Chapter 4
[Next day]
The new day brought new challenges. Today's activity was about hand-to-hand combat. Something that Finn found rather boring. There was nothing that he already didn't know. Compared to what his Grandfather put him through, this was pathetic. He really wanted to slack off, but if Shadis saw him, Finn would have been in a world of trouble. This is why was practicing with Eren and Reiner.
But a sudden scream broke their practice. It was Armin. Eren and Finn were quick to run toward the source. They gasped at the state they found Armin in. He was clutching his right arm with Krista Renz by his side. She was trying her best to calm him down.
„Seriously! How weak can you be, Arlet?!" -Eren and Finn quickly recognized the voice. Though a little different, it did belong to Rolf. One of the three kids that bullied Armin a few years ago."Honestly, You should be plowing the fields and not play a soldier! What a fucking retard!"
„Armin, everything will be okay." -Krista said with a gentle voice."We'll get you to the infirmary."
„Better get him out of here! No way he'll survive the training!" -Rolf laughed on top of his lungs. He wasn't alone in that. His two other friends were laughing with him."Oh? Look how do We have here, boys."
'Great…Just what We needed.' -Finn thought, gritting his teeth.
„How fucking dare you?!" -Eren wanted to jump at them but was stopped by Finn. In that time, Mikasa came and saw Armin on the ground."I'm gonna fucking kill you!"
„Armin, are you okay?" -Mikasa asked with worry. She saw hold Armin was holding his arm and trying to hold back his tears."What the hell happened?"
„Not now. Mikasa, Krista, take Armin to the infirmary." -Finn said seriously. Reluctantly, Mikasa agreed and gently picked up her friend. With Krista, they left the group, and soon they were out of sight."You took this too far, Rolf."
„Not my fault that Arlet is a pussy." -Rolf said, and his friends snickered at the comment."What the fuck did that heretic think when joining the Cadets?! That this was a book club or something?!"
„Fucking asshole!" -Eren snarled but again was stopped by Finn."Come on, you're not telling me that We are letting him offend Armin."
„No. But I want to personally teach him a lesson." -Finn whispered to Eren, who looked at him."I'm going to make sure he won't hurt Armin ever again. I'll give him special treatment."
„If you gonna break his bones, then go for it." -Eren said with a smirk. Finn acknowledged the smirk with a nod.
„What are you two talking about?" -Rolf snarled.
„Nothing. Since We have hand-to-hand combat, how about We practice?" -Finn offered and begun to stretch out. He tied his hair into a ponytail. This revealed his scar to the rest of the world.
„Is that so? Well good. It's a payback time." -Rolf said with a smirk."I'm stronger and smarter now. I can't wait until I grind your ass to the ground.
'Good luck with that…' -Eren thought with a snort. Just because he was taller than them didn't mean he was stronger.
As Rolf took his fighting stance, Finn decided to mock him by parodying his movements. Going through his head, Finn made a pretty good plan on how to deal with his enemy.
First, distract the target, then block his blind jab.
„Your mother is whore!" -Finn laughed at Rolfs's expression.
Filled with anger at the insult of his mother, he wanted to jab Finn in the face. Seeing this, Finn was quick to block the attack with his arm.
Counter with a cross to the left cheek.
With a powerful swing, Finn hit his opponent's cheek. But he wasn't done.
Discombobulate.
Finn quickly hit Rolf's ears, causing him to wince.
Dazed, he'll attempt a wild hay-maker, employ elbow block, and body shot.
Rolf's blind attack allowed Finn to easily block it, then punch his lower left ribs. The former bully winced in pain again.
Block feral left, weaken right jaw, now fracture.
Rolf wanted to him with his left fist, but that was easily blocked as well. Instead, he got hit in the face again. His jaw was now numb, but Finn wasn't finished. He hit Rolf again in the same spot.
Break cracked ribs, traumatize solar plexus.
Finn barraged Rolf with attacks to his ribs. Rolf had no idea what was happening to him. He was on a verge of collapsing.
Dislocate jaw entirely.
He was hit yet again. This time, it was even worse.
Heel kick to the diaphragm.
Before they even knew it, the fight was over. Rolf was on the ground, reeling in agony, while Finn stood victorious.
Eren and Reiner, who were watching from afar, gasped at how quick it ended. Rolf's friends fell on their knees from fear.
What?! How did he do it? Even Annie didn't do anything like that…' -Reiner thought with awe and worry.' He's someone to look out for. That's for sure.'
„Well, that was a good warm-up." -Finn commented, cracking his neck."Now, here's what's gonna happen." -He paused and stare at Rolf's unconscious form."Take that trash to the infirmary. Then, you three are leaving and going to plow the fields. I don't ever wanna see you again. Do you understand?"
Without a word, they took Rolf and quickly left the training ground. Without realizing it, Finn drew a small crowd to their little 'spar'. Quickly turning toward his Friends, he told them.
„Let's get out of here." -Finn wasn't keen on getting unnecessary attention.
„Shit. I don't know what to say." -Reiner said with a smile."What was that even?"
„Yeah, I've never seen you fight like that. What did you do to him?" -Eren agreed with awe in his eyes.'No Wonder why I couldn't lay a finger on him. Gotta ask him to teach me that.'
„In summary, ears ringing, jaw fractured, three ribs cracked, four broken, diaphragm bleeding." -He explained with a somehow proud smile. It sort of made Eren and Reiner feel uneasy."For the physical recovery; 6 weeks, full psychological recovery, the rest of his fucking life."
„Sometimes you scare me, you know?" -Eren said, earning a weak chuckle from Finn.
„Don't say that. I did it for Armin's sake." -He explained."Now, he won't have to worry about these guys anymore."
'I wish you're on our side, Finn.' -Reiner thought with a mental sigh. He had to keep a close eye on Finn from now on."The military could definitely use someone like you."
„Thanks, I guess." -Finn said with a sheepish smile.
„I think I get it now." -Eren said."Having those skills is important, right? You never know who you might fight with."
„That's right." -Reiner agreed wholeheartedly."Enemies come in all shapes and sizes. Soldiers are ready for anything. Don't believe me? Look."
Reiner pointed at a blonde girl walking amongst other Cadets. Annie Leonhardt, Finn remembered. She looked like she was avoiding the exercise.
„Yeah? What about her? You mean, she's slacking off?" -Eren asked, while looking at the girl.
'Why do I get a bad feeling about this?' -Finn thought, looking at Reiner's smile. He was up to no good, Finn knew it.
„You think so? How about We teach her a lesson about being a soldier?" -Reiner offered, and Eren raised his eyebrow.
'There it is. The Master Plan.' -Finn thought with a sigh. He was going to regret it.
Annie was not amused. She found the exercises the waste of her precious time. It wasn't even going to their scores. In other words, complete bullshit. She just wanted to go somewhere quiet. Somewhere to lay down and take a nap. Ever since they came here, she couldn't fall asleep. She was tired of everything. Annie wanted just a moment to herself. But fate had other ideas stored up for her.
„Commandant not beating you down enough?" -Reiner, who was blocking her way, asked with a stupid grin."Keep it up, you'll be as flat as the dirt you're walking on. I suggest you think back to why you enlisted in the first place."
'Seriously? Fuck you, Reiner…' -Annie thought as her blood began to boil.' We're here because of you, idiot!'
„What are you doing?" -Eren asked, and saw Annie's expression.'Holy shit….'
It was pure, unfiltered anger. Even Reiner felt something squeezing his stomach. Finn on the other hand was regretting for allowing Reiner to do this.
„Okay, now go and get her." -Reiner told Eren, as he shoved him toward her.
With a sigh, Annie took her fighting stance. Weigh evenly distributed, fist balled in front of her face.
'Hmm, Let's see what's going to do.' -Finn thought, interested.
Looking at the wooden dagger in his hand, Eren let out a sigh. He firmly gripped it and look Annie in the eyes.
„Alright! I won't be holding back!" -Eren exclaimed and charged at her.
Annie, as well as Finn, could see and predict where Eren was going attack. Using that to her advantage, Annie sidestepped, making Eren's attack meaningless. Then she grabbed his wrist and, with her other hand, grabbed his collar. Pushing him back, she kicked his legs out under him. For a brief moment, Eren was suspended in the air before landing on his back.
„My back…" -Eren groaned as Annie took the dagger. She then tosses to Reiner.
„There…" -She said, brushing the strand of her hair off her face."Are you ready to take me on?"
„Well, not really…" -Reiner replied, suddenly regretting his decision.
„Don't you dare…" -Eren deadpanned, still lying on the ground."She has a lesson coming, right? You go get her…"
'Eren…You're not making this any easier.' -Finn thought with a sigh.'But still…She's pretty good.'
„You're right. A soldier can back down." -Reiner agreed, mentally cursing himself."Get ready! Here I come!"
Reiner was on the ground before he even knew it. He landed similarly to Eren. Grabbing the dagger, Annie tossed to Finn.
„Let's get this over with." -Annie said tiredly.
„Listen, this was Reiner's stupid idea." -Finn said, lifting his hands in defeat."We don't have to do this."
„Why? Are you scared?" -She asked with a hint of amusement in her tone. Finn was surprised by that."Considering what you did to that bastard, I'd say you have nothing to worry about."
„You saw that?" -She nodded, earning a smile from him."True, I wanted to get rid of him. But that doesn't mean I want to fight you."
„What do you mean? This will be just a 'spar'." -She said, taking her stance. Annie was serious about this.
'She really wants to fight me.' -Finn thought. Looking at her, he asked."You won't let it go unless I fight?"
She didn't say anything. Annie was just staring him down, ready for his move. Unlike Eren and Reiner, Annie seemed far more interested in fighting Finn.
'Here goes nothing. Just don't hurt her or anything.' -Finn thought, gripping the wooden dagger.
Finn charged with his dagger aiming at Annie's chest. Annie was surprised by how Finn was charging at her. It was the same as Eren and Reiner. Why would he be going with the same strategy?
'Perhaps I was wrong…' -Annie mused in her thoughts. She planned to kick him in the shin, then grab him and slam him to the ground.
But what happened next took her by surprise. As Annie was about to make a contact with Finn's leg, He suddenly jumped. He spun around and aimed his heel in the direction of her shoulder. Taken by surprise, Annie had to duck and roll to the side. Landing on his feet, Finn watched as Annie's expression has changed.
„Now this ought to be interesting." -Reiner said with a big smile. As Eren helped him get up, Reiner thought.' We're a team, Annie… But honestly, I want to see your ass kicked just this once.'
„That's better…" -Annie deadpanned. Brushing a strand of her hair, she thought.'I am not letting him surprise me like this ever again.'
Switching to reverse grip, Finn charged at Annie again. This time, his moments were far less predictable. He wanted to be quick and precise. Giving her as little time to react as possible. But proofed to match her reaction accordingly.
Despite his quick slashes, Annie was able to either avoid them or be pushed to the side. At one point, she grabbed his wrist and wanted to twist the knife out of his hand. It worked, but Finn was able to quickly grabbed it with his other hand. He aimed to 'stab' her, but Annie grabbed his other wrist as well. This time, she was lucky and managed to disarm him.
„Not bad, not bad at all." -Annie commented, visibly impressed. For the first time, She looked him in the eyes. The blond girl was surprised to see a set of two-colored eyes. One green, while the other blue."But still not good enough…"
Now having control of both of his arms, Annie wanted to knee his stomach. But in response, Finn blocked it with his own knee. Frowning, she tried that again with her other knee. Same thing. Because of the uncomfortable position, Finn used his superior strength to spread out his arms. Annie didn't want to allow that, but she wasn't as strong as he was.
„Now what?" -She asked tiredly."I don't suppose We're going to be kicking each other until our legs give in."
„I wouldn't want that." -He admitted with a smile."You're really strong, you know?"
„Flattering will get you nowhere." -She commented with a smirk.'When was the last time I fought like that? Probably during my training with Father…' -He thought briefly."Well, what are you going to do? You can anything you like…"
„I don't want to hurt you. After all, this is a 'spar', right?" -He asked with a chuckle.
„You're worrying too much." -Annie reprimanded."In a fight, you have to use any advantages you may come across."
'True, but I don't want to use them on a girl.' -He thought. Finn didn't really care if Annie was strong or okay with his. It wasn't right. But at the same time, he really didn't want to lose. One wrong move and Annie would slam him to the ground. He would try to daze her, but his arms were compromised. The way she was holding his wrist was painful and hard to escape. It wouldn't matter if he wanted to pull back.'There is one way to daze her. Though, she'll hate me for it.'
„Come on, We don't have all day." -She growled.'What are you so afraid of? Whatever you do won't be as bad as what Father did.' -She thought bitterly."Go ahead, do what you want."
„Alright…But I apologize in advance." -Finn said, and Annie raised her eyebrow.
Finn slightly pulls her toward himself. Annie wasn't sure what he was aiming to do, but she was ready for anything. In reality, she wasn't expecting what happened a moment later. Deciding on something that no one would expect, Finn decided to….head-butt her. Of course, not too hard. But enough for her to let go of his wrists.
„Holy shit!" -Reiner exclaimed, trying his best to hide his grin.'Yes! Finally! I don't care if You're from Paradis, Finn, you're a friend in my eyes!'
„Fuck…" -Eren could only comment.'What the fuck? Was that really the best option?'
„What the fuck?!" -Annie snarled. She rubbed her forehead, gritting her teeth.'Did he just head-butt me?! How did I allow this to happen?!'
„I know, I know!" -Finn said, rubbing his forehead."I'm sorry. Really! I've overstepped it. Let's just drop it."
„Oh no, I have to grind your ass first." -Annie growled. But Finn didn't sense any hatred directed at him, though.' I'm not losing this fight. I'm never going to lose to anybody!'
„Annie, please, there is no need for this." -Finn pleaded, but Annie wasn't listening. Instead, she charged at him."I've fucked up…"
Before they knew it, a big circle of Cadets formed around them. They were observing the whole fighting in awe and complete shock. Their fight almost resembled a dance of some kind. Finn and Annie were going back and forth; neither was giving up. As Annie was bombarding Finn with her attack, Finn was mostly on the defensive. Blocking and evading. He knew that Annie would eventually get tired.
Finn was completely wrong. Annie, despite clear tiredness, was still fighting. He himself was getting tired. They were both bruised, dirty, and cut in few places. While Finn had a busted lip, Annie had a cut above her right eye.
Wiping the blood above her eye, Annie balled her fist.
'Dammit! If I could just tackle him….' -She thought, watching as Finn was panting."What….? Getting tired…?"
„I could…tell the same about you…" -He replied with a dry voice.'Shit…How long have been fighting?'
„Beat him up, Annie!"
„Don't let her defeat you!"
„You can do it! Just one more punch!"
„Come on! You can defeat her, Finn!" -Reiner exclaimed with a big smile.'This is brilliant!'
'Reiner…Always a team player.' -Annie thought in annoyance.'Hate to admit it, but he's good. Even my Father would have difficulties with him…'
'This reminds me of my training with Grandfather…' -Finn thought with a small smile.' She's amazing…No doubt about it.'
„They've been going on like this for more than ten minutes." -Eren said in disbelief. It was shocking how much stamina they had. But what was more shocking, was the fact that Shadis was nowhere to be seen.'As much was I want to stop this…I'm too scared to get in the cross-fire.'
„They're gonna kill each other if they keep this up." -Connie said, and Sasha nodded.
„This is getting out of hand." -Sasha added."We should stop them."
„Are you kidding me?" -Reiner asked, bewildered."This is the best part!"
„Reiner, it's no longer funny anymore." -Eren said, annoyed. Forcing himself to move, Eren walked between Finn and Annie."Come on, guys! That's enough."
„Take a step back, Yeager. I'm warning you." -Annie growled.'No one's stopping this fight.'
„Listen to her, Eren." -Finn advised."She'll break you in two if she wants to."
„Eren, let them finish." -Reiner said with crossed arms. With a heavy sigh, Eren gave up and returned to the crowd."Go Ahead. No one's stopping you."
„We're in this situation because of you, Reiner." -Finn complained, causing Reiner to laugh.
„Yeah, what Finn said." -Annie agreed.
„Hey…Annie?" -He called, earning a tired sigh from Annie.
„What?" -She asked, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
„How about one last attack?" -Finn offered, showing his index finger."Whoever goes down, wins. Agreed?"
„Whatever…" -She deadpanned, giving Finn a slight nod.'Dammit…I have to put everything into my kick.'
„Alright then…" -Finn said and balled his fist.'I don't want to hit her, but maybe she'll knock me down before I do anything.'
Taking a long breath, Finn finally charged at Annie. Annie on the other hand lifted her leg and aimed her kick toward Finn's head. Her foot connected with Finn's head, but it wasn't enough to drop him. Instead, he fought off the pain and punched her in the guts. The force of the punch knocked the air out of her.
„WHAT IN THE WALLS NAME IS GOING ON?!"
„Shit…" -Connie cursed out loud. It was Keith Shadis. A silence fell upon the training grounds.
„That's enough! Both of you, STOP!" -Keith ordered.
Both Finn and Annie fell backward. Finn felt a sharp ringing in his left ear as well as dizziness. Annie was clenching her belly and panting heavily.
„What do you think you two are doing?!" -Keith demanded, but no one responded."This was supposed to be a combat 'exercise', not the actual fight." -He paused at looked at the state of the two."You need to get to the infirmary. Cadet Yeager and Springer, take Cadet Broed." -They nodded and quickly rush to Finn's side."Cadet Carolina and Blouse, take Cadet Leonhardt. I'll talk with you later…"
„Hey, dude, you good?" -Connie asked, wrapping Finn's arm around him.
„Yeah, this was insane." -Eren agreed, wrapping Finn's other arm around him.
„Dizzy…" -Finn said weakly."I kinda can't hear on my left ear too…"
„Annie, are you okay?" -Mina asked with worry. She and Sasha wrapped her arms around them.
„That hit looked pretty bad." -Sasha commented, but Annie said nothing.
They slowly made their way toward the infirmary. There was a word between them. Despite getting kicked in the head, Finn felt bad about the situation. He blamed himself for not trying harder to stop the fight. As well as blaming his thirst for a fight.
„Eh? Finn? Annie? What happened?" -Armin, who was lying in the bed, asked. Next to him were sitting Krista and Mikasa.
„Oh my god." -Krista said with worry."What happened to you two?!"
„Their 'spar' got out of hand." -Eren explained with a sigh.
„Can you just put me down?" -Finn pleaded."I really want to lie down."
Suddenly, The Nurse came back from the other room.
„This is a joke…." -Nurse complained."Four Cadets, not even an hour. What's with kids these days."
Finn and Annie were both lied next to each other, as there were not many beds available. After treatment and scolding, the Nurse left to tend to Rolf's unconscious body. Mina, Sasha, Mikasa, and Eren left the infirmary soon after.
„Hey, Armin…" -Finn called, and Armin looked at him with worry."How's your arm?"
„Unfortunately, it's broken." -Armin said dejectedly."But it will only take a couple of weeks to heal."
„Don't worry, He won't hurt you anymore." -Finn assured with a smile. Armin didn't find any reason to smile, though. He was still weak."Don't worry. How about I help you build some strength up?"
„Really?" -Armin asked, and Finn gave him a big grin."That would mean a lot to me."
„No problem. That's what friends are for." -Finn said, and finally, Armin smiled.
„Listen, I'm good enough to go and eat something." -Armin said and got up from his bed."Take some rest. We'll bring you some food later, okay?"
„Sure thing, Armin." -Finn said with a nod. After making sure that Armin has left, Finn looked at Annie. She was looking at the ceiling with an empty look."Hey, Annie….?"
„Yeah…?" -Was she said. She glanced at him and saw the worry in his eyes.
„I'm sorry…For everything." -He apologized. Hearing how much he was regretting it made Annie feel uneasy."For head-butting and punching you. That was uncalled for. I hope you don't hate me…"
„I don't." -She said, fully turning her head toward."I'm at blame here too. I toss that knife to you. Kicked you in the head too, remember?"
„Yeah, but I hope I didn't hurt you." -He said looking down. She gave him a sigh.
„I'm fine, so don't worry about me." -She said with a somehow sad tone. Finn was confused about her tone."You should worry when Shadis comes here. Let's hope that We don't get kicked out."
„Yeah, I guess…" -He agreed and gave her a small smile.
„If you don't mind me asking…" -Annie trailed off."Where did you learn how to fight?"
„My Grandfather." -He explained."It's like a family tradition. Passed down from generation to generation." -She nodded, understanding."How about you? Those were some amazing techniques."
„My father…" -Her tone was sad yet again. Finn wondered why was she sad.
„I see…You're a pretty good fighter." -He complimented her.
„Likewise." -Finn noticed a tiny smile on her face. It was a good sign.
„Would you mind teaching them to me?" -He asked, surprising her.
„Why? You don' really need them." -She asked, causing Finn to chuckle."What's so funny?"
„Nothing. I just like learning new things." -He explained with a shrug."Hey, if you teach me some of your techniques, I will teach you some of mine?"
„I don't know…" -She said, not looking him in the eyes.
„I'm not forcing you." -Finn said with a kind smile."If you don't want to, then that's okay. It's up to you…" -After a moment of thinking, Annie let out a sigh.
„Sure, why not. I'm curious what else can you do." -She admitted, though her expression didn't show it.
„Alright! How about this Friday?" -Finn asked, and Annie nodded. Suddenly, they heard doors opening. In came Keith Shadis.'Shit…'
Armin was sitting beside Eren, Mikasa, Reiner and Connie. He had difficulties with eating due to the cast on his arm.
„Armin, let me help you." -Mikasa said, but Armin shook his head.
„I'm alright. You don't have to baby feed me." -He said with a tired sigh."Besides, shouldn't any of you go and bring Finn and Annie some food?"
„Yeah, I'm not sure about that." -Reiner said weakly.
„You're only saying that because it's all your fault." -Connie reminded, causing Reiner to roll his eyes.
„I said I'm sorry." -Reiner said, and everyone let out a sigh
„Don't apologize to us." -Eren said."You should apologize to them. This whole thing was your idea."
„I know…. I'll apologize to them later." -Reiner promised."Let's just hope that they won't get kicked out or something."
Suddenly, everyone heard the doors being open. They look and froze. It was Finn and Annie. Everyone saw that Finn had his head in bandages, while Annie was slightly limping. The entire Mess Hall was quiet as they observed the two. Not caring about the looks, they both went to take the food. After that, they split, with Annie sitting next to Mina and Finn sitting with his friends.
„Um, Hey…" -Eren said, staring at his friend with confusion." What are you doing here?"
„I came to eat the supper, what else?" -Finn asked, raising his eyebrow at the question.
„Yeah, We can see that…" -Connie commented."But what he meant was, why are you here and not in the infirmary?"
„Because I'm fine." -He explained with a shrug.
„After that whole thing?" -Mikasa asked. She was worried about her friend. She glanced at Annie before looking back at Finn."I mean, you should be in bed."
„Wouldn't be here if I wasn't fine." -Finn retorted."It's fine, I'll be taking three days off the training."
„That's good. But, what about Shadis?" -Armin asked."I saw him coming to the infirmary."
„Well…He did shit on us for what happened." -Finn admitted with a frown."More me than Annie. After all, I did cripple Rolf."
„So, you're not getting kicked out for that?" -Reiner asked surprised.
„No. He saw what Rolf did to Armin." -He explained, pointing at Armin's cast."Wanted to personally berate him, but I did it for him. He was impressed with my skills, and so Annie's. Said that it would be a waste to kicked us out."
„That's it?" -Eren asked in disbelief. All that and nothing happened?
„Oh, no…I'll be stuck with cleaning and cooking for the next two weeks." -Finn explained with a sheepish smile."Same as Annie, though, it'll be shorter for her."
„Still…That's pretty light punishment." -Reiner mused out loud."Listen…I'm sorry for coming up with this idea."
„Don't apologize to me." -Finn said while shaking his head."You should apologize to Annie instead. this whole started with you pissing her off. Go and apologize."
„I…uh…Um…" -Reiner didn't really want to apologize to her. Not because it was the right thing to do, but because he was scared to piss her off even more.
„You're a soldier, right? You need to take responsibility for your actions." -Finn taunted him, earning snickers from the rest.
„I get it." -He said and got up. They watched as he went to Annie's table."Hey Annie…."
„What do you want?" -She growled. Annie was clearly in no mood to talk to him.
„I just wanted to apologize before." -He started."I shouldn't have taunted you like that. I'm sorry…"
„Well, you can take you apologizes and shove it up to your ass." -Annie snarled, getting angrier by a second.
„Annie! He just wants to apologize." -Mina said."I get it, you're angry. But he actually came and apologized to you."
„I don't care." -Annie deadpanned.
„It's alright. I just came to apologize." -Reiner said calmly, not trying to make his situation even worse."I'm not going to bother you anymore, Annie."
With that, he left and rejoined with the group.
„See? That wasn't so hard." -Eren said with a cheeky grin.
„Yeah, yeah, whatever…" -Reiner snorted."Not that she wanted my apologies anyway."
„It's important that you've apologized." -Connie said with a smile."Still, this fight was pretty sick. Never seen anything like that back in my village."
„Yeah, you really know how to fight." -Reiner commented.'I wonder if he can teach me some of his techniques.'
„Well, I guess…." -Finn wasn't really feeling like bragging about it.
„Yeah! Man, I wish I could fight like that." -Connie said with a big grin."Can you teach me?!"
„Gentlemen." -Mikasa called."He's had enough for today. Let him rest, please…"
„Sorry…" -Connie said, his grin fading.
„It's alright." -Finn said with a smile."Maybe I will show you a move or two later."
„Really?! Awesome!" -Connie exclaimed with excitement.
'I really have to step up.' -Eren thought while looking at Finn. He momentarily glanced at Annie as well.'If I want to get stronger, I have to work harder. Harder than everybody else.'