Chapter 6 - Resurfaced Memory
Two more weeks later, my nightly routine of 30 laps has officially ended. I could finally join my teammates again every evening after supper. During this time period, Marco and I met a new friend, Jean Kirschstein. Jean is a tall boy with light caramel and brown hair. Personally, I believe the best trait about him is his frankness; I never have the need to guess what's on his mind since he always directly expresses himself. However, Jean's character undoubtedly displayed a bad side. I once saw him mocking a rather untalented trainee named Eren who failed the 2D maneuver gear training. Another time, he made fun about Connie Springer, calling him a "shaved little monkey" who knew about boasting. On a few other occasions, Jean voiced unwise comments which enraged individuals with contradicting views. His most indignant victim happened to be Eren Jaeger, again. Nevertheless, Jean is trustworthy and cares for his close friends.
On the night of Jean's altercation with Eren, I laid on my bed in the dark, thinking about all the events happened during the day. The name Jeager didn't sound too unfamiliar, but its trace is too obscure to be tracked in my memory. Although I'm certain it had passed at least several times to my ears without being properly noticed. Chronological pasts flooded through my head on their own accord.
"You wanna pick a fight again, Jaeger you jerk?!" That was Jean and Eren's quarrel earlier in the day
"Next, your turn, Jaeger!" I heard the Instructor yelling this name after I hit my head at the 2D maneuver gear examination..
"Who's the other friend?", "Eren Jaeger." This... I can't..
My eyes abruptly opened in the dark as I recalled the origin of this last piece of scattered memory. I was 12 years old then, when Shiganshina was still inhabited. One day Maximilian got his hands on an antique book from his new friend Armin, and we read it together in my basement. He defended his will to join to the Survey Corps when he becomes an adult as a means to explore the outside world. That's right.. It was this Eren Jaeger who he mentioned.. along with Armin Arlert, who is now a member of the 104th squad which I am a part of. The only one missing here is you, Maximilian. But you can never-
"Tsk!"
My hands harshly pressed on my eyes to control my desire to shed a nostalgic tear for him. I didn't want to disturb other people's sleep and to attract attention to myself. Some years ago, I was one of the people preferring the position of the Military Police to the Survey Corps. But, to think about it now as a trainee, we are working so hard to compete for a spot in the top 10 because of the very same reason. At the end, those who achieved the best score would abandon the skills which acquired with so many sweat and blood to only live a safe life by the King. If the most skillful Titan slayers were assigned to join the Survey Corps as obligation, those damn ogres would be all long since annihilated. Talk about perforating the Walls, they would possess no such opportunity.
Rest in peace Maximilian.. I will realize your dream for you, no matter what. From today, I will devote my own life to become one of the best trainees, but not bearing the objective of joining the Military Police. If there weren't anyone among the best who chose to use his skill to kill the Titans, then I shall be the first. The tragedy of Shiganshina would be the last to ever occurred to humanity.
The Next Day
Before dawn, everyone in the barracks were ordered to get dressed and to gather outside at once. The winter season has arrived. Sasha Blaus shivered like a scarecrow in the ranks. Once noticed, instructor Kieth chastised her in front of the entire squad. Sasha on the other hand, had gotten used to the frequent verbal bashing and expressed no shame. The instructor sighed and shook his head in deprecation.
"Today we shall test your survival ability in harsh conditions! Take off all your coats! To be able to endure en entire day on the snow mountain will grant you a considerable grade! Those who are too coward to sustain this training can drop out! I do not wish to see your face again!" Keith Shadis barked
Everyone wearily looked at each other. A few left the ranks. I recognized Eren Jaeger standing at some distance in front of me, stable like a statue with a determined look on his face. As if our minds were connected, I understand that he must want to become a Survey Corps at all cost just like Maximilian had said. By looking at Eren, he slightly reminded me of my childhood friend, even though they looked nothing alike.
"Run faster you weaklings! If Titans were chasing after you, you'd be already swallowed! This is a matter of life and death! Reality is cruel, you brain lackers!" Kieth Shadis yelled to us on his horse, leading the way
We avoided casting any look at our instructor. The warm coat on his body would remind us the unfair contrast. This exercise may sound cruel and impossible, but I went through the entire trajectory with rather ease, thanks to the unbearable running the instructor had weighted on me over the past weeks. This is nothing, the only new obstacle is to endure the freezing weather.
A short blond haired boy collapsed in exhaustion and fell in the snow. Christa wanted to help him up but was chided by the instructor. She reluctantly continued her course without helping him. I deliberately slowed down my pace to let everyone surpass me and I went to the boy in the snow. I turned his body around and identified his face to be Armin Arlert.
