Chapter 6

Muscles burning, aching for a rest. Minds numbing, thoughts about giving up and keeping the pace weaving in constant argument. Hearts beating so fast it seemed they'd carve a hole through their owner's chest and seek a new home, where they wouldn't be so mistreated. Each step felt like the last for most cadets in the race.

Bane's body felt the heaviness of the long run, but not to that extent. His pulse was regular, his breath even and calm; his mind focused on his goal as they neared the training zone. This was it. The last test before their training was over, before all the effort was rewarded and everyone could choose which branch of the military they'd join.

The male reached the zone first and immediately went towards the forest. A brief look behind as he went up with his gear showed him most other cadets were trying to regain their breath, taking a few minutes before charging forward once more, but a handful were willing to follow his pace. Eren, Mikasa and Reiner entered right behind him. Alastor gritted his teeth as Ackerman raced him towards the first target, blades shining in the darkened atmosphere of the forest. His swords cut deep and he let out a small sigh of relief moving on for the next.

Braun moved between the trees with great speed; he was one of the fastest on 3DMG despite his size and took advantage of it by using his bulk to achieve greter speed when slicing from above on the target Eren and Alastor tried to reach. The green eyed boy grumbled in anger, while the other's glare hardened before quickening his moves. Behind them, the sounds of the other cadets's gear began to increase as they neared. Bane chose to move to a thicker zone of the forest, trusting his great reflexes to avoid competition. Soon enough, he found himself almost alone and coming to a giant dummy, but the sound of incoming company kept him alert; someone moved behind him with good speed. With a powerful swing both Alastor and his stalker were in attack distance, although the other seemed to come from a point above him. The male knew only two people used that technique. And also knew Sasha was still far behind.

Both sets of swords hit the fake titan's nape at the same time. Alastor and Annie exchanged a single, brief look before leaving to different parts of the training ground. The male charged forward without delay. Since his chat with Shadis, his performance had reached new heights; his training could be described as zealotry, interacting with his comrades in group excercises only and barely talking out of it. His body hardened with more intense training, his mind sharpened with constant mental work, his technique polished with unbreakable discipline. His goal was clear and neither nothing nor anyone would get in between.

As time ran out Bane's attacks became quicker, yet never falling into recklessness: he'd saved as much gas and energy as much he could, avoided dulling his blades or wrecking his gear with every impact; only Ackerman posed a threat, both cadets racing each other way ahead of everyone else, in a dance where they sometimes mimicked the others' movements only to go the opposite direction in a moment, where they barely looked at their partner but whenever they did they always found themselves staring into each others orbs, cold and calculating. Bane felt his heart rush a bit every time she managed to overcome him, adrenaline driving him to fight more fiercely and precisely, to react in the blink of an eye and strike fast as lightning and twice as powerful.

Suddenly a long, screeching noise sounded in the forest. Both recruits, weary and sweaty, looked around as other similar callings echoed the first one. In that moment, a trainer on a nearby tree told them to get down and move to the forest's edge. Mikasa looked at Bane, chest rising and falling quickly.

_Is... is it over? -she asked, panting. He wiped the sweat in his brow with his forearm.

_Seems so.

Once down they began walking slowly, catching their breath and letting the fresh air bring new life to their exhausted beings. Alastor turned to look at the asian.

_By the way, you were amazing. -she smiled softly at the compliment, still looking forward.

_You too Alastor. I didn't think you could surpass your own level the way you just did... but you've trained harder than anyone in the camp despite clearly being in the top ten.

_Perfection is a matter of dedication. -he replied. This time she eyed him, but said nothing as they finally got out of the forest and were greeted by other cadets.

Ackerman went after her two friends. Both looked really tired, with Armin leaning slightly on Eren's shoulder. Jean and Marco stood a bit away, the first exchanging some half assed insults with Jaeger, but as tired as they were neither was too aggressive. Bane stretched his arms above his head and went straight to get his gear off. A shower and food had never been so appealing to his mind as they were now. He had done his part, as best as he could ever have; soon he'd find out if it had been enough.

A few days later, the whole of the trainees were reunited under the stars, in the ceremony marking the end of their days as recruits and the beginning of their lives as soldiers. Anxiety filled the air as they heard Shadis name one by one those who ended up as the top ten. Eight had already been chosen, and some were nervously waiting for the next names, the ones they had made so many bets about.

_NUMBER TWO!

Shadis voice boomed in the night, a few young exchanging quick glances as they waited for the name...

_ACKERMAN, MIKASA!

Stepping forward, she walked towards the platform were the other top tens stood, not paying attention to Jean's worshipping look as she passed from him. A brief look at Eren and a quick wink at Armin, who stood in the front ranks, were her only gestures.

_NUMBER ONE! -Shadis voiced, loud and clear- BANE, ALASTOR!

Eyes followed him as he walked, face as unreadable as ever. A few whispers congratulated him as he passed, yet he didn't seem to even hear them. His eyes showed a sharp look, as if expecting something to happen. Shadis waited until he was in position to resume his speech.

_Right here, right now, you have all ended your training! From today onwards, you shall become the next generation to defend humanity, to aid it! Tonight we also stand and salute our top ten, whose performance made them worthy of their rank!

He made a pause, looking briefly to the sky and took a deep breath.

_But before this day ends, there is another matter to be settled. Recruit Bane, step forward!

The recruits looked at the named one walk forward, standing on the edge of the scenario. Some cadets took notice of the mildly confused and intrigued looks shown by some of the trainers and discreetly pointed it to their comrades. They all went silent when Shadis turned to face Alastor, who did the same in turn.

_Alastor Bane. -said the older man gravely- Is your resolution unchanged? -the younger looked him in the eye and nodded.

_Yes, Sir!

_Will you relinquish your status as number one? -sudden gasps and incredulous "whats" filled briefly the air before Shadis shut them all up with a single glare.

_I will, Sir!

_Very well. Mikasa shall take you place then. Cadet Lenz! -he called out at the crowd, and Krista stepped forward shyly- This means you are to take the now empty tenth place. Come forward. You are dismissed, Bane.

As the girl walked the steps to the platform she glanced at Bane, walking back to his place in the ranks. He didn't spare a single look at her when they crossed, but his eyes looked strangely... amused to the petite blonde.

_With this the ceremony is over! -Shadis shouted at the people gathered- You are now soldiers of mankind! And i salute you!

His fist went to his heart. At unison all cadets did the same gesture, creating a brief but strong thunder that cut through the silence of the night. As Shadis walked away, they headed to the dining hall, chatting, congratulating... and watching the former number one as if he was crazy. Why did he do that?

_Why did you do that?

Indeed, that was the first thing that came out of Eren's mouth once he sat in front of Alastor. He took a sip and looked at him.

_The top ten is made for people who want to go to the MP. I don't. It is wasted on me. -he explained.

_Oh. -Eren seemed to be at ease, but another thought took hold- But even then, if you are going to the Corps, being one of the top ten is a good way to cause a good impression!

_I know. But... -he smiled, and the everyone in the table took note of it- i have something better.

_Yeah? -Connie couldn't help to pipe in- What is it?

_I made a deal with Shadis -he answered to their surprise-. My place in the top ten in exchange for a personal recommendation made by him... to the commander of the Survey Corps, no less.

_C-Commander Smith? -Eren babbled- You can trade... you can do that? But then...!

He stood up, clearly intending to do the same, but Bane did something that stopped him: he put his mug down... and chuckled.

_No Eren, i'm afraid it's a little late. I made that deal before i started my, um, hardcore training about half a year ago. And it wasn't just trading my place, mind you: i had to be the number one. Any less and the deal was off. I guess i'll see you from my... slightly higher rank when you join the Corps, Eren. -he said, with a faint smug tone slipping in his voice.

Jaeger blinked, taking a long gulp from his drink. Not in a million years he would have thought about it, but now he let his mind focus he saw Bane's logic more clearly: for someone like him, or Eren himself, a chance to join the MP was an empty offer; trading it for a personal recommendation from the chief trainer was indeed a clever choice.

_When... when did you think about doing it? -Armin's question got a sharp look from the older recruit, now soldier.

_About a week after we started training. But i only acted once i was sure i counted as one of the top ten; only then i had a solid chance of convincing Shadis.

_And he agreed... just like that? -Bane shrugged.

_He knew my intentions, knew i wouldn't go to the MP. His only condition was for me to attain the position of number one. Only then he'd know my request was worth his time. Now i'm pretty much a member of the Corps.

_Oh... -Eren smiled and winked- Do you think you could... like, you know, pull some strings for us three once you're elbowing with the higher ups?

_Woah Eren, don't become corrupt just yet! -Connie said laughing- Wait a bit before asking favors...

_Specially -Alastor interrupted, gelid voice made them look at him in surprise- when you have no idea what's the price...

_I... i was...

_Kidding, i know. Me too. As for pulling strings... you and Armin are the ones who might need it... your sister is the number one, remember? She is going to be welcomed in any division with joy.

Bane gave a last sip and stood up, ignoring the looks and whispers from the rest. He simply said his goodnights and left for the barracks; resting was a priority now he would join the ranks of the Survey Corps.

Bane let out a satisfied sigh once he got in bed. He'd made it, achieved his current goal and, with some luck, he'd join the next expedition as something more than a mere newbie. His last thought before drifting into unconsciousness was that soon, he may be one step closer to reaching his target. Soon, he'd be out in the battlefield.

Perhaps too soon.

The next day, at noon, Bane found himself staring at the grotesque, skinless head of the Colossal Titan from the military warehouse. Suddenly, while everyone looked in awe and fear, a rumbling sound like thunder grew louder and louder; the soldier looked at some strange shapes moving over the district and realized those were chunks blown from the now destroyed gates. A long, red arm rose; slowly and ominously first, then becoming an unstoppable force that crushed and blew the cannons away as if they were straws.

As if that was the signal for the world to move on, shouts and screams came from everywhere: veterans yelling orders, recruits calling for their friends, mothers or whatever relative crossed their minds, the chaotic howl of civilians leaving for the inner ring of the wall as they raced with what little things they could take. Alastor eyed a group of members from the Garrison leaving to face the titans and wondered if he should go after them for a moment; instead he opted to follow his orders and remain there until his squad assembled.

A while later, he stood against a column, idly waiting near Mina, Mylius and Thomas; Armin was with the gas tanks, while Eren was yet to arrive. Jaeger was with the ones on top of the wall, so he could well be...

_Eren! -Mina's voice got him out of his insighting. He made a gesture with his hand for his comrades to wait and walked towards the green eyed teen.

_I see you're still whole. Congratulations on surviving. -he said with a faint smile- You are appointed as our squad leader, so let's...

_Eren!

Closing his eyes at the interruption, Bane turned to watch Mikasa trotting towards them. Honestly, he wasn't susprised. He didn't pay attention to her worried chatter, instead focusing on the older member of the Garrison walking towards them.

_Mikasa Ackerman? The number one cadet?- he asked. She nodded.- I am Commander Ian from the elite forces. You will join us as we aid the civilian's escape.

Bane's eyebrows rose at the news. Way to get separated from you puppy, he thought.

_But... but i would only be a burden to you! -Mikasa said, not leaving Eren's side- I'm not qualified, and... him! -she pointed at Bane- He's the number one! Ask him! He resigned his position!

Ian frowned at the girl before turning to look at the male.

_Is this true? -Bane shrugged to the man.

_I have no idea what she means. -Mikasa looked at him shocked, while Eren's face was unusually devoid of expression- If you excuse me, my group is waiting.

He left without another word, only turning to see Eren scold Mikasa for trying to stay with him. She tensed like the time she confessed to him, and like that time, she said something Bane could not hear.

Once Eren joined them, the small group took its position on a roof in the middle of Trost. Alastor looked around as team after team was sent into battle. His true and final test; if he survived, he'd prove his worth to be part of the Scouting Legion. If not... well, he didn't think of it as a "final" test just because. His eyes wandered over his companions: Eren's determined face, Armin's nervous but still decided expression. Thomas and Myllius stood side by side, shifting their weight from one leg to the other. Bane glanced at Mina just as she eyed him. Her mouth was a thin line, but suddenly she smiled weakly at him. For some reason that reminded him of the times she'd spend time around him, and a vivid memory of a kiss on his cheek came to mind.

_Something wrong?

The male turned to the speaker. Eren, of all people. The least perceptive guy in history. Bane frowned and looked towards the district gate, where titans were waiting for them. Where death, horrible and gruesome, could be lurking around every corner.

_Nothing. -he said, voice empty.

Because nothing it was indeed. As always.

End of Chapter.