Joining the Legion

"I….I can't believe it," Leslie trembled as she watched rain pour down to the ground.

"District 4 is defeated now. You do realize we're going to pick an organization in the Military soon," Lita replied as Leslie glanced back over to her friend.

"What about school? How are we going to continue our magical studies?" Leslie asked.

"For the MPs and Garrison, you will return, but have partial time studying. For the Survey Corps, you won't be returning at all. And that will be me. Magic to me, is very pointless, and I'd rather live the rest of my life dedicating myself to humanity," Lita explained, her expression unreadable. Leslie looked down at her hands, unsure about what to do once she picks an organization. All three organizations involved risking life for humanity. Even the MPs were just as dangerous knowing that they have to deal with citizens, and protecting the ruler of the empire.

"I was so hesitant to help defeat some titans when District 4 had fallen. This is what the Survey Corps have to deal with outside the walls. It's too horrifying to go through. I can't do this anymore."

Leslie looked back to see that Lita was busy cleaning the wound she had on her shoulder from the titans. It was a huge bite mark, sunken deep inside, Leslie couldn't bear to see anymore of it.

"Your shoulder!" Leslie exclaimed.

"It's not too serious. I'm going to be alright," Lita replied. "It's just going to need some stitching."

"But how did you get a wound like that…." Leslie breathed anxiously.

"A titan obviously. It's bite wasn't enough to kill me, but enough for me to pass out and be taken here," Lita explained as she grabbed a clean rag to cleanse it a little more. Leslie's eyes were wide enough for her to faint.

"Don't let people change what you want to do. Do what your gut tells you, and you'll go far in life."

"I'm sorry Daddy. I won't be joining the Survey Corps so I can be a true hero. My gut tells me to join the Military Police. I know how much you, yourself really wanted to join the Scouting Legion, but you won't be seeing me in that regiment," Leslie whispered quietly to herself.

"I'm….joining the Military Police if I got one of the top ten ranked. If not, then I'll join the Garrison. I'm sorry. The Survey Corps seems so hardcore and brutal, I'm not as brave as you are," Leslie told Lita as Lita only looked back, emotionless.

"I see then. If you were ordered to die, would you do it?" Lita asked, as Leslie looked up slightly gasping. Joining the Survey Corps also meant dedicating yourself to humanity, even if it means taking your own life for everyone else.

Harry was sitting outside, grief stricken and traumatized about the fall of District 4. It was the fall of District 5 all over again, as visions of his aunt had come to him, her screaming and shouting, worried sick for where the hell he was. If he had shown up sooner, then the two would be living together, relieved that they will always be at each other's side.

After hearing who died, who was seriously wounded, and who was still missing, Harry just wanted to have some time to himself, knowing that this is what it's like to be a soldier. He was even shocked that his own rival Draco had saved Seamus from getting eaten, that he had a long argument with him, saying how he never had the guts of a hero. But at the same time, Harry thought to himself that he should've been thankful Seamus was alive, and brought back safely.

"Harry…" Hermione said from behind as Harry sighed. Hermione knew that Harry was probably still mad that he couldn't kill a titan, and save those who died during the attack. Why did it always have to be him for people to save? And why do people want to risk their lives for him?

"I don't understand. People want to protect me, yet I don't think I'm that important or special. Why is it that people have to save me all the time, and they end up getting hurt or die?" Harry asked.

"They do it because they love you Harry. It's their decision whether they chose to die or not," Hermione replied as she took a seat down next to him.

"Yes, but I want an actual role, or purpose in something. I don't want to be the god or king for everyone to protect. I'm sick and tired of having everyone sacrifice all they have for me," Harry said, tightening his fists. "The real reason I became a soldier, is so I can have my rightful place as a true hero, rather than be everyone's child."

Hermione looked at her friend, knowing he had a point. She knew he was strong, but still needs people around him to help him achieve his purpose.

"I'm joining the Garrison," Hermione said as Harry glanced back at Hermione.

"Even if people try to change my mind, I'm joining the Survey Corps," Harry said as a shadow loomed over Hermione's face. She knew that she will barely be seeing her childhood friend anymore once he goes outside the walls, leaving on missions and coming back with serious injuries, and grief from the loss of comrades.

"Just promise me…." Hermione shivered. "Promise me that you'll stay alive."

Only the pouring rain could be heard, as Harry looked down at his worried friend, who only stared down at her feet like her job of protecting him was done.

"I'm a soldier Hermione. And that's who I am. Dead or alive, I'll always be there. Always…." Harry said as he felt like he had heard something like that before. Mainly the word "always," had stood out to him. It was a soft and soothing woman's voice, comforting him, saying that he is loved by all who care about him. Always.

"What about Ron? What regiment is he joining?" Harry asked.

"Same as I," Hermione replied.

"Damn it. It's hard to find someone here who wants to join the Survey Corps," Harry thought to himself inside his head. "The fear of the titans is what's causing everyone to remain inside the walls, where they can feel secure and safe. All I want to do is explore the Outside World, and feel like I've been a free bird from the cage."

Three Weeks Later…..

"I'm surprised with the results of these soldiers and their dedication. The top ten graduating cadets, of the 105th Cadet Squad in order are: Lita Ackerman, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Seamus Finnigan, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Leslie Turner, Hermione Granger, Selena Walsh, and Ronald Weasley," Shadis thought to himself as the top ten lined up in front of the squad, giving their salute. Most of the top ten knew each other, except a couple in which they didn't know were that strong.

Later, the cadet squad was gathered to the capital where they were to choose their branch of the military. The three commanders of all three organizations were standing on a stage, where they were to give a speech about their part and role in the military. A banner of all three regiments, and their symbols were displayed right behind them. The first commander to step up was the commander of the Military Police. A tall woman with black hair, and ice blue eyes, skimmed through the crowd of the graduating cadets. Her eyes showed a cold and brutal expression, as she looked around for strong and worthy enough people for her regiment.

"As you all can see, I am Commander Lilith Black, head commander of the MPs." Lilith's voice sounded like she was only in her early thirties.

"As a responsible member of the MPs, it will be your duty to protect the people, and the ruler of this empire, so justice will prevail. You will also have the responsibility to collect taxes and land distribution from the citizens. As of now, the top ten of your class will apply for this job. Only the weak can suffer in the other regiments," Lilith explained coldly as everyone stared wide eyed, and frozen in place, wondering how hard the MPs are going to cost them. Especially with a commander who appears to take things seriously.

Harry stayed in place nervously, unsure if he should join the MPs or not. Over the past three weeks, he had begun thinking about the other duties of the other regiments and how they dedicate themselves to humanity. The MPs had gave him some interest when he had heard that they carry out the duties that Lilith had just explained.

Next, came the commander of the Garrison Regiment, Commander Dot Pixis. He explained the duty of the Garrison regiment. They had half the duties of both the MPs and the Survey Corps. Pixis exited the stage as he left the speech of the Survey Corps to the last head commander.

Lastly, came the commander of the Scout Regiment. Harry stood in place anxiously wondering what this regiment is going to bring him.

"Bloody hell. I was never informed that my brother Bill Weasley became head commander of this regiment!" Ron whispered to Harry in shock.

"I am Commander Bill Weasley, commander of the Survey Corps. Our duty as the scouting legion is to take charge in explorations outside the walls, and wipe out titan-infested areas. We also had a more recent duty where we set up bases to do some research on these man-eating beasts."

Many of the cadets looked in awe, as they were engaged with the idea of going outside of the wall to see the Outside World. Harry continued watching as Bill looked around to see the nervous faces of the cadet squad.

"However, in this regiment, many of our soldiers have lost their lives due to the brutal missions this regiment carries. Not only have titans slain most of our soldiers, but this regiment has carried the burden to every single loss to every single soldiers lives lost. Now, ask yourself, are you willing to put your life on the line for this regiment? Do you think you can salute your hearts for humanity?"

Many of the cadets gasped as they stood in place silently, unsure of this was really the right choice. Exploring the Outside World had seemed satisfying at first, until thinking about sacrificing their lives to explore the world, while being eaten by a titan.

"That will be all. Those who want to join the other organizations are dismissed. For those who want to join the Survey Corps, remain here," Bill ordered.

The cadets were all standing in their spots nervously, knowing that the Survey Corps must be the most insane regiment in existence. They kept thinking to themselves if it was really worth dying for. Chattering began as some of the cadets started leaving to sign up for the other regiments.

"I have a reeling, no one may be open to the Survey Corps this time," Bill said to himself in his mind as a shadow loomed over his face.

From left and right, Harry found it hard for him to remain in his spot. He looked around for other cadets who were still unsure whether they will join or not.

"Damn it. This is actually harder than expected." Harry watched, as his two best friends turned around without looking back to join their choice. He saw that only he, Ginny, Seamus, and Lita remained standing. Both Ginny and Seamus were both as nervous as Harry was. Lita however, was surprisingly calm, even as she watched her friend walk off. In her eyes, deep down inside, she could feel the disappointment of not having her friend by her side anymore.

"Farewell….my friend….."

It will be once in a while until the two meet again. They both knew that this was their decision, and that they chose what they had to for humanity.

"Why….why did I choose this regiment?!" Ginny was placing both of her hands on her head while she started breathing anxiously.

"I was bad at magic in school. All I wanted was some respect. But why this regiment with my guts?" Seamus was looking down at his feet nervously. He gasped as his friend Dean placed his hand on his shoulder, giving him more comfort.

"If you're doing this, then I'm with you my friend," Dean whispered as Seamus looked back, giving a calm deep breath in and out.

"I've seen those beasts! They devoured our comrades! They took our homes! Why am I here?!" Neville was nearly to the point of screaming. Harry was surprised he was actually considering that this was going to be the regiment he joins despite the many clumsy things he had done in training and magic. People even rumored that he was almost close to being a squib, which was a person born from wizards with abilities, but they can't do magic.

"This...this is for the Outside World….." Luna Lovegood closed her eyes tightly, while trying to embrace the surrounding cadets leaving around her, thinking that the regiment was insane.

"I can't believe my own friends had left. They were serious about this," Harry told himself as he looked up to see the remaining cadets that had decided that this will be their final decision.

Harry Potter, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, and Lita Ackerman, were the cadets Harry had seen, that were remaining. There were also another few from his school that were staying to join.

Bill looked at the new recruits as he gave a much more determined expression.

"Now, if you were ordered to die, would you do it?" Bill asked.

"WE DON'T WANNA DIE, SIR!"

Bill smiled, "Then it will be your duty to stay alive while you can. I welcome you to the Survey Corps! Dedicate your hearts and lives to humanity!" Bill saluted as the reamined cadets did the same, while standing in place nearly breaking down at this point.

"I...I wanna go home…" Ginny whimpered softly.

"You chose this regiment. It's our duty for now on," Luna said to Ginny as Ginny sniffled nodding.

"Even if Lita got top of the class, she still joined this regiment. She would've made a great MP officer," Harry thought to himself as Lita stood in her salute with a calm expression.

"We will arrive to headquarters shortly. Your first official training will begin at the break of dawn," Bill informed as the new recruits followed him away from the stage.

The Next Day….

"So this is the headquarters of the Survey Corps?" Harry asked as the new recruits entered inside a castle as big as Hogwarts.

"Yes. This will be your new home for now until you retire," replied Bill. "Although we have a very small amount of people, feel free to make yourself a home."

"But, to start your training for today, we have a little request from the captain himself," Bill told the recruits.

"Sir! We'll do anything to train us strong against titans!" Harry saluted, ready for any task.

…..

"Cleaning. Man did I not expect this!" Dean half smiled.

"What exactly does this have to do with getting us strong?!" Harry asked himself as he started sweeping.

"I have no clue honestly. This is getting boring already!" Seamus sighed. Harry couldn't agree more now that his own friends aren't with him anymore. He looked around the room with nothing to be heard other than the sweeping of brooms, and people wiping dirty places off.

"I heard Captain Levi is a cleaning maniac. I'm guessing he's forcing everyone else to clean too," Luna stated.

Harry suddenly jerked as soon as he realized that it was the captain that requested the recruits to do some chores.

"Levi as in Levi Ackerman, right?" Harry asked.

"Of course Harry, has something gotten into your mind?" Luna asked.

"Think about Lita Ackerman. She could be just as crazy as the captain!" Harry said as he and his friends rushed out of the room they were working on to spy on Lita. They knew that she and a few others were in the room next to Harry and his friends.

As they quietly opened the door, they found that the room was surprisingly empty and spotless.

"What the hell."

Harry and his friends slowly entered in the new clean room. Dean ran his fingers through a bookshelf to check for dust, but found that there wasn't any tracked.

"It's….spotless…." Seamus said, shocked to see that the room was clean in the nick of time.

"We started cleaning...like five minutes ago," Ginny said.

"How the hell is she so fast?!" Harry exclaimed. He sighed knowing he and his crew still hasn't cleaned up the room they were working on.

"I wonder if her crew were just as fast as she was," Ginny wondered as she heard chattering from outside the room. She took a peek outside the door as she saw another group of recruits, plus some other soldiers, with wide eyes and cleaning supplies that hadn't been touched with dirt.

"I swear...she is a maniac!"

"Just like the captain!"

"Come on fellas. She can handle all of this herself. Let's just leave the cleaning to her."

"Oh," Ginny breathed as she looked down at her broom. "Why don't we all get back to work."

Harry nodded in agreement as he, his friends, and Ginny walked out of the room like she heard nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe they'll at least be a nice group and help Lita with the cleaning instead of leaving everything to her and let her do all the work.

"Some rude soldiers."

…..

"Finally, this work is done!" Seamus sighed. "I can't wait to get going on slaying titans and crap!"

Harry sighed, as he couldn't agree with Seamus more. Night fell upon their first day of training as the moonlight shone brightly with thousands of stars twinkling brightly.

An hour of resting had passed, as Harry stared outside the window, eyes looking up at the stars. He missed having those close to him around. He still had Ginny, Seamus, Dean, Neville, and Luna, but Ron and Hermione were much different. He kept on cursing to himself that they chose the Garrison over the Survey Corps, and that he accepts his opinion on which regiment to join.

He kept on looking outside into the dark night, wondering if his family was watching him.

"Mum, Dad, Aunt Petunia…..I've become a soldier today. I'm a part of the Scouting Legion and I promise, I'll make you proud."

He sighed as he looked at his room, and his slumbering comrades all peacefully asleep. He knew they didn't have to deal with as much grief as he did. Even after the first time they've witnessed a titan eating their own comrades from left to right. Harry placed his hand over his heart swearing that he will fight to the bitter end.

….

It was nearly midnight as silence was only heard throughout the palace. However, the sound of boots walking down the corridors had sounded throughout the night as a hooded figure walked to the kitchen. The figure slowly opened the door as a small creak had sounded inside. Another figure was revealed to be inside as it turned around facing the hooded figure.

"I've heard a lot about you."

The other figure remained in its place, staring at the hooded figure with a blank expression.

"What do you want?"

The hooded figure only stared back down as silence filled the kitchen. "I was informed that you've recently joined our legion."

The figure nodded as the hooded figure nodded back taking that as a reply. "You're an Ackerman if I'm not clear."

"Correct. Lita Ackerman."

The hooded figure slightly smiled as Lita remained in her place wondering what this person wants with her.

"I've heard that this Ackerman blood is a pretty strong bloodline," replied the hooded figure.

"And why do you want to know?" Lita asked.

The hooded figure slowly rolled down it's hood, revealing itself as an older woman around the age of twenty two. Her hair was a light brown color, and her eyes were a light blue shade. The hair was tied into a braid that reached down to her shoulder as she gave a stare of eagerness to Lita.

"I'm Gia Matsuda. I've been in this regiment longer than you have. There was something I wanted to ask you, but I needed it to be in private. I'm assuming you've gotten my note this morning?" Gia asked. Lita nodded.

"Good. Since I've been in this legion long enough, I just want to see who you are as a person," Gia replied. Lita stood in her grounds, confused on wondering why it was her in specific that Gia wanted to see.

"Why are you curious with such a thing?" Lita asked.

"I'll tell you when the time comes. You'll know as you make your way through your expeditions. And I will find out who you are," Gia said as she placed her hood back up on her head, walking out of the kitchen.

Lita stood in place, wondering what the hell was up with that soldier. More or less, why does she want to know who Lita is. It had gave Lita the suspicion on who Gia is. She stared at the open kitchen door, watching Gia head back to her resting quarters.

"Who am I? Interesting question Matsuda."

Lita later headed back to her resting quarters, curious to see what Gia desires from her. Was it her blood? Lita cursed to herself knowing she truly doesn't possess Ackerman blood. She just happens to be brought within the family. Many people have asked and wondered why she wasn't an Ackerman. She had the equal strength, speed, and emotion of what an Ackerman possess. So what was the big deal of people being surprised she wasn't an Ackerman? Lita knew she was eventually going to find answers to her origins someday, even if she didn't have the power to know where she came from.

"Yes. Who am I?"