Chapter 2

Calian takes a nice deep breath, enjoying the clean forest air as he continues trekking the trail that leads to a Cliffside with a perfect view, overlooking the forest, the moon being perfectly reflected in the calm lake waters. He really does need to thank Reiner and Bertholdt for showing him this 'secret location', last week.

(Flashback)

"Oh come on! I heard from everyone you three are really good at it!" Eren yells desperately.

Calian shakes his head sympathetically, "I really dunno how to describe it other than to just relax but keep control."

Reiner crosses his arms, "… Sorry kid. But there isn't any special trick to just hanging there. Not to be harsh , but if it's advice you want I don't think any of us is the guy."

Calian raises an eyebrow at him, "Kid? Ya barely older than me."

Reiner glances at him in annoyance but Eren pays him no mind. Armin places a comforting hand on eren's shoulder, "let's just hope it comes to you tomorrow."

They begin to walk away dejectedly when Bertholdt stops them. "Hold on. Aren't the three of you originally from Shinganshina?"

Armin and Eren are both confused, with Eren making it known. "Three?"

Bertholt is taken aback and turns to Calian, "You never told them?"

He shrugs, "They didn't ask so I ain't see any reason to tell."

The two look at the taller recruit in shock. "You were there too?"

He nods, "Yea. I ain't actually from Shinganshina though, was a bad case of wrong place wrong time. Matter a fact we were on the same boat."

"We were?"

"Yea." He replies with a humorless chuckle.

Reiner shakes his head, "The world inside these walls really is small."

Eren's eyes darken, "You're telling me."

Bertholdt decides to continue, "So it's safe to say you all know just how terrifying the titans are. Why on earth would any of you want to be soldiers?"

The boys all take a moment to rein in their emotions as unpleasant memories burst to the forefront of their minds. Armin was the first to answer,

"I didn't see the things Eren did. He saw their bloodlust firsthand, before anyone realized how bad it was. And I… I knew I couldn't sit idly by as the royal government forced the citizenry into the failed territory retrieval operation."

Bertholdt looks down at his hands, a strange expression marring his features. "I see."

Noticing his friends mood Reiner says, "Come on, let's all get some fresh air."

The group get some warm clothes on and follow Reiner towards a path leading up the mountainous forest. Their walk was silent for a time, but one that was starting to annoy Calian. So he decides to pick up the conversation again.

"So ya'll two from the same village or somethin?"

Bertholdt stammers for a second before answering, , "Uh y-yes. We're from a mountain village just southeast of Wall Maria."

The three's eyes widen as they understand what that implies, "But… then that means…"

"Yeah." Bertholdt cuts off Armin, sadness dripping from his voice, "Unlike the more prosperous river towns, our village didn't receive word right away. The Titans were upon us before we even knew what was going on. It happened at dawn. All the livestock were so restless. Soon after, we heard these strange rumblings that just became louder and louder. Eventually, I realized thise rumblings were the sound of death getting closer. I, uh, looked out my window and…", he shivers, " After that, well, uh, everything is just a blur. I think we all just panicked."

"Hey. Easy now, you're getting yourself worked up again." The larger blonde comforts the raven haired teen.

Calian does notice that even though the night is a bit chilly, Bertholdt does seem to be sweating. Titans leave all types of scars on people.

"Sorry. My point is, the 5 of us aren't like the rest… of them."

Calian's eyebrows scrunch in confusion, "Who's them?"

"The others here who have never been witness to the Titan's horror."

Calian thinks back to when he first witnessed the colossal Titan. The way his breath left his body, his chest constricting because the walls suddenly felt too thin, too close. The complete terror he felt as everyone ran for their lives as debris and building tops and even people flew over his head. And the utter despair as he watched the Armored Titan burst through the gate and witness his parents be crushed.

He shakes his head and resumes listening to Reiner who's explaining his and Bertholdt's goal. "I'm going to return to the home that was taken from me. That's all I care about now. I will do it. No matter what."

Calain can hear the same conviction in his voice as he heard in Eren's whenever he makes his passionate speeches. Bertholdt decides to shift focus to Eren, "What about you? Why'd you sign up?"

Eren's eyes darken with vengeful rage, "Why'd I join? I decided I have to kill them. I won't stop until every single Titan is dead and rotting. Dead Every last one."

Calian is surprised to see Reiner and Bertholdt look so taken aback by Eren's vow. It's not like he doesn't announce it every 10 minutes, what're so surprised for?

Bertholdt finds his voice, "A-and you?" he asks the tall and tanned teen.

Calian practically snarls, "I had to watch the Armored Titan take my parents lives. I swore I'd take his in return. Whatever it takes, however long it takes, I will make good on that promise."

He turns to Eren, "I actually owe it to ya."

"Huh?"

"When I was on the boat, I was mopin, not even knowin what to do with myself. But then I heard ya make the same promise ya told us now. Ya helped me find purpose, thank ya."

Eren smiles and nods firmly. None of the trio catch the worried looks that Reiner and Bertholdt share. They finally reach a clearing and Reiner stops, enjoying the cool breeze from this high up. Without turning back he asks all of them, "You saw what those monsters were capable of and you still want to take them on?"

"Fuckin A."

"Damn Right!" Eren sighs, "It's just that I keep screwing up the training. I don't know if I'm cut out to be a soldier."

Calian pats his back, probably a little too hard as Eren winces, but the clouds part revealing a full moon that beautifully illuminates the wonders of the forest. Reiner smiles t the scenery before turning back to Eren. "We'll take it from step one: belt adjustment. By tomorrow you'll be an expert. I know you've got what it takes, I can see it in you, all of you! Am I wrong here?"

Eren's smile finally returns to his face as someone finally believes in him. "No! I won't fail! Thank you Reiner."

(End of Flashback)

Calian smiles fondly at the memory, that was another friendship that he started as well. Reiner is just a reliable guy, no other way to describe him. Gives the right advice, gives the firmness when needed and definitely has your back even when you don't ask him too. Bertholdt is alright, still pretty reserved, too reserved at times but he connects well enough to everyone. Armin and Eren though, he's definitely gotten closer to the two. Armin admires Calians strength and Eren is happy to see that there's at least one other person who's just as passionate about killing titans as he is. All in all, Calian enjoys spending time with them. But there are times where he needs to be alone, like now. He waited until he was sure everyone was asleep. Is it wise to deprive himself of rest like this? No. no it is not. But it's not the first time he's had to keep himself awake longer than he should but this time it's for a good reason.

He checks to make sure that the coast is clear and starts making a small pile of dry wood he found on the way up. Then he quickly begins igniting the wood until finally fire begins to spark. He spends an appropriate amount of time making sure that the fire has grown sufficiently enough. Once he's satisfied, he opens up his jacket and pulls out a medium sized piece of steak he swiped from the Officers Pantry. Theivin skills you've yet to fail me! He thinks proudly to himself. He also takes out some spices that he swiped while there as well to season the meat and once it's prepared he begins cooking it over the fire. Some time passes until the wonderful aroma of a perfectly cooked and juicy steak fills his nostrils, making his mouth water. "Oh meat it has been too many years since I've last had you."

He holds it under his nose and sniffs deeply. He smiles with satisfaction, "Smells just like mama made it!"

He prepares to take a bite when he hears a rustling near him and sharply looks towards the source but there's nothing. And the sound is gone as quickly as he heard it. He keeps staring there for a few more seconds before slowly turning back to the steak in hand and once again preparing to bite into it when, yet again, he hears rustling again. This time it's to his left. He checks that area but he again finds nothing in sight. Getting suspicious he turns back to his steak and slowly brings it to his mouth, anticipating some type of noise. This time he hears a snap not that far from behind him and he quickly spins around and grabs the person by their neck. He's confused to see that it is Sasha, who's looking a more and more feral by the second. He follows her line of sight to the piece of steak in his other hand. He immediately shakes his head, "Uh uh no! No this is mine!"

She shrieks and spins out of his grasp, faster than he thought she could and she snatches it out of his hand. She's instantly biting into it. "Hey! That's mine! The hell are you doin!?"

He starts reaching for it but she continues to growl and try to keep it out of his reach, a very difficult task given the height difference. He manages to smack it out her hands, "Aha!" he yells triumphantly.

But then with a fierce yell, she ducks down, pushing up her arm and shoving his face away as she catches the steak just before it hits the ground.

He growls, "Alright that's it, the kiddy gloves are comin off!"

He pushes her arm away, grabs her by the back of her collar and lifts her off her feet and yanks the steak out her mouth and holds them both apart with his arms stretched. She futilely reaches for it but only ends up swinging back and forth in the air. "Ya bout done?"

Breathing heavy, she crosses her arms and looks away upset, "Yea."

"Ok… I'm gonna set ya down now… alright?"

He slowly places her back on the ground and inches back, with his hand in front of him defensively. "Ya know if ya wanted a piece ya could've just asked."

Sasha has the decency to feel embarrassed by that and she awkwardly pulls on her collar to cool down her heated face, "I um, didn't really think of that."

"I gathered." He answered deadpanned.

She holds her hands behind her back and clears her throat, "C-can I please have a piece of piece of meat?"

"…No."

"WHAT? But you said you would give it to me if I asked!"

"I said I would've! I never said I would now! Especially after ya attacked me! How didya even know I had this or where to find me?"

"I uh, saw you sneak out the officers pantry and stuffing the steak in your jacket so I... followed… you?" she ends it almost like a question.

Calian curses himself, "Damn I've been here barely a week and I'm already getting rusty."

She drops down to her butt and holds her hands up to him, "Please please please! Share a piece with me! I only just got my eating privileges back but I'm still starving!"

He was about to say no, but she ends up pulling a surprisingly effective puppy dog look that begins actually makes him reconsider. He sighs, "Oh alright fine!" he rips it in half and tosses her a piece.

She happily catches it and begins devouring the steak. Her eyes widen as her taste buds come alive. "Oh Sina! This is the best steak I've ever tasted! How? How did you do this!?"

He smiles pridefully as he takes a bite, "It's my moms style, made sure to teach it to me cause she said that if I ever have a wife I better never leave all the cooking to her!"

She grins at that, "She sounds like a smart woman!"

Calian looks away with a sad smile, "Yea. Yea she was."

Hearing his tone, Sasha stops eating and notices how sad he looks, "Oh is she?"

"Yea."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine, just gotta get used to it. Glad ya like it though, means I actually pulled it off!"

"You mean this is the first time you've cooked?"

"I haven't had a chance or the necessary tools to do so!"

"So this is your first attempt?!" she practically crawls up to him and begs, "Please! Whenever you cook meat again let me have some!"

He raises an eyebrow, "Why should I?"

Suddenly a devious smile grows across her lips and Calian almost swore he saw a flash of red in her eyes, "Cause if you don't, I'm gonna tell Shadis how you stole this steak from the officers pantry!"

Calian glares at her and says through gritted teeth, "You. Wouldn't. Dare!"

She grins and tilts her head, "I think he might even take away your food privileges and double mine!"

Calian's gritted growl becomes a grin as he replies, "Not unless I tell him how you ate some too!"

Sasha's smile falters but returns once again, "I can say that you tried to bribe me for my silence!"

Calian narrows his eyes at her and curses, she actually got the best of him. This time he smiles, genuinely impressed. "ya know, you're a lot smarter than people say."

She grins broadly, "You got that ri—what?! people say I'm not!?"

He ignores her question, "So I guess it's settled then, I keep ya fed, ya keep quiet. Huh, I really am bribing ya aren't I?"

"Told you!"

He chuckles and they continue to enjoy their meal and each others company. Unfortunately, the meat is devoured all too quickly and they find themselves empty handed already. Sasha leans back with her eyes closed and pats her stomach, "That really hit the spot! Thanks!"

"Not a problem."

She pokes one eye open, "hey what's your name again? I don't think I ever learned it."

"That's cause ya were too busy runnin laps around the camp." He quips.

She shivers at the memory and says in a small voice, "Please don't remind me."

He snickers some more before finally answering, "Calian Howlett. I presume yours is Potato girl?"

She groans and rubs her face, "How long will it take before people forget that!?"

"Not any time soon I guarantee it!" he answers through a laugh.

Sasha sighs, "It's actually Sasha Braus."

He wipes his hands clean on his pants and stands up then extends a hand to her. "Pleasure to meet ya Darlin."

She's somewhat taken aback by the added nickname but returns the handshake. "Pleasure to meet you too."

Then she gives him a hug. He stands there awkwardly before slowly patting her back, "Um what's this for?"

She lets go with a smile, "For the meat! It really was great and I was really hungry! So thank you! I owe you one."

He takes a moment to think then he smiles mischievously, "Next time I cook how about ya give me half a steamed potato?"

She throws her head back with a groan, "Come on!"

Shadis watches with hawk-like precision as the recruits soar through the forest with the aid of their ODM gear. As he watches them he mentally goes over the strengths and weaknesses of each recruit that catches his interest. His eyes lock on to a a large blonde. Reiner Braun. The mind and constitution of a grass-fed ox. Respected by his comrades.

His eyes then shift to the smaller blonde of the two. Armin Arlelt. Built like a daffodil, but academically brilliant. He nods at his subordinates and they begin raising the mock Titan Targets, ready to see how they all fair. Almost instantly, Annie, Bertholt and Jean swoop in and each make their marks at the nape of mock Titans neck, though Jean's was noticeably shallower, much to his frustration.

Shadis grunts, Annie Leonhart. Gifted with a sword, but does not exactly play well with others. Bertholdt Hoover. Heaps of native talent, but too mild-mannered. Jean Kirschtein. Head of the class on ODM; also an insufferable smartass with a hair trigger temper. Shadis watches in annoyance as he overhears Jean's pompous remarks. His line of sight stays on Jean as he prepares to attack another target when connie springer suddenly swoops past him, bouncing off the trees with some grace, and almost getting the target before Jean. Sasha being the one who stole both their thunders.

"YEA-AH! Woo hoo!" she exclaims as she bounces back from near ground level with free spirited energy.

Keith pinches the bridge of his nose before continuing to write in his notes. Sasha braus. Unusually fine instincts. Rarely shares them with her teammates. Connie Springer. Agile on the switchbacks. Few sandwiches shy of a picnic.

"Get ready." One instructor orders. The soldier next to him pulls on the rope, activating more targets for the rest of the class. Just in time as Mikasa, the resident prodigy, comes bursting into the scene, immediately leaving deep gashes in multiple targets. With Eren not far behind her and, much like Jean, leaving shallow cuts compared to his adopted sister. "Dammit still not deep enough!"

Shadis comes as close to smiling as he ever has as he watches Mikasa with something very similar to pride. Mikasa Ackermann. Model cadet. Excels in everything. In fact it's no overstatement to call the girl a genius. Eren Jaeger… Lackluster in the classroom, marginally better in the field. But. Driven by a sense of purpose that's almost terrifying.

A near feral roar splits through the forest as Calian comes into the scene, making tight maneuvers that keeps his speed and still allows him the agility needed to traverse the terrain. He hits multiple targets in quick succession, leaving deep gashes in them, though still not as deep as Mikasa. And last but not least, Calian Howlett. If there was one word to describe him it would be Ferocious. Whenever he trains it's like a rage unlike anything I've seen takes over and yet still has control over it, this has lead to many recruits dubbing him 'the wild man' behind his back. He's got excellent marks in class and on the field but seems to be unintentionally holding himself back, like he struggles to reach his full potential. He also has a habit of talking back to his superiors which has affected his marks overall. Satisfied with his notes, he calls on his recruits and has them prepare to begin hand to hand combat training.

As they all put away their gear, Calian notices Mina and Thomas both being berated by Shadis, Well that definitely don't look good so it probably don't sound good either , I better play moral support. He walks in their direction but can clearly hear the tirade even from far away.

"OKAY YOU MAGGOTS! If you're not in it to win it, you can pack your bags and ship out to the interior right now!" the two flinch from the force of his bellow.

His piercing glare nearly burns a hole through Thomas frightened eyes, "Thomas Wagner!", he practically spat out, "Even a waste of space like you could make it in the interior! They're low on numbers, son."

Mina gulps as it's her turn, "And you! Mina Carolina! Born in a pigsty, weren't you? Then go back and live with the swine kiddo! Titans don't eat pork! Although I dunno if the pigs would even take a runt like you in!"

With that he stomps away, leaving the fidgeting recruits in their embarrassed despair. Calian slowly makes his way to them. Thomas rubs the back of his head dejectedly, "He didn't have to be quite so harsh. I'm doing my best!"

Mina's lips tremble slightly, "I don't know how much more of this I can take… Maybe life of a pig is better." Her head droops down in sadness.

Calian glares at Shadis retreating form but focuses on his friends, "That bald eagle's talkin out his ass! Neither of ya are goin!"

Thomas throws his hands up exasperatedly, "Didn't you here? We're barely scraping by as it is!"

"I agree with Thomas, what could we possibly do?"

Calian places a hand on both their shoulders leaning close, "Ya work harder and make him eat his words!"

Thomas gently pushes his hand away with a sigh, "I AM working hard and it's still not getting me anywhere!" he crosses his arms and kicks a rock away, "I really don't see how I'm going to improve my training results."

Mina frowns as well and rubs her elbow, "I know! I'm trying my hardest already, and look where it's gotten me. What do you think we should do Calian?"

He places a hand on his chin in thought when he suddenly gets an idea, it's rather simple really. "Ya see all the people we were trainin with? Watch em. Learn from the high-flyers. See what works for them and keep tryin to make it work for ya until it does. Look my dad was teachin me how to hunt and I wasn't gettin it, he told me to be patient with myself, everyone learns at different rates. Ya gotta be patient with yourselves and believe in yourselves. I know I do."

His friends begin to smile. Mina nods, "Watch and learn… there are certainly a lot of really talented people among our peers. I guess if we studied their strengths, it could help us improve."

Thomas smiles warmly at her, "Yeah! If we made a conscious effort to do that, it could really make the difference!" He claps his hands, "Okay why don't we each do that and then get together again later and compare results?" he smiles at Mina for a bit longer than he means and quickly faces Calian with a light blush on his face, " You can join in too Calian, I-I mean it was your idea right?"

Smirking slightly while looking back and forth between his friends, " Sure but maybe on a different night, I have a thing later on."

He chuckles to himself as they make their way to the hand to hand training area just in time to witness Annie Leonhart flip Eren and Reiner in rapid succession. Calian whistles, "Now that's impressive."

He gets closer, catching the conversation between her and Eren. "That's some technique you've got. Who taught you how to fight like that?"

She brushes her hair out her eye and answers without turning back, "My father did."

"He, like, pioneer it or—?"

"Does it really matter? It's pointless, just like all of this."

Eren tilts his head in confusion, "Wait you mean the training in general?"

"Hand to hand combat doesn't really count against our final grade. The smart ones blow it off. Only the top ten cadets get to serve in the interior. The rest of us? Forget it. Point is, only the idiots like you take this part of boot camp seriously."

"Then how about a fun sparrin match?"

Annie turns her bored expression to Calian. She crosses her arms, "Why would I want to do that?"

He shrugs, "I know you consider this pointless, hell I'll be honest I do too. I don't see why we need to learn hand to hand when it comes to titans. But I'm bettin it's gotta be borin standing here and waiting for it all to be over."

She seems to consider his words but still doesn't seem convinced, "And of course you get the added satisfaction of puttin another 'idiot' in his place."

She raises an eyebrow, about the only change in her expression he's witnessed. "Fine."

He smirks and gets into a fighting stance. As does she, her fists raised but her elbows aren't tucked tightly into her body. It's strange, it doesn't look natural to her, it's like she's deliberately changin how she fights, but why? He decides to make the first move, he dashes forward throwing a jab but she gets out the way and grabs his arm, leg behind his and she begins flipping him. He anticipated this though, given she used the same technique on Eren and Reiner back to back, and he quickly brought his legs up to his chest and landed back on his feet much to her surprise. She breaks from his grip and he throws a few hooks that she evades and ducks under and as she goes down his knee shoots out to her. She quickly blocks it and side steps him to put some distance between the two. They start circling each other, most of the recruits now watching the two. Annie narrows her eyes slightly and this time it's her who makes the move he tries to stun her throwing a straight but she quickly uses his arm as an anchor and throws her legs up and wraps them around his neck in a triangle chokehold. She then, throws her body back, bringing Calian with her. He lands on his back still in the triangle. Knowing he's been beaten he taps. She lets go and surprisingly offers a hand to help him up.

"I'm almost impressed."

He laughs slightly, "I'll take it. Really do have some good moves."

"you're not as terrible as everyone else. Were you trained?"

"A little by my father, the rest was just instinct."

She nods slightly, "I guess you might actually benefit from this type of training."

"Does that mean I'm not considered an idiot?"

"No."

He scoffs, "Figures. Think I can have a rematch at some point?"

She shrugs, "I can think of worse ways to pass the time."

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