Chapter 18.
Within Wall Rose
Ajay swung in the forest near the Corps HQ: a small complex of warehouse buildings, troops barracks, stables and a structure acting as both office and officers house where they held meetings or did paperwork. Right now they were training in team excercises to gauge their skills and ability to be part of a group, as they'd been doing for the past three days. He glanced briefly around to check on his comrades and moved past the titan dummy which had three members of the Legion on its base to make it turn, mimicking the creature's movement should it focus on him. In that moment Mina flew behind it and cut the bags on its nape. Cross and other soldiers cheered when one of the veterans checking made a signal of it being a successful hit while Nanaba, standing on another branch, took some quick notes.
_Ajay is a balanced fighter. -she told Mike later as they walked towards Erwin's office- He's not the fastest when moving but has excellent maneuvering skills and knows how to stay out of potential reach, on top of that has shown good precision on his hits, seventy five percent being kills.
_Good. What about the other rookies training with him?
_Carolina is more of an attacker. -the woman answered checking her notes- Almost ninety percent killer hits, but has some problems navigating around more than one titan; she'll be better used as an offensive member while others assist her by getting the creature's attention. Then we have Arlert, who's a curious case.
_How so?
_His killing ratio is fifty-fifty, and his skill at 3DMG are... not bad. However he's great at reading his environment and using it to his advantage, even telling the others how to move when they seemed to run into trouble and was the only one who remembered the more complicated group tactics perfectly, guiding his friends a bit as they all performed. I think he'll be formidable if we give him a bit more intense training.
Zacharius nodded with interest. He had checked on other recruits and the results were promising, although of course they had to wait until the expedition to find out if the new members fullfilled their expectations.
_If only at least one of the top ten had chosen to come here. -Nanaba said with a sigh- But i guess it's too much to ask huh?
_Maybe it's for the better. -Mike commented as they approached the Commander's office- The ones at the top ten tend to be a bit overconfident in their skills. These are not, and because of that are more alert of their surroundings.
Meanwhile said recruits were being assigned their respective tasks: Mina and Armin ended up in the stables while Ajay had to help around the warehouse.
_What a day Armin! -she said brushing the sweat off her forehead- Wonder what groups we'll be assigned to.
_I think you'll be placed with veterans used to assist in kills. -Arlert pointed, piling up some hay- You're good at dealing the finishing blow.
_Aw thank you! -the girl said with a giggle- But i hope you'll be in my group too, you're very good at directing people!
The blonde shrugged, resting importancy to her claim.
_Well it was an excercise. I'd probably be so nervous in a real situation i might not be able to speak, so i think i'll be put in the back until i toughen up right?
_Don't think so low of yourself silly! You'll see we'll make it through this expedition, the three of us.
_Now you mention it, Ajay's the more all-around of us. I'd really like to know which squad he'll be put in.
_Yeah...
Arlert looked at the girl, now giving water to the horses with a pensive look.
_Everything okay?
_Oh? Yes sorry, it's just... we're a week from our first expedition and i think about a lot of things.
_Me too. -the boy said- I think about them most of the time.
_Same here. -she said with a smile- Mikasa and Eren are good friends, like Annie.
_I always found it interesting how you managed to befriend the two strongest girls in camp. -he said then smiled- But then again, it's hard not to be friendly with you.
Carolina stuck her tongue out and both laughed. True, she was a good and loyal friend; however, unknown to him something bothered the brunette.
She still had to tell him she knew about their plans, although not in detail. Mina hated to hide something so important from her friend, but the more she thought about it the more sense it made: if she told Armin right now he'd be upset and worried, and it could have consequences with the expedition getting closer. No, she'd wait until after to let him know.
_Do you think we could write them letters? -she asked to distract her mind.
_Surely. I still need to know how much it costs to send a letter to the inner ring though.
_Right, it can't be cheap.
_Have you thought about what your family will say? -Armin asked suddenly.
Mina stiffened at the question then shook her head. They knew it already, since it was custom to send families a letter informing of the cadet's choice of career. Armin too thought of his parents and grandfather back home, as well as his friends's. Would it affect their relationship knowing Eren and Mikasa would be part of the MP while Armin went to the Corps? He hoped not, but in any case he thanked the chance of visiting them before leaving for the outside to see if things were well between them.
_I expect my parents to try to convince me to resign. -Carolina finally said- My dad will likely throw a tantrum if i don't. He's always been protective of me, after all i... i'm his only child.
Her last phrase was but a whisper and Armin felt sorry for her, walking up to the girl to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
_We'll be alright, just as you said. -he said with certainty- I trust Commander's strategy, and our skill.
_Yeah, you're right. -she said smiling once more- Let's feed these boys, we need to get them to like us if we're gonna ride them.
Within Wall Sina
Annie sat on a small office with a small lot of papers to read before taking them to her superior to sign them and before he tasked her to take them to the respective divisions within the ample and well furnished office building where the MP was supposed to work. Yet the closest thing she had seen to actual work was the officer lazily scribbling his sign on every document she had to read thoroughly, all the while dealing with his constant whining about boredom or his bad luck on the horses, when he wasn't trying to flatter her. It had been like this for the past three days and Leonhardt believed she deserved a medal just for not punching him out.
_Ah, there comes the prettiest girl in the office! -the man exclaimed, eyeing her with delight as she approached- I was talking about you with my friend Horace here.
I imagine about what you fucking pig the blonde thought before leaving the documents on three small groups above the desk.
_I need your signature on these for security, administration and supplies sir. -she said with a flat tone.
_An efficient one Markus. -the visitor pointed, sitting on the desk's border and looking at her carefully while running a hand on his long red hair- Although she should cheer a bit up, after all she's in the MP like everyone wants, right?
_Everyone but the retards from the Corps! -the soldier answered with a snort, beginning to sign; Annie's fist clenched instinctivelly.
_Speaking of which, aren't they leaving for an expedition like in a week? -Horace commented, ignoring the blonde's tense glance.
_Don't remind me! -the other whined narrowing his mud brown eyes- The last few days before will be petition after petition of supplies!
_Well, it's not like you give them anything. -his friend said with a chuckle.
_I don't give them much. -Markus clarified- Just enough so they can't blame us for their constant failure... i mean what's the point of throwing money away with people who are already dead? Where's the gain in that?
Annie didn't think she could stay in there much longer after hearing that, so she coughed softly in her hand to get his attention, and the man eyed her.
_Um sir, the documents...
_Of course my dear, of course! -he replied instantly, giving what he thought was a charming smile- Although i wouldn't mind if you participated in the conversation.
_True. -Horace agreed with a nod- What do you think of those Legion Looneys?
_Legion Looneys! -Markus barked with a laugh- Always gets me! So tell us Annie, what's you opinion on those?
_I... -she said and hesitated- I never thought much of them. They're free to do what they want as long as they don't bother me.
_Ah, smart too. -the redhair commented- Never criticize them too harshly unless you're with people you can trust. Can you believe Markus i almost got myself in a fight because some wealthy idiot with delusions of philosopher got angry when i mocked the Corps?
_No way! -his friend answered snorting as he signed the last papers.
_"They are the embodiment of our will to surpass our own frontiers". -Horace said in a high pitch voice- "You owe them respect for their bravery". What a load of crap... if he wasn't so damn rich i would've thrown him in jail.
Markus laughed and Annie took the chance seeing he was done and took the documents trying not to look too anxious.
_I'll take these to their divisions sir. -she said and just in case added- Thanks for your work.
_See Horace? -Markus said as she left- People like her, so diligent and smart, are much better here than rotting out there with those lunatics.
Once the blonde left the office she quickly walked down the corridor until she turned a corner; as soon as she saw there was no one nearby she ran a hand down her face while breathing deeply to calm herself, the sheets crumpling slightly from her tight hold. Annie felt the heat of anger mixed with worry and used the documents as a fan to cool her face down for a bit until she felt better, and made her way to the nearest office. After giving them the documents she was in route to the administration branch when a soft whistle was heard and she turned around to see Marcel walking down the corridor while calling her with a finger. She felt strangely relieved despite having seen him at breakfast a few hours ago.
_How are you doing Annie? -he asked once they met.
_Fine i guess. -she said shrugging- Going around carrying papers like a damn errand girl, but could be worse. Markus... i can feel the idiot's eyes on me every time i'm near him.
_Is that so? -Galliard asked frowning- Has he tried something?
_No and i hope he doesn't if he wants to remain unharmed.
_Annie... -Marcel sighed- I know it's tedious to work for these people, but we have to bear it for a while.
_For how long? You know what... -she stopped, inhaled and continued less aggressively- you know what Ajay told me about the MP, we have at least a whole year of grunt work ahead of us. I don't know if i'll last that long without punching someone.
_Try to visit the training room. -he commented- At least to discharge some anger. About the other issue, i might have a solution for that.
The blonde's eyebrow went up, wondering what the Jaws meant with that.
_And what is it?
_I overheard one of the guys talk about having trouble with a certain warehouse where they stash newly made gear. -he whispered quickly- Apparently they are working with one of the guards to steal some and sell it.
_And...?
_I'm snitched on them. -he said and she went wide eyed- They mentioned one of the officers here who isn't sharing enough profits so i figured i could tip him off and become an informant of sorts to know who's working behind his back to earn his trust.
_And he believed you just like that?
_To sell gear in the black market he must be a greedy guy, i had a hunch he'd listen. He assigned me to work on the warehouse under that specific guard in hopes to know the rest of the people working with him. And that's where you come in.
_Me? -she said confused- What the hell do i have to do with this?
_As he talked i realized they must have help from someone in the administration, someone who writes down the papers concerning the quantity and stashing of gear so no one notices what's missing. The documents themselves are modified to cover this guy's theft so i told him i had a friend, which means you, working in one of the offices and she could work checking the numbers, dates and names to find out who's aiding them.
_You got me involved in this without asking?! -Leonhardt whispered fiercely grabbing him by the collar- Are you fucking kidding me?!
_We must take every opportunity we get. -he answered defensively- Anything helps us save time in reaching higher positions and make contact with the royal family; the sooner we reach them the sooner we can help our families back in Liberio.
Annie swallowed thickly and let him go blushing furiously, her jaw shaking slightly from her anger; to have to play the spy for a corrupt bastard so he could keep his wallet fat didn't ease the worry she felt every time her mind wondered what was of her father, or how Ajay was doing. Yet she knew he had a point and after some deep breaths she calmed down a bit.
_Fine. -she growled- But i don't really know where to begin.
_For now you don't have to do a thing. -Marcel told her- Until next week i'll be working at the warehouses trying get this guard to let me in the thefts. I don't think it'll be hard since as a newbie i can pretend to be naive and as greedy as they are, always in for the easy money.
_I hope you know what you're doing. -she said- Any news on Reiner and Bertholdt?
_They have Reiner working in the patrols, while Bert spends most of his time working at the archives. -he replied shaking his head- Don't know what has him so busy there.
Leonhardt nodded absently, wondering how she was going to do any of what he asked of her; still she hoped Marcel had his plan developed by the next time they meet.
_Is that all then? -she asked annoyed- If so, i have to go deliver this.
_Yeah, i just needed to tell you that. Sorry for dragging you into this, but...
_We must do what's necessary i know. -she said turning away- Bye.
_Take care.
Annie's heart felt heavy as she made her way to the offices. Three days in and she was already tangled in the dirty deals of MP members, even if her involvement was somehow menial and distant. Wishing it didn't evolve into something too shady, she walked into the security division's zone. She suddenly realized that even if her hands were already stained in blood, she now had reasons not to want herself associated with the corrupt: her friend Mina and her lover Ajay had turned so important to the blonde she couldn't bear the thought of them knowing she was doing something underhanded.
This better work out smoothly Galliard. she thought grimly Or you'll find out what i can do when i'm angry.
Present
Ajay opened his eyes with a gasp, feeling the cold chill of the fresh air on his sweat covered arms first; he found himself staring up to the gym's ceiling.
The gym? What am i doing here...? Why do i feel so...?
His mind activated a bit, driving away some the groggy fog blocking his thoughts and letting him feel things more clearly: the ring's surface, his own quickened breath and...
He straightened a bit and looked down, fixing his incredulous gaze on his groin: his pants were down and his member was coated in wetness, giving him an unpleasant chill when he moved; however as he was about to pull his clothes up, still wondering what the hell was going on, he paralyzed. Blood: there was a little red stain on his cock he couldn't explain, since he saw no injuries on his thighs or hands or... Cross felt his brain kicking in, finally beginning to think clearly and running a hand on his face as he tried to remember what he was doing when he realized something.
Oh god...
He wasn't alone. His heart started beating faster when he sensed other presence nearby, and felt his neck stiff as if made of rusty iron when he turned to look. Cross wished he hadn't.
Dear god, no...
Flat on her belly, her face turned away and seemingly unconscious was Annie Leonhardt; her training pants and underwear were down to her knees, her tank top pulled up uncovering her chest. Ajay felt a wave of despair so strong his head spinned, and nausea made him cover his eyes. His body trembled, cold sweat running on his skin; he stole a glance at her and felt a knot on his throat almost cutting his breath.
_What have i done? -he whispered in horror- What have i done?
End of chapter.