bio-weapons to conquer the world, which so very miserably has backfired and somehow devastated the entire globe instead. These enormous beasts, as I've heard from some source, are actually transformed from ordinary humans, meaning the enemies we're now dealing with are probably our own kind. Pretty ironic, isn't it? We create and breed our own beasts. And we have to pick up the pieces after the mess we plunge ourselves into.

Oh, I've forgotten to mention. Ever since the epic (already read as fatally detrimental) world war a century ago, our world has changed completely. All the nations fell apart. In record, they say that there used to be over a hundred countries around the globe and people were categorised into different races. They sprawled across the continents geographically and culturally. But now, our land is reduced to four measly kingdoms. People from various races are blended into one single community as there are very few of each race left anyway. I've been told that the ancestors on my mum's side were an ancient civilisation called Chinese. So, I probably carry some Chinese blood in me? Oh, whatever. That's irrelevant to what we're currently discussing.

So yea, there are four kingdoms. I'm a Spade, meaning I come from the Kingdom of Spades (also read as Kingdom of Great Power and Intelligence). Our land is located in the most inner region, shielded and guarded securely by the other three kingdoms and the four holy walls (three now, because the Wall of Clubs has crumbled down). My family…(oh seriously, do I really have to write that, Icey? I don't want to talk about it…) Anyway…my family is kinda…um…warped, like, totally screwed. You'll be stunned if I tell you I'm actually from the noble class. My father, whom I prefer to call Arthur (or just Damn Eyebrows because his brows are eerily bushy like golden caterpillars and curse him 'cause I've inherited one of those ridiculous stuff on my otherwise flawlessly handsome face, ha), is a prince of Spades. So, that makes my grandfather, whom I've never met or even seen alive yet, the King. Okay, that's not the main point. I can tell you more about the royal life if you like but my knowledge is apparently limited as I'm an illegitimate love child. They don't even give a shit about me now because Arthur did a pretty decent job hiding me away. He said this is to protect me from harm but I honestly doubt it though. For all I know, he's never taken any care of me. Anyway, Eyebrows was originally betrothed to Princess Bonnefoy from the Diamonds. The marriage clearly didn't work out because I heard from old man (Yao) that the two could, like, squabble and bicker from dusk to dawn. Don't even question me how they managed to have two kids. That's just a political fulfillment, I guess. Anyway, so very unfortunately, when Eyebrows got divorced, he went on a voyage to avoid his father's reprimand and there he stumbled upon an Asian maiden from the middle-class. That is my mum, Wang Chun Yan.

For some uncanny reasons, they fell in love with each other despite being polar opposites (as I heard from old man). They stayed together for a couple of months and then BOO! They had me.

I was an ordeal because as soon as I came to this world, the scandal got unfurled.

Eyebrows left us, or more precisely, was forced to abandon us. I grew up living with my mum and her brother- Wang Yao (He thinks I should call him 'brother' instead of 'uncle' because he is at least ten years younger than my mum. It doesn't make any sense, right? I prefer calling him 'old man' anyway). I only saw Arthur several times as a kid. He would sometimes sneak back to re-unite with us but he never stayed long. And it was his fault that mum died. He promised to protect us. I should have known better. He always broke his vows. And yet, she waited, so faithfully and patiently, for him to return, only to get smashed when the titans struck. I loathe him. Until this day, I still cannot condone what he's done, to both Mum and me.

And that's why I chose to depend on old man after the incident. I convinced him (and gosh, it took me so long to do the persuasion) to let me join the army and become a soldier like him. Icey thought I did that because I looked up to Yao and wished to be as valiant as him, which was partially right. But what incited me more to make such choice is actually Icey. Oh wait, did I introduce Icey yet?

His real name is Emil (but I like calling him Icey because it pisses him off). He's my best buddy. I kind of, like, saved him five years ago when he was sobbing inside a school building during the attack. His brother, Lukas, was a soldier in the Nordic Squad. He got into a coma after a titan flung him against a wall in their fight. After losing his one and only family member, Icey decided to become a soldier even though with those statures and demeanor of his, he obviously doesn't suit being one. I tagged along with him in case, well, he messed up. He has this tendency to attract adversities. He once asked me to distance myself from him so that he wouldn't affect me with his bad luck. I told him it was more thrilling that way. After all, what's the meaning of life if we are to live like caged birds? The fear of death never really crosses my mind much because I would rather die having striven for my own honour than live having to fear every day when the titans next strike.

Today, we got our graduation certificates. I was kind of miffed that it was Arthur who hosted the ceremony. Yes, he's a commander, as if I care. I stood next to my two half-brothers, one abnormally garrulous and one close to invisible. They are both Lady Boonefay's sons. I never feel I'm associated with them until Arthur got us in one of the gatherings together. Alfred is the type you will call presumptuous and arrogant, but adorably optimistic and energetic. He's pretty easy to talk to if you can endure his silly jokes. Matthew is the complete opposite. I've known him for years but I don't have think I've ever had a conversation with him that consisted of more than ten utterances. He likes to maintain a low profile, mainly to avoid being mistaken for his trouble-maker twin. He's always there in the room, I can say. But he's only just there. Most of the time, no one can even spot him.

I felt Icey staring at me so I kind of like smiled back at him. Oh, how I love to see him blush like a flustered teenage girl and I paid the price of fifty laps. Damn Eyebrows. Alfred was already jogging because he got punished for unnecessary speaking, courtesy of him anyway. He probably got hyper after ranking first in the whole team. That just irritated Arthur more. He must think we three conspired against him and joined the military on purpose. He is totally against us joining the Scout Legion, the branch that has direct contact and battle with Titans. But well, we just love pestering him and having our own way. That's something I can always agree with Alfred on.

Icey joined us after the rest of the team got dismissed. He lashed out after I teased him with a kiss on the cheek. We returned to our dorm and showered before grabbing some dinner. Our first expedition is set to be next week. Our mission is to destroy as many Titans wandering outside the Wall of Diamonds and reclaim as much land as possible. They will be sending out ten squads in total and plenty of troops to attempt to amend the broken wall. Once the Wall of Clubs is fixed and all the Titans lingering inside the wall slain, we'll just be safe.

It was Icey's treat tonight since he got me indirectly into trouble. He usually dines with the Nordic groups, along with Mathias, his brother's best friend, Tino and Berwald. I dragged him with me this time because he had to buy me pork buns and dumplings. We settled down in the Asian squad. Old man is the squad leader by the way but we never listen to his bossy nagging. We usually sit in a big group because, well, for some odd reasons (reasons I had better not unravel), that vodka-obsessed pale blond loves to join our table. More precisely, he just loves to cling to old man. He's Ivan Braginski, a noble descendant from the Clubs. Old man used to have a wife called Anya. She's Ivan's sister. They got married secretly when they were sixteen. They couldn't really go explicit with their relationship though since cross-national marriage was sort of forbidden at that time. They were kind of like expecting a child before old man set off to an expedition. He never got to see his baby though because Anya got miscarriage five years ago. She didn't make it when one of those Titans sabotaged their cottage. Old man has been wallowing in self-accusation ever since. He thought if he had got Anya a permanent residence inside the Kingdom of Spades (our hometown) instead, this wouldn't have happened. Sometimes, I sympathise with him. He probably suffers a lot more than anyone of us losing both his sister and his wife in that incident. Personally, I never think Aunt Anya would ever blame him. After all, he did grant her a fairly blissful and gorgeous life while she was alive.

Each squad is made up of five to seven members, led by a team leader or captain. I follow old man, along with my two cousins, Wang Mei and Wang Cheng. Mei is a very beautiful girl with an immensely strong will (don't tell Icey this because he will get jealous). Old man disapproved of her request to join the army at first, reckoning she was way too delicate in built and pampered in nature, but mostly because he didn't want to risk losing another one of his precious family members. Her devotion proved him wrong though. She got ninth in ranking. Cheng is somewhat my alter-ego. We spent the majority of our childhood together. He graduated a year before me. He's also a sly one, dare I warn you. And then…there is this insolent pervert called Im Yong Soo who wouldn't cease groping others' breasts, males or females alike. His twin brother, Hyrung Soo, is more composed and austere. Definitely more reliable as well but he has gone off to join the military police instead. We also have Lien, a very relentless female fighter who has survived in the team for three years and her husband, Kasem, a kinda happy-go-lucky but vigilant guy.

"Congratulations, boys." Old man cheered as we plodded down in our seats. Icey's face was immediately tainted red. He always gets fazed around people, especially my family and friends.

"I hope you boys know what you're getting into though." Old man muttered. "Joining the Scout Legion when you could just choose Military Police Brigade. Isn't it better to stay inside the inner wall and guard the royalty instead?"

"We know what we're doing." I said plainly.

"This isn't a game aru. This is war. This is a matter of life or death."

"Like I said, we've already made up our mind. We're joining the Survey Corps for sure."

"Aiyah, so stubborn. You never stop giving me a headache, Leon." Old man rolled his eyes but didn't retort. He knew better not to argue with me because our quarrel never ends anywhere.

"Well, I think it is good to give it a shot, da." Ivan smiled (well, if you could call that a smile. It's more like an evil grin). "Experiences and battles can help mature a man."

"Ivan, this is not a joke! They can get themselves killed easily if they aren't wary enough!"

"Then, it is our duty as captains to guide and protect these kids, da?" Ivan smiled calmly, well, too calmly.

If there is one person who can reassure old man, that's him.

He's a sweet talker, I guess. It's not like I despise him or anything. He can be intimidating and peculiar sometimes, but other than those bizarre traits, he's fine. He's been there for old man for all these years. And it isn't really hard to tell he has an actual thing for Yao. Old man won't admit it himself though. He probably still hasn't gotten over Anya's death yet. Plus, I doubt if he is really willing to swing that way. Perhaps he's bi. I don't know. I don't need to know either.

I coaxed Emil into trying some Asian cuisine. He was reluctant at first. This guy is so persistent. He's almost change-intolerant. It takes time for him to adapt to new things. It's taken me two years to warm up with him. But once he trusts you enough, he turns extremely endearing (again, don't tell him 'cause he'll surely smack me across my face).

"If you've already made your decision, I guess I can't stop you aru." Old man sighed. "But you're working under me. You listen to everything I say, get it? When I ask you to retreat, you retreat. No objection or violation of my orders. No reckless behaviour. Understood?"

"Yea." I shrugged.

"I'm being serious aru!"

"Yea, I know." I smirked.

"I care about you, Leon. You know I do. And I believe your little friend here does too." Old man glimpsed Icey and turned back to glower at me. "You mustn't get yourself hurt. Be more careful, okay?"

I nodded, stealing a peek at my blushing friend. He was fiddling with his chopsticks, still struggling to master the use of them.

"Okay…" I nodded. "I won't do anything rash or stupid, satisfied?"

"As long as you promise to stay alerted and obey my orders, then all will be fine." Old man smiled rather contently before munching his roasted chicken leg.

"Excuse…me..." Eduard from Ivan's squad stuttered as he made his way to our table. Ivan shot him a glare. The blond averted his gaze and quivered. "Leon Wang, the Commander demands to see you after dinner."

"Commander Kirkland?" Yao frowned.

"Yes…go to his office at seven sharp before curfew please." Eduard reported plainly.

"Okay. Got it."

He nodded timidly and trotted away.

"Leon, why do you think he wants to see you?" Icey whispered to my ear.

"Who knows." I shrugged. "Maybe he's got something to croak about? Like what happened this afternoon."

"S-Sorry…" He hummed in guilt.

I laughed. "Just kidding. It's clearly something else."

"Ay. You just enjoy teasing me."

"You look cute when you're unhinged."

"I hate you."

"You're lucky I feel the opposite." I winked.

He blushed so terribly he had to hide his face from my family. I chuckled. Mei shot me a crafty grin. Old man was obviously giving me a disgruntled face.

"Don't always take things so lightly aru." He pouted and folded his arms. "There must be a reason why Arthur asks to see you."

"Don't worry. I can handle that."

"You sure?" Old man cocked his brows. "If he does anything awful, tell me right away. I'll kick his ass for you."

"Maybe I can help too, da?" Ivan snickered, holding up a faucet pipe he loves to bring along with him everywhere he goes, except during expedition of course.

"Aiya, eat your bun la, Ivan!" Old man snorted, stuffing the mouth with a bun as huge as a palm.

And that shut the Russian up.

Temporarily.

Icey and I were supposed to walk back to our dorm together. He said he could wait. I told him to rest first but he was, like I said, as obstinate as a mule.

"Okay then, I'll try to be quick." I smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"Hey…um…"

"Yea?"

"Good luck…" He whispered, jamming his hands into his pockets.

"Thanks."

I headed to Eyebrows' office. Just as I was about to knock, Alfred booted open the door and came out.

"Oh hey, it's you." Alfred exclaimed rather merrily. I doubt if he even remembers my name.

"Yo. Evening, Al."

"Dude, I can't believe Artie is calling you in as well." Alfred frowned. "He's just finished lashing out at me. So be careful, Leon."

"I'm surprised you remember my name."

"Haha, that's a nice one, bro! I don't just go about forgetting someone even if I've just met him a couple of times. Plus, I've known you for more than you think, dude."

"Wow, I'm very surprised." I said nonchalantly.

"Wish you luck, man. That guy inside is clearly on his period." Alfred stuck out his tongue and scampered off.

"Leon? Is that you?"

I sighed.

"Come on in, would you?"

I turned the knob and stepped in. He leaned against his chair and turned towards me with a solemn face. It's been a while since we talked face-to-face, alone in a room.

"Yes, sir, I've come on your request."

"You don't have to call me 'sir' right now. Please come closer, Leon."

I took a few steps forward, an inch away from his working table.

"I can't believe you've grown this much." He said monotonously. "I see, Wang Yao has taken great care of you."

"Why are you asking for me?" I asked bluntly. I had no time to fool around with him.

"If you're going to be this bold, I'll just have to use the same approach." He stood up. "Leon, why did you join the Survey Corps? I thought I made it clear to you that if you were to join the army, pick the Military Police Brigade! Why did you oppose to my order?"

"Because it is our personal choice to decide which division we work for. We have the right to choose."

"I specifically asked you to join the Military Police and never, ever pick the Survey Corps! You obviously did this on purpose like Alfred, didn't you? Why do you boys never listen to me? Why must you always go against my sayings?"

"I don't even understand this, Commander Kirkland. You are in no place to interfere with our personal preference."

"Leon, I will not allow my sons to enter the battlefield or have any direct contact with those bloody monsters! YOU HEAR ME?"

"Sorry, sir, I think it is impossible for us to change now." I said. "And I don't suppose I want any change either."

"YOU- Has Yao brought you up to go against me? Say, what did he tell you?"

"Old man has never misled me or told me to go against you whatsoever. As I said, this is my own decision."

"Are you having a death wish? Have you any ideas how many team members perish every year because of the mission?" He howled. "And I thought Alfred is the only rebellious one! I can't believe you and Matthew also tagged along with his imbecility! You guys are putting yourselves in danger; danger you've all far underestimated! THIS IS NOT A GAME OR A JOKE!"

"And what does it matter if we die?" I asked. "What does it matter with you anyway, Commander Kirkland?"

"Leon-" He gasped, with a rather agonized expression. "You know why."

I stared at him serenely.

"You're my son. I don't want you to get hurt." He admitted. "I understand my words probably mean nothing to you. I know you detest me, and have been cursing me since I let your mother down. I apologise for all the suffrage you two have been through. But just this once, listen to me please, do not join the Survey Corps. It is way too dangerous. I…I don't want to lose you, any one of you."

"I think there is something you need to know. I am not joining in for fun. Alfred might look like he's here to fool around but no, he truly wants to be a hero because there are things, precious, valuable stuff he wants to protect and defend. Matthew thinks the same and he's way more competent than you think. We are all here in pursuit of justice and peace. We are doing this for ourselves. We choose to fight because we don't want to be a coward for our entire life."

"You don't necessarily need to fight in order to prove your bravery, Leon!"

"But more importantly," I added. "I don't want to become someone like you, who can't even fulfill his own vow of protecting his loved ones. I have found someone I love and cherish. And for him, I will fight till the very end. I won't let HIM down."

"Leon…"

"If there's nothing else, sir, I will excuse myself for now. Good night."

I strutted out of the office and slammed the door shut.

Alfred was crouching in one corner crunching a chocolate bar. He bounced up with a goofy smile.

"Yo, dude, how does it go?"

"Well, what do you expect?"

"Yea, that sucks. He must have asked you to drop out of the Survey Corps, eh?"

I nodded.

"Did you say 'yes'?" Alfred gulped.

I shook my head.

"Good grief, glad you aren't manipulated by him. He wouldn't stop ranting at me, man."

"He should know by now that never works." I smirked.

"What else did he say?"

"He thinks we're doing this deliberately to piss him off." I said.

"Oh, he's got a goddamn big ego, doesn't he? We ain't got time to conspire against him." Alfred cackled and wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we strolled down the hallway.

"Alfred?" I frowned. "Why did you join the Survey Corps again? I thought you would follow Sakura into the Military Police Brigade."

"Dude, isn't it obvious? I wanna become a hero!" He whooped.

"For Sakura?" I sneered.

"Dude! Stop bringing her up in every one of our conversations!" He blushed. "I wanna be a hero for everyone."

"I see."

"Hey, there's nothing between me and Sakura, okay?"

"When you say it like this, it's hardly convincing."

"Honest! I mean, she's cute and all but I also think your cousin is kinda approachable too. I mean, she has bigger boobs."

"You know what," I sniggered. "if you don't want to get your head smashed by a wok, I would suggest that you don't try anything on her."

"What? Why?"

"You can figure it out by yourself." I smiled and pictured old man chasing Alfred down every street with a butcher knife and a wok, cussing and threatening to knock him unconscious.

"Oh come on! What's her name again? Wang Wei? Mei? Or Lei?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself tomorrow?"

Oh man, I would really love to watch the show.

"Hey, how about we grab some drinks together? We haven't even celebrated for our graduation, dude! And next week we're already going on an expedition!"

"But it's almost curfew."

"Hey, since when have you started playing it safe? Don't you wanna piss off Artie together?"

"I'll go get Icey then." I nodded.

"Let me call Mattie and Gil. Let's wait at the bar down the Rose Street, okay?"

"Like, in ten minutes?"

"Ten minutes. That is, dude. See ya!"

We parted. As Alfred went to call the other two, I scurried back to find Icey.

We are gonna have a blast tonight.

The names in this chapter:

Princess/Lady Boonefoy- Female France

Mei- Taiwan

Cheng- Macau

Yong Soo- South Korea

Hyrung Soo- North Korea

Lein- Vietnam

Kasem- Thailand

Eduard- Estonia