Chapter 7:

Involuntary Separation

That very same day where Aimi Ackerman and her friends began their challenging goal to become soldiers in the Training Corps. The group were mainly showed around and were told what would be expected from them. There was loads to be anticipated from them. First they had to train to practice unarmed combat, by being able to defend and attack anyone of opposing threat. Then you also had to be able to work on the skill of aptitude, where you are expected to be able to balance on your hips using certain gear, sound familiar? This is so soldiers can use vertical manoeuvring gear known as "Posture Control Training." Then you're expected to learn about three-dimension adaptation. Humans is capable of doing two dimension mobility, but during the Training Corps the demands to expand is high. It requires a lot of physical strength, particularly in the legs. That when you are in mid-ai, it is essential to be able to assess your surroundings. To practice these skills, Niamh explains all of this to Aimi, Eleanor and Milo on how to do so through bungee jumping and gymnastics with certain equipment. Then trainees are expected to learn on how to use certain weapons to kill off the titans, such as the Ultrahard Steel Swords, or known as the Anti-Titan Weapon. Through that, they have to be able to use the vertical manoeuvring equipment along with the weapons to apply both skills together in order to reach the ultimate goal of fighting off the titans. Then there comes the endurance runs, horse riding to then lecture material learning and about strategy and technical skills. So yes, a lot to cover in 13 days, when already one day has been taken away from them.

Now in the later hours of the evening the day had disappeared into total darkness. Aimi and her friends were in their dorms, unfortunately Milo was separated from the girls and was with a bunch of boys. But credit to Byran; Milo fitted in ok amongst the strangers. Niamh shared a cabin with Aimi and Eleanor, getting along with them as if they known each other for years. As for Kai and Emet, both were sent into a corrective building, a lot of trainees were giving them strange looks for the pair having to go inside there. Some were even coming up with rumours that they just came out of prison, that Emet and Kai wanted to have a fresh start to serve the king. Or whatever lame reason may be... Of course that came from the boys, few of them to be jealous as the girls were now fond of the new, intriguing young men.

"Why are we all the way out here?" Groaned Emet, sitting down on the uncomfortable bed in irritation.

"We've got no other choice. It'll only be for two weeks." Kai sighed, sitting on his own bed.

"Two weeks? Easy for you to say. I know I have some military experience back from when I was a kid, and that you've been in training recently. But what about Aimi, Milo and Eleanor? Aimi doesn't learn things quickly. The only thing I'd be surprise if she's unable to pass the unarmed combat, because that's all she does in the streets back home." Emet argued, growing increasingly worried the more he talked about his younger sister.

"She'll be fine. As long as she keeps focused, that's all we can hope for. But what about Milo and Eleanor?"

"You're right." Emet grumbled, remembering also about how Milo is a very petite boy and would get easily crushed in combat whilst Eleanor lacked common sense.

The men sighed in unison, realising the next two weeks will be one hell of a task to overcome. Emet then remembered about Carla, seeing how much she looked down upon him whatever chance she had. He frowned, glaring his eyes towards the wooden walls.

"And what's her problem?"

"Who?"

"The Captain's. She's been onto me ever since we met. What's her problem?" He repeated, sounding more and more irritated when he spoke each word.

"Captain Carla... Um, so you seriously don't remember?" Kai asked, unsure if Emet truly didn't recall his incident Emet had in the forest outside the walls.

"Remember what, Kai? All I remember is throwing you and Aimi side that cave, then got grabbed by a titan and-"

"Turned into one yourself?" Carla finished his rant, standing by the entrance of the shelter and caused Kai to jump out of his skin whilst Emet just flinched.

Carla had snuck in, just in time for Emet to continue his rant about her problem with him. She grunted, walking in closer towards Kai and Emet and stands by the edge of Emet's bed. Their eyes locked, ready for this intriguing topic to keep going.

"What do you mean, turned into one?" Emet asked, feeling unsettled deep down in his gut.

"Emet Ackerman, don't play dumb with me."

"I'm not. I genuinely don't know what you are talking about."

"Emet, you're a titan shifter." Carla stated, making Emet's eyes shrink into tiny balls before he snapped back,

"What the hell even is that? Kai, do you even believe in this?!"

Kai, watching the two bark like dogs at each other. Stands up and walked to the middle of the bed, almost in a way in-between Emet and Carla. Their eyes noticed his movement and stopped to hear what the young Arlert had got to say.

"Kai..." Emet, feeling as though he wasn't going to like what he about to hear.

"Titan Shifters are humans in possession of the "Titan's powers." Which allows them to transform into Titans. Unlike regular Titans, the ones who chased us in the forest...Titan Shifters are able to control their regular form and retain their human intelligence." Kai saw Emet's face grow almost scared at what he was hearing, "Emet, back in the forest.. you-"

"No."

"You turned..."

"NO! You're lying! The hell man? I remembered a titan grabbed me, clearly it ate me, then I somehow got caught in the titans throat or something.. No.. NO.. I don't believe you." Emet snapped at Kai, his eyes shaking in rage after what he listened to. He couldn't be a titan shifter, "Don't even bother saying otherwise. I don't remember being one of those man-eating rogues."

"Emet, maybe you lost your memory during-" Kai tried to explain, only to be stopped by Emet shouting;

"NO KAI, YOU'RE WRONG! I AM NOT A TITAN SHIFTER. DO YOU HEAR ME-" Emet turned his head to Carla, making sure she understood what Emet was getting at, "I AM NOT A MONSTER! I AM NOT A TITAN! I AM A PERSON!"

"Enough before you have a meltdown." Carla ordered, "Get up and come outside with me. I can't be bothered having this conversation anymore ."

"Outside? Why?" Kai asked, thinking why on earth would Captain Carla want them outside this late at night.

"Let's go." Carla insisted, leaving the cabin with Emet and Kai behind her.

Emet barely spoke after what Kai and Carla tried to accuse him of being. A titan shifter? Go to hell, Emet thought to himself. Underneath the blanket of stars, Carla takes the two men to see big like podiums, almost like a tripod up ahead. There were three of them. Carla goes inside a shed and grabs out two belts, handing both of them to Emet and Kai asking,

"You both familiar with vertical manoeuvre training?"

"We'll only from the introductory session from the Instructor." Kai explained, putting on the belt doing so.

"Well, I want you' s to practice this tonight. As long as you's do well in this. You'll be out of here no matter what. So don't fuss over the other parts of the programme, though do consider the better you do...the chances of surviving will be in your favour. Though for Aimi and the other two is a different story."

"A different story, wait, what?" Emet asked, particularly about Aimi.

"Listen. You have to understand it isn't safe for anyone that you're here. Therefore I want you gone after the two weeks are up. You better hope Aimi and the rest pass, because if they don't. They're done for and there is nothing I can do for them."

Emet was furious, he marched over to Carla replying, "No. Aimi is coming with me. I don't care if she doesn't pass-"

"You want her to die then? Aimi won't survive this world if she can't even defend herself. Wow, you must be the devil then if that's how you want to be."

Emet's blood began to boil. He cared about his sister and his family more than anything yet some random stranger is making him out to be selfish. That's the whole reason why he wanted her by his side, because they were in a world surrounded by monsters.

"You calling me a devil for wanting me to be by my sisters' side? You must not have a heart for not wanting to be by your loved ones side, calling me a devil?" Emet snarled, staring up and down at Carla, "Better go look at a mirror and call yourself th-"

Carla grabbed onto Emet's infinity scarf, pulling him closely into her eyes. The rage they shared, close to becoming hatred for Carla as she spat back;

"Don't even dare finish what you're about to say. You don't know me, titan. I can finish you off right here. Right now. But here I am letting you inside the walls, giving you a chance to get your shit together. And you're calling me a devil?"

Emet's face dropped, he wasn't feared by her. Kai was ready to step in but stopped when saw Emet seemed tired of him playing the bigger person. Carla did have a point, she was doing a lot for them right now when she didn't have to. Emet lowered his eyes, letting go on his tension and sighed to her,

"You're not. I.. I just want her to be safe. Aimi's safety is my priority. I promised our mother i'd bring her home."

Carla loosened her grip, listening to the Ackerman asking her; "Where will she go if she doesn't make it."

"I don't know."

"Ok. Can I then ask for one thing?"

"What?"

"If she doesn't make it, can you please guarantee Aimi's safety.. Until I can protect her myself once I qualify as a soldier because I am not a titan. I am Aimi's brother. That's all that matters. I'll do my best to make sure she does pass. But, at least I know if I fail to do so her safety is guaranteed."

Carla lets go of Emet, surprised by his dramatic state of calmness. That sense of genuine concern for Aimi Ackerman, Carla looked over to Kai who he too shared the same sense of awe. She furrowed her eyebrows, sighing and walked away from Emet who remained staring at the ground. He didn't expect her to answer him but it was worth the try.

"Right, both of you hook onto these ropes.. Then tomorrow night, I'll run over some other skills."

For the rest of the night, Kai and Emet learnt quite quickly from Carla. Kai was able to balance almost perfectly, coordinating balance by stabilising the lower half of his body and allowed his upper end to hang loose. Emet did find it challenging at first, but was able to catch up thanks to Kai mentioning tightening his abdomen. Now in the much later hours of the night, Carla instructs the men to bed. Day one completed. It won't be long till those days are up.

Throughout all of this. Eren, Mikasa and Armin were watching. They reacted to a range of different time of events. It was like the world they were watching wasn't real. For Armin, to see the old Paradis again compared to his current home. It was indescribable. From the clothes people wore, the architecture and the quality of living in itself was different, but yet felt familiar and somewhat comforting. Though when he saw how his son Kai had exposed information about the titans extinction, has definitely left room for discomfort but was surprised that Eren and Mikasa didn't react much to it. Eren's face remain still, listening to what was going on. Armin feared a time paradox would emerge, but then realised that so much damage has already been done. He couldn't help but think how much his son has tried to play the peace keeper roll, negotiating in hope to earn Carla's trust and help in his son and the others' survival. Which thankfully it did work, however he couldn't help but wonder why the sudden short amount of time Kai and the rest were given to train in the Training Corps. It was almost physically impossible, for Armin knew himself when he was only 12-15 years old; he really struggled, but because of his intelligence he made it into military.

Mikasa, sitting in between Eren and Armin still felt anxious. This younger Carla, fierce, quite stern and cold towards Emet, was not the woman she grew up and remembered. It was understandable why this 'current' Carla was behaving towards with her son, but to isolate him? To threaten? To call him the devil? It was absurd. As for Aimi, that too made Mikasa worry for her. Aimi was bright, quick wit and learned some combat moves from Mikasa herself for self defence in case of any dangerous situation. Then Mikasa started to think about Milo and Eleanor; they may not be her own kids, but they always been apart of Aimi's life. Mikasa wished there and then she could be there by Emet and Aimi's side, helping them train the way she knew how. Or better still, defend them both herself. When it came to the topic of Emet and his titan abilities, Mikasa couldn't help but feel sorry for her son.

All was left was Eren. In regards to everything he saw, from Kai who exposed the future events to his mother. He thought he would panic or get mad at Kai, but in a way it was pointless. For Eren's goal by the end of this disaster was to fix everything, to resume back to everything the way it was. To how he, Mikasa and Armin ended this curse many years ago. As for the whole Training Corps, becoming soldiers in 14 days? Was practically impossible- that looking into it would create another headache, something Eren didn't want to put himself through. Eren, from a child of no age up to 15; dreamed to be a part of the Survey Corps. Everyday he gave so much effort and drive into the Cadets programme. Everyday was like fuel to push him to make his way to the 10 top, even though he was ranked 5th best compared to Mikasa who topped at 1st place- effortlessly but not as passionate as Eren was (or at all, if I may add.) He was happy for Mikasa at the time, but back at his ignorant teenage phase, jealously poured out of him. He could hear his younger self, telling himself and the world internally in pure determination as if it was yesterday;

"Finally, I made it this far. Now, it'll be our turn... to devour the titans!"

He couldn't help but wonder how his mother would think if the current Carla saw him train. But the whole concept of her as a soldier overall- a soldier in the Survey Corps.. no.. Captain of the Survey Corps. It was interesting for Eren, watching her teach Kai and Emet learn how to balance. Although she seemed half hearted about it, he could sense she was holding back. Her relationship with Emet; was almost like watching cats and dogs try not to kill each other. He couldn't help but place himself in Emet's shoes if Carla had known Eren was too a Titan Shifter, the Attack Titan. Would she be scared? Feared'? Or angry like she is right now? It was those sort of questions that tortured him.

"What would my mother think?"

That was a question he remembered back in Marley in the year late 853, walking by the dock when he was debating if or no6 he should proceed with the Rumbling. He never felt so lost and conflicted along with feeling sick to the stomach in his entire life. Those faces he walked amongst, the couple and that random woman who was pregnant... expecting a child that was short lived due to his hideous actions.

"What would… my mother think..."Eren whispered to himself, closing his eyes to try remove that memory from his head.

"Ok. They have 14 days." Armin said, who didn't hear Eren's question he asked himself; "I don't know how they are going to do it. But, are we going to just sit here for 14 days wondering if they can?"

"I don't know if I could." Mikasa admitted.

"Right. Well, I think I can confirm that this aura has a form of power that can control time to a certain extent." Armin begins to explain, standing up to do so, "It's like Eren when he had cohabited both the Attack and full power of the Founding Titan. The events began to form as one. Makes sense, right? The founder was able to see everything from the past and then the Attack Titan had abilities to see into the future. Well, memories of future Attack Titan inheritors.. Meaning, the Aura may be able to replicate those abilities based form earlier."

"So you want it to show future events instead of us watching?" Eren asked, figuring that is what Armin was getting at.

"Precisely!" Armin clicked his finger in agreement, "I'll lead! Now, I don't think it can show us everything in the future. So we'll take it at a certain pace. Any requests?"

"You sound like you're enjoying this." Mikasa sighed, "Aimi... Show me Aimi."

"I am not. But you can admit, it is fascinating.." Armin span round, becoming intrigued more and more by the aura.

"Ok, you seem to have a life of your own. Show Aimi in her training.."

Before their eyes there appeared Aimi. It must've been a few days into the training and it wasn't looking good. There she was practising manuvering training, unable to balance at all. Milo, who was behind Aimi was trying to encourage her going;

"Aimi, find your centre-"

"COMMON ACKERMAN, STRAIGHTEN UP!" Shouted Instructor Martin at Aimi, making her jolt up to try rebalance.

"Oh no.." Armin whispered, seeing Aimi falling over and smacked her face on the dried earth.

Mikasa's faced dropped to see Aimi's fall, Eren on the other hand felt like he was experiencing deja vu of himself too struggling with maneuvering. Everyone from the aura cringed to hear the sound of Aimi's face hit the ground, the pain nobody would want to experience. Milo, pulling Aimi back up to centre gasped to see her nose was bleeding due to the impact. Emet, who emerged from the crowds ran up to her, pulling out a tissue from his jacket;

"Lean your head forward and breath through your mouth, Aimi."

There they see Aimi doing what Emet suggested as she tried to hold her embarrassment and tears.

"Here, I'll check if your belt is working!" Milo suggested, starting to look around Aimi's waist.

"Maybe that's the problem!" Mikasa hoped, looking over to Eren that Aimi was just going through what he did. Eren already was looking at Mikasa too, hoping for the same conclusion also.

"I'm sure that's wha-"

"Well, Becker?" The instructor asked Milo.

"No.. It looks intact.."

Eren's eyes softened to see Mikasa's face saddened. Armin turned round to Mikasa, kneeling down to her; "Mikasa, don't stress. I mean- it's only her first day."

"That's not why I am freaking out." Mikasa cuts off Armin, "It's because it's not like when Eren struggled... I was there by his side. I was able to be there for Eren and leave the training corps if he wanted to. But what about Aimi?" Mikasa holds her breath, preventing herself from spiralling out of control and sighed, "But... I have faith in her. She'll be fine. Aimi always pulls through.."

"You know her better than anyone, Mikasa." Eren said, "If you say she'll be fine. Then Aimi will be."

His attempt of comfort made Mikasa's smile return. The three continued to watch Aimi struggle with vertical maneuvering training until even the Instructor Martin himself tells her to step off it. People around the place were talking about her, Milo and Niamh was trying to reassure her that it was only her first day and to try again later in the week. Emet was then asked to practice the training, and by no surprise thanks to Carla's effort the night before. Emet performed it perfectly.

"Why did Carla only show Kai and Emet the training, but not the rest?" Armin wondered, hearing Instructor Martin praise Emet's first try.

"Excellent Ackerman, you should show your sibling the following day how its done."

"Yes, sir." Emet replied, taking off the belt from his waist.

Mikasa had a mixture of emotions. She wanted to be happy that Emet was getting the hang of things, and yes in the way it was good Carla planned to spend future nights running over further skills with her son and Kai. But why not Aimi, Eleanor or Milo? Kai, unlike his father- probably from his side of Annie; was a natural. Kai was decent at fighting and vertical maneuvering. His academic scores were excellent, however nothing compared to Armin's back in the day. His presence around camp was noted. For Emet, he was close to a success as Kai. Then with Eleanor and Milo it was quite a turnaround. Milo found the technical stuff easy due to his family's past and was scoring well in the lectures. The only thing he struggled with was endurance and combat but managed to pull through. Whereas for Eleanor. whatever Milo couldn't do- Eleanor could. As for Aimi, she struggled with the vertical maneuvering and couldn't wrap her head around the lecture cotent. The more and more she struggled, you can see as the days went on how much confidence Aimi lost. Eren, Mikasa and Armin rreally felt for the girl, seeing her trying to combat train with Emet who was dodging her punches going,

"Aimi, common! You're normally good at this sort of thing."

"Emet. I'm trying!"

"Not hard enough, we only have now 4 days before the ceremony. Just foc-" Before Emet could pester in Aimi's eyes even more, she comes into him with a long knee move- holding onto the back of her brothers head, pulling him forward and kneed his abdomen.

"I SAID I AM TRYING EMET!"

Aimi was meant to be using her wooden knife, but her frustration made her completely forget about it.

Armin hissed at the impact of her kicks, he didn't realise Aimi could fight like that. It was quite a dirty move to be honest. Mikasa, who taught Emet and Aimi these moves when they were younger didn't much approve of her daughters choice of action, shaking her head in dismay.

"She can definitely fight." Eren pointed out, "It might be enough if she does well in the endurance runs and wraps her head around the maneuvering."

"Will that be enough though?" Mikasa asked Eren, "Maybe in another two week. But she's only got 4 days."

Emet recovered from Aimi;s blow, groaning and he sighed to his sister within the aura,

"That's how I want you to be Aimi."

There the three saw the girl sigh, knowing deep down in her heart that Emet was just pushing her to keep going. Aimi felt so defeated by the training, but she knew there were only 4 days left. But learning something quickly wasn't ever Aimi's ability. Even back at home she hated school, nothing clicked in her head for long periods of time so this was just a reminder of her academic struggles.

Aimi helped her brother up, lost in her thoughts doing so and continued to train with him. She wanted the day to be over with, and that was something Mikasa, Eren and Armin could read easily on her face.

As the night returned once more, it was two days before the ceremony and tomorrow the scores would be finalised for the top 10 soldiers. By now Carla knew the commander would have received her letter, wondering now what his reaction may be.

'Kai and Emet should be ready, they've picked up pretty quickly. By graduation they should be off. As for Milo and Eleanor.. Not bad either.' Carla begins to think to herself, 'However, it's Aimi... Will she pull through?'

Carla was walking around the camp, another night where she barely sleeps. She stands beside a cabin, leaning against the corner of it, pondering in her thoughts;

'What if this doesn't work out? I only got one shot at this. If all of this fails. Then there's nothing else I can do for them.'

Just ad Carla is about to turn back to her cabin that was at the other side of the camp, she heard someone curse from a distance. Frowning, Carla followed the noise until she seen who it was. There, training alone by the vertical maneuvering equipment was Aimi. She was hanging up side down and awkwardly pulled herself up again before falling back down to the ground. When Aimi finally managed to pull herself up, she unhooked herself from the belt and falls on her backside.

'How did she manage to even get up there to practice?' Carla wondered, continuing to watch Aimi groan to herself in frustration.

"For fuck sake." Aimi cursed, sounding close to tearing up.

Aimi had been practising the maneuver gear over the past hour. Nobody seemed to be around so Aimi felt like she could get away with it. However getting better just seemed impossible at this point, there has been so much pressure the past week. All of this to try and get home, survive from a world of titans and find where her mother could be.

"I can't..." Aimi paused, holding back the tears stinging her eyes, "I can't do this mum.. "

By the time Aimi finished her sentence she began to cry into her hands. Carla remained still, listening to Aimi sulk to herself.

"No matter how hard I try... It won't be enough. I'm sorry mum. I don't know how I'm going to get home if I can't even balance on that fucking thing.. Look at me.. I'm 19 years old, acting like a child.. a useless one at that."

Aimi raised her head up, the tears falling down her cheek choking, "I never realised how useless I am mum... Emet is going to survive this... not me."

Carla had enough of the girls meltdown, beginning to emerge out from the shadows of the cabin out towards the light; her face showing pain for the girl but turned suddenly cold as she called out,

"It's late."

Aimi, startled by the voice and saw the Captain look down upon her. Aimi fumbled to her feet, embarrassed to have been caught by Captain Carla and sniffed away the previous tears that left a trace on her face.

"I'm sorry... I was practising. I-I won't do it again." Aimi sniffed, straightening up her composure.

Silence filled the air, only to be broken a moment later as Carla stood aside and sighed, "Go back to the cabin before anything else sees you."

Without another word, Aimi walked off and had completely forgotten about the gear she left on the podium to practice maneuvering. Instead of Carla shouting back for the girl, she puts it away herself as she was already aware how embarrassed Aimi already was. It was hard to watch Aimi talk harshly about herself, emotions can run wild sometimes.

And just like that, graduation day arrived and the ceremony was going to commence later in the evening. Inside the main hall, Carla was heading her way to the Instructor's office. There was something she needed to check, Carla needed to make sure everything was going according to plan. As Carla catches sight of Instructor Martin, talking to fellow instructors she interrupted their conversation asking;

"Where's the scores?"

"Scores? And you want them for what reason?" Martin asked back, raising his eyebrows at Carla.

"Commander Hunter wanted me to see if any potential cadets are worthy for Survey Corps, remember?"

"I'm aware. But isn't that up to the cadets who wishes to choose which regiment they want to be involved in?"

"That's correct, but you know the Commander doesn't want just any trainee toddling up. He wants soldiers who have what it takes. You out of all people knows what he's like." Carla tsked continuing, "So he's entrusted me to aid in this selection. He's even arriving tonight, so I can't afford to not get the job down. "

"Captain has a fair point," Agreed one of the instructors beside Martin, "He is a man of no mercy."

Instructor Martin grunted, eyeing Carla if what she was getting at was accurate. This bold man knew the Commander very well, Hunter was a very brutal man. "Go on ahead, it's in there. None of them have been dispatched to the cadets yet."

Carla started to head for the mans office, only to halt as she heard Martin say, "However..."

"What?" Carla asked, her head tilted back to listen what Martin had to say.

"That Ackerman girl, she's to be called forward before the Ceremony."

"Why's that?"

"See for yourself."

Concerned, Carla entered the office to see the document lying on the desk, opening it up and begins to read the scores. Her face dropped, an outcome she didn't expect. As she continued to flick through the pages, seeing all the individuals names.

"No..." Carla gasped, seeing Aimi's, Eleanor and Milo name and the marks they were given and in anger slammed the document, using her hand to push her fringe back in disbelief.

Carla groaned in frustration, almost about to scream in anger at the outcome but stopped herself when something came into her thoughts. Carla turned back to the folder, realising what she needed to do.

"So that's how it's going to be, huh? Of course life ain't that easy."

Before the ceremony started; Kai, Emet, Milo, Eleanor and Aimi were talking amongst themselves along with many other cadets as they were waiting outside to be brought forward. Aimi was exhausted, she stayed up late night before for the test day. Trying to cram in the knowledge, techniques, tips from all the other trainees and of course her friends in preparation for the big day. In short to conclude on how she did, in honesty she done better than she thought. In unarmed combat she was decent in, in endurance it too went well along with everything else bar the one god damn error she had with the maneuvering. When she thought she almost had it, Aimi lost balance and like the many times before she fell completely back hitting her head, surprised she didn't achieve a blow hard concussion.

"Hey Aimi," Kai said, smiling down at her to snap Aimi out from her memory of the test day, "How you feeling about tonight?"

"I don't know to be honest. I think..." Aimi trailed off, trying to be honest with herself on how she actually done, "I think I done ok. I'm sure you'll do great."

Kai's cheeks subtlety turned to a tainted pink chuckling to himself, "Ah.. I don't know. I just about think I done alright in the lecture material... I think my old man would be a little disappointed if I didn't do well in that. But, don't worry Aimi." He smiled, putting his hand on her shoulder, "You'll be fine. Just you wait-"

"Aimi Ackerman."

The voice came from Chief Martin, sounding low and unwelcoming. The five turned their heads at him, wondering why he singled Aimi out. Emet walked over to her, his face grew with deep concern and asked,

"Do you want me to come with you?"

Aimi judged the situation, by the look of the Instructors'' face it was a quick call to make a decision, "No.. I think he'd rather talk to me alone."

Emet's eyes were peering over to the Chief, wondering why he wanted to talk to Aimi. Aimi walked off, seeing Milo and Eleanor too showing the same confusion on their faces. As Aimi reached Martin, the tall man hollered out to the rest of trainees;

"THE CEREMONY IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, HERE I WILL ANNOUNCE THE TOP TEN TO ENTER THE HALL FIRST BEFORE THE REST! "

"Why would the Instructor want to talk to Aimi alone?" Mikasa demanded, feeling uneasy after what she witnessed.

"I'm not sure." Armin replied, "I never recalled Keith doing that with anyone."

"Whatever it is, it's clearly something that's only for her to know." Eren said, trying to hide his tone as his gut was screaming that it had to be something bad.

"THE CERMONY IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, HERE I WILL ANNOUNCE THE TOP TEN TO ENTER THE HALL FIRST BEFORE THE REST!"

"They're announcing the top ten, it'll be interesting to see who'll they be." Armin wondered aloud, waiting to hear the Chief Instructor shout further;

"I WILL START AT RANK 10..."

"We're going to find out now.." Eren commented, listening also.

"BRYAN HELENKIN!

UWE FISCHER!

HANNA OBERG!

GALINA PETRO!

DRAGOMIR AZAR!"

"That's some name." Eren said to Armin, their faces smirking at each other as it was quite unique.

"EMET ACKERMAN"

Eren and Armin's faced dropped at what they just heard. Did the Chief just say, Emet Ackerman? Ranked at number 5? Their eyes turned to Mikasa, who's face too was astonished to hear her son's name called out. The three stared into the aura, seeing Emet's face widen in surprise that his name was called forward. Kai's face was in disbelief also, but was expressing positive energy as he patted his friend on the back.

"I trained 3 long years to reach 5th place.." Eren said slowly, "And Emet achieves that place in less than two weeks."

"Emet..." Mikasa said, it was the only thing she could say as she watched her son make his way into the hall.

"That's amazing Mikasa!" Praised Armin, "This is unbelievable! That mustn't been done before. He may not be your son by blood, but he's your boy alright."

"HUGO BROWN.."

Mikasa's face changed to a sweet smile, her eyes showing great pride and replied; "Because I know he's worked hard.. When he puts his heart into something. Like you Eren, he won't stop until he achieves it."

"LUCAS TOUGHNA...

"ISABELLA THORN"

Eren was taken aback by Mikasa's referencing to him when it came to Emet, he realised them and there that it was a compliment.

KAI ARLERT"

"WHAT?" Armin gasped, nearly falling back in great surprise and grinned almost in seconds at the aura, "My Kai? MY SON?"

Armin scrambled up to stand to see his son's reaction, seeing his boy was gobsmacked that he somehow achieved first place. Armin's heart was fluttering with joy, turning his head to see Mikasa and Eren look at him with shock on their faces.

"That's my boy..." Armin mumbled, "He.. He's top cadet.. out of over 100... Kai... "

Armin, like any proud parent was expressing pure buzz, rambling on how he couldn't believe his son was top soldier in a span of two weeks. Eren on the other hand, didn't feel that same shock compared to Emet's rank. Only because there was something about Armin's son that was quite compelling, that something was special about him. In Kai's eyes, there's this spark, this hidden passion that Eren Yeager couldn't put his finger on. Mikasa was too proud of Kai, congratulating Armin on the successor of his son.

"ALRIGHT YOU LOT, YOU MAY ENTER THE HALL! MOVE IT!"

"SIR!" The cadets saluted, now heading their way to the hall.

"Wow.." Aimi gasped, shocked to see Emet and Kai were in the top 10. Of course though, them two were forces to be reckon with in her eyes.

Aimi watched her best pals enter the hall, their eyes looking back for her to ensure she was ok. She waved them off, hoping that it was something small Instructor Martin needed to discuss with her.

"Here." The scary man said, handing over a letter.

Aimi, taking the letter from the instructor opened it up, feeling her hands shaking for some reason. What could this mean? Her grey eyes begin to read the piece of paper informing;

Year 830
Dear Aimi Ackerman,

This letter confirms that your involvement with Training Corps to apply for the Military will be terminated.
We have come to the decision to terminate your position for the following reasons: You have excellent combat skills, however to meet the requirements to be a soldier within the Military in order to defend humanity from Titans and serve our King, it is a skill that isn't prioritised.

Your recent scores, particularly in vertical manoeuvring equipment training has displayed you need more time to hone in and improve further. If we were to graduate you when you're not ready; it will go against your safety and our policy. However, you may return if you wish for the following recruitment application stage to then undergo the full training duration within the Cadet Programme. Your determination is noted and that we appreciate, but sadly isn't enough to withstand your position currently.

Best regards,
Martin Strongbow.

Aimi's hands trembled in fear...No...This can't be right. The Instructor could tell just by looking at Aimi that the girl had finished reading the letter, allowing the information to sink in as the girl was shaking blankly at the piece of paper. The poor girl lifted her eyes up to the Instructor asking as the grey eyes began to water,

"What... does this mean...for me?"

"It means you're unable to graduate, and will be asked to leave the premises tonight."

Oh dear...

Author's Note:

Hello everyone. A longer chapter, yay! I actually enjoyed writing this chapter because I had to watch AOT and read the manga several times to try build an understanding of the Training Corps. How is everyone feeling about Aimi's situation? Was it fair? I would love to ask for my readers, who I appreciate a lot to write a review on what you think. I have been planning more of my plot for the story, and something new has came into my head which I cannot wait to explore. It won't be sadly revealed until... Volume 4-6? I will be exploring some of our beloved characters. Bare with me, I hope I make it worth it.

Disclaimer:

I do not own the characters of Shingeki no Kyokin, they belong to the rightful owner. Other characters later mentioned in the story will be referenced also as the fanfic progresses. The only characters I have ownership are ones created from scratch. Also, IF YOU ARE ANIME ONLY OR HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE MANGA, PEASE DON'T CONTINUE TO READ THIS STORY. Unless, you love spoilers then that's fine by me!

May I see you all next time for another chapter and the release of Volume 3! Cannot wait- things are about to get interesting...

And also, *salutes*

Shinzou o Sasageyo!