Hearts of Gold

It was hot. Unbearably hot. So hot in fact, the sun's rays could be seen bouncing off the dirt. Any normal person would be tucked into their homes to escape the scorching summer heat. But a person would have to have a few loose screws to endure the rigorous training of the military, or so Viviette thought. When she arrived at the training grounds with her companions, they were led to their barracks and received uniforms, they were to change out of their civilian clothes and immediately head out to the main field. She assumed they would get a quick introduction from the Training Corps Instructors and a tour of the facilities to slowly ease them into military life. But she soon realized how wrong she was. After being lined up in a series of straight rows, they were told head instructor Keith Shadis would soon arrive to get things started, but neglected to say when. It'd been nearly two hours since they'd first lined up and the sun was showing no mercy. Sweat lined her brow and she began to resent the new uniform she'd originally admired, it did little to relieve her heat. Her tongue felt like a desert and she regretted not drinking more water with breakfast, it wouldn't be long until the symptoms of dehydration settled in. She was already beginning to feel light headed. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Armin struggling in the heat, it looked like his knees were locked and he was visibly panting. Viviette frowned, he needed to pull through because if he fainted, he'd be dead meat. Surely the higher ups would throw them a bone and start with introductions. Or at the very least she hoped they were prepared to deal with those who inevitably passed out. Apparently her prayers were heard, a tall bald man slowly made his way towards them before stopping in the middle of the rows. She wouldn't allow herself to relax just yet, this man had the sternest look she'd ever seen. His gold eyes were sharp and a menacing aura surrounded him.

"It seems they've sent me a fresh load of titan fodder, how nice," he began marching through the rows, occasionally getting in the faces of her peers, "I'm Keith Shadis and I am your head instructor. As far as I'm concerned, you lot aren't even worthy of sacrificing your bodies to the king. He doesn't need nor want trash such as yourselves. I'm going to run you ragged and maybe, just maybe, you'll prove you aren't nearly as useless as you all look. "

Viviette's entire body grew rigid; her spine as straight as a board, as Shadis made his way towards her. Don't show him any fear. You've seen things ten times scarier than him. As nice as it sounded in her head, she couldn't help gulping as he strode past her. She'd been spared his wrath, but her best friend wasn't nearly as lucky.

"You there!"

"Sir!" Armin answered while hitting his fist over his heart.

Viviette's brow shot up in surprise, she'd never heard him be so firm. Usually Armin was very timid and here he was standing toe to toe with their scary instructor. She was impressed to say the least. Not two seconds earlier she was thinking he was ready to keel over.

"Just who the hell are you?"

"Armin Arlert from Shiganshina District, sir!" he declared proudly.

"That so?" Shadis scoffed, "What a ridiculous name, did your father name you that?"

"My grandfather, sir!"

She scowled as he continued to grill Armin; she didn't expect the tongue lashing to last nearly as long as it did, but he didn't have to endure the verbal abuse for much longer. Shadis ordered his row to face backwards before searching for his next victim. This continued for a solid ten minutes and at times grew violent. It seems three unlucky guys were lined up together, the first received a sharp blow to the head, the second got a very severe rant, and the third was lifted from the ground by his skull for performing the salute incorrectly. But his lashing was cut short by a girl in the row behind them pulling a steamed potato from her pocket, without a second thought she began to eat it. Viviette had to stop herself from letting her jaw drop. This girl had the gall to start eating while their head instructor was evaluating them, surely she had a death wish. As Shadis practically interrogated her, Viviette choked back giggles and decided she would definitely have to befriend this Sasha Blouse character. Anyone who had the guts to flippantly offer Shadis a chunk of potato was good in her book. And when Sasha' punishment was delivered, she knew she'd stow away some of her dinner for the poor girl. Just standing in the sun had her sweating like a pig, God forbid having to run. When they were finally dismissed, Viviette immediately made her way to Armin's side.

"Good grief, it looked like he had it out for you!" she exclaimed while walking towards the barracks.

"It could have been much worse, I mean at least he didn't actually hit me. He even picked up that one guy by his- ow!"

Armin pitched forward and they turned to see a grinning Eren and Mikasa who wore an apologetic look.

"Sorry, didn't mean to hit you that hard."

Viviette rolled her eyes.

"Well we finally did it guys, we've taken the first steps to joining the Survey Corps. Just a few more years and we'll be on our way." Eren said optimistically.

"Yeah if we make it that far, this Shadis guy looks pretty tough." Viviette sighed.

"We'll be fine as long as we don't do anything crazy like Potato Girl over there." Eren jerked his thumb towards Sasha.

"You've got to admit though, she's got some guts."

Viviette and Mikasa stopped at their barrack as Eren and Armin continued on. Eager to get out of her sweaty uniform, Viviette hurried inside and went straight to her bunk. Other girls walked in and she turned her back to them while changing, hoping to hide her small girlish figure. Her stature was a constant source of insecurity, based on those she'd seen, she was far behind in growth and hoped she'd shoot up and fill out when she turned thirteen. Dejected, Viviette pulled on a navy button down and white skirt before stepping into her shoes. As she walked towards Mikasa's bunk, a firm body brushed past her with enough force to make her stumble.

"Hey!" Viviette snapped.

A tall girl with freckles across her nose and a short ponytail looked over her shoulder at her. Viviette's temper flared.

"Can I help you?"

Viviette stepped forward. "Uh yeah, you just ran into me."

"You were in the way, not my fault."

She had to stop from palming her forehead. "You're kidding me right? I was obviously standing here."

"You're throwing a temper tantrum kid, you want me to put you in time out?" she taunted.

Just as Viviette marched up to her, Mikasa caught her by the elbow.

"Let's just go Viviette, we're supposed to meet up with Eren and Armin."

With a huff, Viviette turned on her heel and walked out with her friend. When they were outside, she went in on her rant.

"Did you see that girl? She ran right into me and I know she saw me. Then she had the gall to say it's my fault? Is she crazy?" she implored while throwing her hands up in frustration.

"I wouldn't think too much of it, you don't want to make enemies on your first day. It'll just cause more trouble in the long run."

They met up with their friends and right away Viviette complained about her altercation in the barracks. Armin blamed it on the heat, everyone being a little fuzzy from the summer sun. Viviette decided she liked Eren's advice which was to confront her if it happened again. For the rest of the afternoon they were left to their own vices. Eventually she went her separate way and explored the grounds. She wanted to know the ins and outs of the place she'd be calling home for the next three years. By the time dinner rolled around, Vivette's stomach was cramping from hunger. She hurried through the cafeteria line and was pleased to see they were serving stew for dinner. Being one of the first ones to arrive after the dinner call, the line was short and it didn't take long for her to arrive at the front. A gruff woman with a large nose shoved a tin of stew and a plate of bread in her hands, some of the stew splashing onto her hands. Viviette hissed in pain and shot the woman a look, but she simply shooed her along with a long wooden spoon. Irritated, Viviette walked to the back of the room and plopped down on a bench, eager to dig in.

To the say the stew was bland would be an understatement. There was just no taste! The steam rising from it was deceiving, sure the stew was hot but it tasted like nothing. The potatoes were completely saturated and immediately fell apart the moment they touched her tongue. The things she'd do for a pinch of salt. Viviette tore off a chunk of bread, dipped it in the stew and shoved it in her mouth. It helped improved the taste a little. It baffled her how they managed to mess up stew, if even she could make it, surely a group of adults could do it too.

"Um excuse me...do you mind if I sit with you?"

Viviette peeked up from her tin to see a small blond haired girl who could only be described as cute. Her blue eyes were huge and Viviette couldn't help but liken her to a mouse as she shuffled awkwardly with her tin and plate in hand.

"Yeah of course, take a seat."

Relief immediately took over the girl's face as she sat on the bench across from her.

"Oh thank goodness, I was afraid I was going to end up eating alone. Thank you...umm?"

"Viviette Tieren."

"Thank you Viviette, I'm Krista Lenz."

"Nice to meet you Krista."

Viviette watched as Krista took her first bite and the look of disgust that followed.

"If you dip your bread in, it's not nearly as bad."

"Thanks." she said appreciatively.

As the two girls ate and chatted, the room gradually filled up and soon others joined their table, Armin being one of them. Vivette introduced her old friend to her knew one and warned him about the stew. He gratefully took the advice and made sure to shovel down his stew before the taste could catch up to him.

"Eren's making some new friends." he said after politely wiping his mouth with a napkin.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah he's surrounded by people asking about the attack."

"Well that's what you get when you tell people about it." Viviette answered pointedly.

"Does that mean you both were there?" Krista asked.

"If you're asking if we're both from Shiganshina then yes, but I wasn't nearly as close to the attacks as Viviette and Eren were."

"I see, well I'm sorry for your loss regardless."

"Thanks I guess," Viviette cleared her throat, "but it wasn't just a loss for me. It was a loss for mankind, we had to abandon a huge amount of land and sacrifice many human lives. It's not right and we've got to do something ab-"

A clamor of noise interrupted their conversation and they turned in time to see Eren standing toe to toe with a guy nearly a head taller than him. Viviette smacked her forehead in frustration.

"Of course he manages to get in an argument on the first day." she mumbled under her breath.

Armin chuckled. "Not like you can talk, you nearly went at it with that girl in your barrack."

Viviette scowled at him and elbowed him in the ribs. "That was different, so shut it."

The camp bell rang signifying the end of dinner and it managed to defuse the dispute, both boys clapped hands before Eren marched away. Viviette put away her dishes in the bin, said goodbye to Krista and Armin, and made her way towards the barracks. She secretly hoped the girl from earlier wouldn't be there, or better yet, she hoped she'd chickened out and left to go work in the fields. Luckily the girl in question wasn't around and Viviette was able to peacefully relax on her bed on the bottom bunk. She inhaled a large breath and slowly let it out through her nose. It was nice to have a chance to finally sit down and let everything settle in, it was hard to believe just that morning she was having breakfast with her brother.

Just the thought of Leren brought an uncomfortable tightening in her chest. She missed him already, how he would tell her goofy jokes and get into trouble with Julia all the time. She was going to miss the birth of her niece or nephew too, it was enough to bring a girl down.

Viviette sat up in her bed and lightly slapped her cheeks. No way sister, you're not allowed to be sad right now. You're gonna do your best and show Leren what you can do. Make him proud.

"Ahem, Viviette?"

Mikasa stood at her bedside looking quite...uncomfortable?

"You okay?" she asked.

Mikasa rubbed the back of her neck and Viviette wasn't quite sure, but she was sure her cheeks were a little red and she didn't remember seeing her with a sunburn that afternoon.

"Yes I'm fine, could you do me a favor please?"

"Yeah of course, what do you need?"

"Do you think...do you think you could cut my hair for me?" she asked almost bashfully.

Viviette was taken aback. "But your hair is so long and pretty and I've never cut hair before. Why do you want to cut it? Did someone make fun of your hair or something?"

"Ah no, it was just recommended that I cut it short because it could get in the way is all. And I don't need anything special, I just need it short. I'm sure you've cut plenty of bandages before."

"Hair and bandages are two completely different things, but I mean, I guess I can give it a shot. Go grab a hair brush for me."

While Mikasa retrieved a hair brush, Viviette fished around her bag for her small scissors. She laid out an extra sheet she had to catch the fallen hair before taking a seat on the hardwood floor. It baffled her as to why Mikasa suddenly wanted a haircut, but if she had enough faith in her to put her hair in her hands, she wasn't about to deny her. It was a shame though, she'd always admired Mikasa's hair. The two girls situated themselves on the floor and Viviette began brushing through her hair until it was smooth and free of tangles. She hesitantly took hold of the scissors.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure Viviette, it's fine."

She sighed. "Alright but you can't get mad at me if it doesn't look good, I did warn you."

With a snip of the scissors, long tendrils of black hair fell to the ground in a little pool. Slowly Viviette cut Mikasa's hair to her chin and after the first few cuts, she wasn't nearly as nervous and seemed to get the hang of it. It was actually kind of nice, she'd never been able to do anything particularly girly growing up and assumed Mikasa hadn't either. They hadn't exactly had normal lives due to a number of circumstances. Out of their little group, Viviette felt like she knew the least about her fellow female companion. Few words passed between them and it suited them just fine. She enjoyed finally being able to do something a normal girl her age should be doing. When Viviette decided she was finished, she admired her work. Everything looked even as far as she could tell and that's all that mattered, clean and straight to the point. It seemed Mikasa looked good with any hair length, she looked very mature.

"Well I think I'm done, looks pretty good to me, if some parts are messed up I'll do my best to fix it."

"No need Viviette, I'm sure you did fine. Thank you for doing this to me."

Mikasa stood up and brushed herself off before pulling Viviette to her feet. Viviette propped open the window by her bed and shook the sheet to get off as much hair as she could while Mikasa left to change clothes. Her arms were tired and ached from all the sheet shaking by the time she pulled the it back inside. In the end she simply ended up folding it into a sloppy square and shoving it under her bed to be dealt with at a later time. She was tired and ready for bed. Viviette; along with the other girls in the barrack, went through their nightly routines and were all soon tucked into their beds. To her dismay, the tall freckled girl was only a few bunks away from her, but Krista and Sasha ended up being in the barracks too, it wouldn't be too horrible. Her body felt like a pile of bricks and she was more than grateful to finally be lying down for the night. She rolled over onto her stomach and tucked her arms under her pillow, the light from the moon illuminating her face.

The events of the day played through her head, so much had happened in such a short amount of time. This would be her home for the next three years and she was eager to have a new routine. It was weird not being at the inn anymore, but she knew in a matter of time she'd be more comfortable with everything. Well, as comfortable as she could get as a trainee. Viviette sighed as she buried her face in her pillow, sleep was pulling at her and she was ready to let it take her.

"Mom...I'm one step closer to my dream."


And here we are with the next chapter. Sorry it took so long to get out, but I've just been really busy with stuff and it's hard for me to take a break and get some writing in. But anywho, we finally get to meet some of the other characters. And I'm sure I'll get some stuff on how I spell some character's names, but I just went with how they're spelled on the Attack on Titan wiki. Woohoo! And now to address some reviews.

Guywithafish- I based Viviette's height kind of on my own, I was always pretty small for my age and was late to grow. And for a twelve year old I figured it'd be an okay height, I checked the AoT wiki page and Krista is actually a pretty similar height.

- Lmfao thanks for catching that screw up in the last chapter so I could fix it. I'm a moron. But I do the best I can.

Also thank you so much to everyone else who reviewed, I seriously appreciate all of the support and I hope you guys continue to stick with me. You guys rule.

See ya next time!