Chapter 44: Getting in shape
The training is going well. Their new recruits work their pretty asses off to impress Levi and win against Eren in her favourite game. Hanji has to say she is a genius. They even find new ways to improve the learn-effect. Every time they would get one level done, they have to do the same only that Levi is on Eren´s side. The most unfair combination you can think of. Even their more experienced soldier have little to no chance to win against them. It´s fun to watch and to take part in it. It also is really good training. After three years without training with Eren they all feel his improvement. Especially after he received the same education as they got as soldiers and using their fighting technics against them is just a bit unfair. In the end it will safe their life and if that is the only thing, they keep from this training it's okay for her.
Today is another training seasion only with the new soldiers, Eren´s friends but today is different. Not a new game but they have to learn how to work with Eren as a titan. Erwin brought that idea yesterday. When they are out in the open field, there is no way for them to win on their own for a long time. So they have to learn how to use Eren as an anker, as a horse, as protection and very important communication.
Hanji had worked on sign-language for their most important signals, and of course everything else that came to her mind that needed to be communicated. One of the signs was special, only Eren and Levi know it´s meaning. And her of course. "My little human." She taught him that first but also told him only to use it with Levi, the others wouldn't understand, a secret. The little titan, isn't so little anymore but still likes to join in her games. Or a secret.
She watches Levi, with his cold grey eyes and the hart drill he is working the soldiers he makes them better. He looks better. After Eren woke up a few weeks ago he started to eat and sleep again. Eren is still sleeping in the same room, most likely in the same bed as Levi. Like a parent that had nearly lost his child and need to make sure it´s still there and breathing. No one was brave enough or stupid enough to stop him and as long as Eren doesn't mind, who was she to stop them.
Looking at Levi, she wonders if he is even aware of it. Did he know that he practical adopted Eren as he took him inside the wall? Probably not but that gives her new material to get out new emotions of the small guy.
"Brat go change, today they will learn to hold on to you." Levi calls out as Hanji makes her way next to him. Eren walks a few meters away to transform. To her delight does no one flinch as the lightning bold hit the place where Eren was standing a second ago. "Good. Today´s training will be really easy for some and for others … let´s just say you would prefer to have a private training with me." Oh she loves it when Levi frightens these young souls. "Good, today is for learning how to ride a titan. Where to put your cable´s best, how to stand and hold on. You have five minutes to fit all on Eren. He will run three rounds around the castle and every time someone fells of, get sick, needs a break, fells off or whatever other reason Eren need´s to slow down, the three rounds start again." They all look at him, in shock. "Go!" Levi commands and eight teenager start to climb a titan. Eren holds out his hand so they can find the best place.
After the five minutes are done Levi shoots a green signal and Eren starts running. It doesn't take ten steps from him to stop as Connie hands half off his arms. "That will be a long day." Hanji comments.
"They will figure it out." Levi says and watch them continue their running. After half around Eren is the one that picks up one of them, Marco she thinks and gets him away from his body as he get sick on the grass where Eren had put him.
"You are such a good DAD." Hanji spells out for him and to her surprise it takes Levi a second to get what she just said, more surprisingly he doesn't say anything about it, he looks like his is thinking. "Especially for Eren."
"I´m not that old, Four-eye." A weak counter but she will let him have it.
"Nice to see you know where your responsibilities lay. Picking up children and not taking care of them would be very irresponsible of you, DADDY." Levi rolls his eyes.
"Don't you have something better to do then tormenting me?"
"No." She grins at him.
"Ts. Fine whatever but don´t interrupt the training." As he says these words Eren passes them and both see that the next stop is only minutes away as Armin looks like he get´s thrown off in a second. A long day indeed.