Chapter 3

"Okay troops, let's get this special night training underway!" Keith barks out.

The full moon vibrantly illuminates the tired recruits, most of which are at the point of exhaustion after the days grueling training regiment. Everyone was looking forward to finally being able to rest until Shadis surprised everyone with the announcement of the night training. Some would have wailed against the unfairness but everyone has experienced the wrath of Shadis and not many had the courage to face it again.

"This drill is different from your other training. It's not so much individual ability, instead it's going to test your intra-squad cooperative skills and your tactical abilities! Squad assignments are as previously communicated. So, once you've made all your preparations, move to your designated locations. Let's go! Move it!"

At that, the recruits snap into action. They all get themselves into the pre chosen groups Shadis had given to them before his announcement. He chose the groups specifically on those who have the poorest intra-squad cooperation skills. The reason being is that what better way to improve by having the recruits work with those they have trouble working with until their weaknesses together becomes strength. This is why Eren finds himself standing face to face with Jean.

"Commandant must be joking if he thinks I'm gonna work with you!" Jean growls out.

Eren grits his teeth and takes a step forward, beoing held back by Mikasa, "You have a problem with me then you just go ahead and tell it to me in my face!"

From his spot Calian shakes his head, "Well that ain't take long."

Connie chuckles and throws his hands behind his head in a stretch, "I didn't follow exactly what Shadis was saying, but this sounds like a walk in the park…. For a genius like me, anyway."

Sasha rolls her eyes affectionately and places a hand on her cocked hip, "Ok, so this is different from our regular training, but just leave it to me! I know what I'm talking about when it comes to the forest!" she clenches a fist, smiling with confidence.

Calian nods slightly, "well ya are right about one thing, ya do have much more a connection than the rest of us when it comes to the forest, but it has been my experience that you don't exactly share when it comes to your instincts."

She crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow challengingly, "Well you never seem to have a problem."

"That's cause I got somethin of a connection to the forest myself. Plus ya ain't that hard to read at least for me."

Daz interrupts them with a anxious groan, "Seriously, why do we have to train at this hour? (Yawn) I just want to go back to bed…"

"The instructor said he'd be judging us on our cooperative skills. I wonder how well this is going to go…" Marco asks himself.

Calian shrugs, "Only one way to find out. But it can't be that bad can it?"

Daz is doubled over panting heavily as Calian just barely saved him from falling to his death after he landed on a faulty branch that snapped under his weight. At this point, they were halfway into the training exercise with no points, and half their tanks empty. There hasn't been a clear chain of command and everyone seems to go their own ways. Connie scratches his head frustratedly.

"Dammit! Why isn't this working out? Everyone's pulling their own weight!"

Sasha glares at him accusingly, "We've barely got any gas or blades left thanks to you going all out and trying to show off the whole time Connie!"

He sputters but Daz laments, "When it comes to cooperation, this trigger-happy squad was doomed from the start right?"

Calian rolls his eyes, of course he's despairin already, matter afact he was already moanin before he even started, the hell is he even doin here?!

"If we go on like this, we'll be forced to split up! We have to do something…" Marco wodners aloud.

Suddenly, the darker skinned recruit gets an idea, "There's a resupply base nearby us, we can go replenish our fuel and ammo and regroup."

Marco nods along to Calian's suggestion, "Yeah, good idea! Let's make sure we're properly prepared this time!" he smiles at Calian appraisingly, "Alright then, I propose we let Calian here lead the squad. What do you say? You look like you'd have a knack for keeping us all in sync."

Ya got that all from one suggestion?

But then the rest of the group begins to agree, "(sigh) Alright fine, leave it to me." He begrudgedly accepts.

The rest seem to be put at ease with Marco saying, "Thanks! I'll do what I can to help as well, so feel free to call out if you need a hand! Ok then, we're in your hands! Take the lead and get us into shape captain!"

Connie gets excited, "Time to give the others a surprise!"

Calian smirks then orders everyone, "Alright then first order of business, we need fuel and ammo, let's get ourselves to that resupply base!"

"Yes sir!"

"Yes sir!"

"Yes sir!"

In unison they all activate their ODM gear and race through the tree tops, deftly trekking through the nooks and crannies of the tight spaces the trees provide. Soon enough they get themselves to the resupply base and begin their restock.

"Ok everyone ready?"

After getting his affirmation from everyone he continues, "Alright so aside from this base, there are 3 more, each in a different corner of the training area. From what I've seen, all the other squads have headed to the center since it's so thick with Targets. Our best bet's will be to stick to the targets near the 4 bases, we'll be less likely to run into other squads and should the need arise, we can resupply without missin a beat. Lets move!"

And they do so, keeping in sync with Calian's direction, even Daz was able to successfully pull his weight. They end up in a clearing where 4 titan mock targets rise. Immediately, Calian orders Connie to slice down where the legs are while Sasha goes above and gets the nape, with Calian and Marco doing the same to two other targets. From there they begin a rotation. The first two who attack move forward to the target after next, while the ones following them attack the immediate next target. Daz comes in and takes the spot of whichever struck the legs of the target last so that a seamless rotation can happen. Using this tactic, the makeshift squad was able to quickly begin catching up to the other squads who now appear to be struggling.

Sasha whoops excitedly, "it's like we're moving as one!"

Connie actually stops a top the fallen target, "well, you do have a genius like me with you after all!"

Marco gives him a deadpan look as Connie nearly jumps out his skin when a mock target falls behind him. "Yea… genius… who made this plan again?"

Connie gives him a withering glare before continuing on, "well Connie if ya wanna stay in place so bad ya can be our designated bait once we graduate." Calian teases.

"oh ha ha!"

After taking down 4 more targets the group land in unison before Shadis, being the last squad to arrive. The instructor grunts, "hmph, you're not half bad… but nows no time for lolly gagging! There are still multiple training dummies throughout the forest! Find and eliminate them as quickly as you can!"

"YES INSTRUCTOR!"

Keith watches the squad go, paying careful attention to how they're operating. He's impressed as he sees them quickly dispatch 6 dummies back to back like a swarm of hornets. Hmm, I had heard you ran out of gas and blades, and yet, you're working as a team now. I didn't think you'd be able to rally like that. Keith's eyes narrow as he watches Calian ferociously yell as he slices the nape of the dummy, deep cuts too. Howlett… you're the one who brought it all together and made it happen.

Training had finally come to an end and Shadis had all the squads lined up. Mnany were still exhausted yet stood with their heads held high, knowing better than to show weakness now. Shadis finishes comparing notes with his subordinates and addresses the recruits,

"Time to announce the top squad!... Reiner Braun! Your squad came in first!"

Calian's squad let out a disappointed groan but they perk up once they hear who got in second, "Calian Howlett! By some miracle, your squad fought from the bottom and planted themselves in second!"

Sasha hops up high, her arms qrapped around Calians neck. Despite the tight squeeze he can't help but laugh as the rest of the team high five and congratulate each others. "I knew Reiner's squad would win, but the fact we got so close is something!" Marco exclaims.

"See what happens when you have me on your side?" Connie grins smugly.

"Yea we nearly flunk out the class." Calian retorts much to Connie's annoyance.

Everyone else though snickers at his expense, Marco smiles at the taller boy, "I don't know how you did it, but somehow we're back on track! Thanks Calian!"

He shakes his head, "I ain't takin the credit for this. Everyone pulled through at the end. That's what made the difference."

But Connie waves him off, "No it is thanks to you! This cooperation stuff's more important than I realized. I think we're gonna ace this training!"

Sasha places her hands on her hips and grins, "You got the stuff to make a fine hunter for sure!"

As Calian continues conversing, Shadis observes as another instructor comes up beside him.

"These latest new recruits look well matched. We can expect great things, I think. Ackermann's an obvious ace… I'd say your top students are pretty well decided already."

Keith simply grunts in response, not taking his eyes off Howlett's squad, "yeah, a lot of them show promise. But a good soldier is more than his or her own abilities. Most titan encounters come down to teamwork. Sometimes how well you cooperate with your comrades is what saves your skin… that's what this training's all about. Figuring out who's a team player and who isn't."

You don't often find a soldier that can pull a group together just like that and get them to perform at their best… but this time, it looks we might just have someone with that innate ability. You truly are full of surprises aren't you Howlett?

3 years later

After three years of training in the corps, the recruits finally became soldiers with the skills needed to take on the Titans. Of the original recruits, 218 cadets graduated, some with honors. Calian stood next to Christa in the graduation lines. The past 3 years have been arduous but the results have been good. Everyone has toughened up and become adept to the ODM gear as well as Titan combat. Calian himself went through another growth spurt. Much like Reiner, he has been physically gifted. Now standing at an impressive 6'7, towering over just about everyone. And thanks to his genes and training, his musculature fits his height as well, not overly muscular but still a massive man. Combined with his naturally deep tan, his long smooth black mane of hair and his striking stormy grey eyes that pop out more thanks to his skin tone, he has become quite the sight. Physically he's one of the strongest, second only to Mikasa, while his speed was not impeded by his height which is why, he finds himself placed at 11th in the class.

"Do you have heart!?"

Everyone Salutes, "Sir!"

"As of this moment, you have three options open to you. Choose wisely! The Garrison Regiment, whose job is to reinforce the Walls. The Scout Regiment, who rides out into Titan country to take back what was once ours. And the MP Regiment, maintaining law and order under orders from his Royal Majesty. Those cadets eligible for the MP have already been named. The Rest of you, take a look! These are the top of your class!"

Like I give a shit. Scouts is where I'm going ain't nothing changing that.

"The 104th Cadet Corp is hereby disbanded… That is all!"

With that, the crowd begins to disperse, people talking animatedly, happy to have finally graduated after all their hard work. Yes many were saddened that they wouldn't get the easy life in the Military Police, but the vast majority is still looking forward to life in the Garrison. Anything is better than living in poverty or fighting Titans. Except for a select few. Calian immediately finds himself standing before his two best friends in the corp, Mina and Thomas. "Hey Calian! We wanted to wait for you before we go celebrate. It's a shame that we couldn't all make it into the top ten huh?"

He shrugs, "ehh, I really couldn't care less."

She giggles, "that's one thing I always admired about you, you never cared about what others opinions of you are."

He bumps her slightly, "Except for the two of ya'll."

Thomas smiles and pats his back, "Aww, I knew you cared."

"Shut up."

Mina grins at the exchange, "Still I think we're better soldiers now. Especially after all those debriefing sessions we did together!"

Thomas gets an idea, "Now that we've graduated the Cadet Corps, how about we check back over everything we learned before officially joining up?"

He pulls out his worn notebook and Calian couldn't help himself, "You're still carrying around that ratty old thing?"

Thomas smiles sheepishly, "Yea, till my dying day!"

"Remind me again why ya like writing in that thing so much?"

He shrugs self consciously, "Cause it helps me process things, it's cathartic." His eyes narrow, "and last I checked you said you really liked the idea."

He holds up his hands appeasingly, "Ya got me there!"

Mina decides to cut in, "So how about you go first Thomas?"

"Sure! So, I managed to spend quite a lot of time with Eren and Armin." His eyebrows rise, "Eren's obviously just unbelievably brave you know? I mean he's just got unlimited fighting spirit, that guy. Armin… Armin is smart. And determined not to be beaten. He does a lot of work behind the scenes to compensate for his lack of physical ability."

"So courage and determination, huh? I guess they both got a really good attitude toward their trainin."

"Yea and that's something we should be able to take on board, don't you think? So Mina, how did it go for you?" Thomas asked, a light blush dusting his cheeks.

"Well I think it's fair to say I got pretty close with Mikasa and Christa. Mikasa's got this knack of being able to control her emotions no matter what she's facing!... U-Unless it's got something to do with Eren that is."

Calian's nose scrunches. Mikasa's attachment to Eren is well known after being witness to it for 3 years. It's admirable how much she cares for her friends but, the way she cares for Eren, it feels like an unhealthy dependence, bordering on obsession. And if anything were to happen to him... He does an involuntary shiver, Well he just almost pities the Titan that finds itself in her path. Almost.

"—it's pretty incredible actually!"

"How about you Calian?"

"So the two people I actually ended spendin a lot of time with was Sasha and Jean. Jean is still unrivaled when it comes to ODM gear, he definitely taught me how to conserve my gas and use it to it's maximum potential. Sasha, I think it's lucky we come from similar backgrounds cause her skills have a lot to do with instinct. She knows when to strike and just how to strike as well. When food isn't on her mind, she's got the patience of a wolf and strikes like a viper."

Mina raises an eyebrow, "You uh, you sure did pay attention to her."

His eyes narrow, "Whatcha goin on about?"

She smiles and starts to walk away, "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. It's getting pretty late, I think we should get to eating before it's all gone!"

Calian grumbles udner his breath but is stopped by Thomas, "Hey before you go I wanted to give you something." He opens his jacket and pulls out a leather notebook, similar to his own.

"I figured since you liked the idea so much you wouldn't mind having one of your own."

Calian lightly glides his finger tips over the leathery texture of the book. He smiles gratefully at his friend, "Thank you. I think this is the first gift I've gotten since my parents died."

"What're friends for?"

Calian nods then looks at mina's retreating form, "So, didya tell her yet?"

Thomas' blush returns full force and he shushes Calian, "Are you trying to let the whole Barracks know!?"

"Ya gotta say somethin soon."

"(Sigh) I know ok? It's just not the right time yet."

"Thomas, I hate to break it to ya, but we're in the military. Time ain't somethin we have a luxury of."

Thomas shakes his head, "It's better that I stay silent for now, especially with how good our friendship is, I don't want to ruin it!"

Calian decides not to push it, "Just don't wait too long, else you'll regret it."

Thomas just pats his shoulder, "We still got tomorrow."

After eating, Calian starts to head to the exit when he runs into Annie, "oh it's you. I take it you're still adamant about joining the Survey corp."

Hacving grown accustomed to her expressionlessness, Calian smirks, " Ya know me so well. And ya? What regiment did ya decide on?"

He notices a weird look comes and goes in her eyes before she answers,

"… I'm joining the military police."

"Like Jean?"

Her eyes darken for a second, "So the scouts huh? Well it's your decision I guess."

"Careful Annie, ya keep talkin like that people might mistake it for worry of your fellow soldier."

She rolls her eyes and scoffs. Seeing as how that's the end of their conversation, Calian finds himself with the small group, consisting of Mikasa, Eren, Armin, Jean, Sasha, Connie, Marco, Reiner and Bertholt. He smiles at his friends,

"Everyone seems to be in a great mood huh?"

"I'm so relieved to make it to the top ten! It' going to be a real honor to serve so close to the king." Marco exclaims.

Struggling to share in his excitement for such a boring sounding job, "I'm… happy for ya Marco, enjoy!"

"Thanks! Guess this is where the real world begins huh!"

Reiner throws an arm over Calians shoulders, as best he can, "Graduation at last! A shame you weren't part of the top ten, your skills are definitely worthy!"

Sasha and Connie agree, "Yea! I mean you're not exactly at my level, being a genius and all, but still you're close enough!"

Sasha elbows his ribs hard, "Shut up! But I wasn't lying before, you definitely got that hunter spirit! Heh kept you out of trouble a lot more than me." She scratches the back of her head sheepishly.

"Heh and yet ya still made it to the top ten. Don't sell yourself short darlin."

She beams at him, "Guess being yelled at by Shadis all the time really paid off in the end!"

Armin cuts in, "So what're you guys doing? I'm… I'm thinking about joining the scouts myself. But I'm a bit nervous. I don't know if I've got what it takes."

Calian places a massive hand on his thin shoulder, "Ya made it this far didn't ya? Besides, that bring brain of yours will see ya through." He teases.

"Y-yea I am better at the academic side of things. But is that really going to be of any use? Still I'm gonna join the scouts and give it everything I've got!"

"That's the spirit Armin! We both made it to the top ten! That means something!"

He turns apologetically to the taller cadet, "No offense."

"Why does everyone think I give a damn? I truly could not give less a shit what position we came in."

Mikasa is slightly intrigued, "Did you also want to join the scouts?"

He nods firmly, "Hasn't changed since I made the decision years ago. I promised I'd kill the Armored titan. And I'm a man of my word. Ya joinin the scouts too? What I hear they definitely need someone of your ability there."

"Whatever branch of the military Eren chooses I follow."

Eren rolls his eyes in annoyance, "Hey I'm not some old man who needs to be cared for, I can take care of myself!"

"I don't know yaeger, If I had to choose someone to have my back, Mikasa would definitely be in my top 3 choices."

He rolls his eyes, "Whatever. Scouts is where I'm going, I swore I'd kill every single titan!"

"You're really gonna attempt that suicide mission?!" Asks Marco.

Eren looks down on him, "I already made my decision before I started. I trained to fight titans, nothing else."

Jean scoffs and faces Eren, "Leave him to his death wish, Marco. We've secured our futures in the interior! We can enjoy the simple life!"

Calian feels slightly disappointed when he hears that. Reason being, unlike Eren, he actually likes Jean. Even though he made no plans to join anything but the Military police, he was upfront about everything, what he wanted and how he would do it. And that's something that Calian respects. So he's not gonna knock on Jean for his choices. While others…

"Come on Jean, we all know you'll enjoy the simple like wherever you go."

Jean takes a step forward, making sure to look down on Eren, "What did you say?"

"Easy Jean…" Marco warns.

"Are you trying to say I'm stupid, Eren? You're wrong. I can just see the truth where everyone else is blind. It was pretty obvious when we lost twenty percent-"

"Jean, you're my friend. That's why I'm gonna stop ya there. If ya continue with that sentence, I won't be responsible for what happens next." Calian threatens.

Jean grits his teeth and looks away, remembering that most people in the room, knew someone in that twenty percent. "Fine. Enjoy your suicide missions!"

Eren scoffs, "Serves him right!"

Calian towers over Eren, "You're not much better either Yaeger. The two of you provoke one another so much I'm pretty sure you'll be fightin with jean more than the titans!"

He growls and skulks away, Armin and Mikasa following after him. Sasha appears next to him, "Huh didn't think you'd end up being the one to trigger him."

"It gets annoyin quick whenever they have their rows. Swear they act like a married couple."

She holds her sides as she laughs, "I just imagined those two married! Oh I pity their neighbors!"

He can't help but share in her laughter as well, ignoring the small part in the back of his mind repeating Mina's words.

The Next Day

"Oi oi oi… Connie did ya drink at all last night?"

"Huh what makes you say that Calian?"

"because I just heard you say you wanted to join the scouts." He deadpans.

They're gathered in a small circle atop wall Rose as they await their orders, which was when Connie decided to drop this bomb. Even Eren was surprised, You were number eight Connie! I thought you'd join the Military Police Regiment…"

Mina giggles, "looks like Eren's speech yesterday really made an impact!"

"Sh-Shut up! I made up my own mind!" Connie shouts indignantly.

Thomas takes pity, "Don't feel bad. You're not the only one."

Before Calian could ask what he meant, sasha appears, hunched over like she's holding something, "Can you guys keep a secret?" Some take a step back at the wild look in her eyes. "Cause I totally just helped myself to the Officers' Pantry!"

While most stared wide eyed, Calian drops his face into his palms, "Ya gotta be kiddin me. In broad daylight?!"

"Seriously what is wrong with you?"

"Tch what isn't wrong with her?"

"It'll be fine," Sasha's face becoming almost lustful, which gives Calian a bit of a blush, " I'm willing to share. Oh, can you imagine the sandwiches?"

Her body is practically vibrating as she drools, wondering about the different ways to enjoy the meal.

"Put it back!" Eren yells.

"Yeah! Do you have any idea how rare meat's been since the Titans took Wall Maria?"

"But Calian does it all the time!"

At that, all the heads turn to the massive man. He's stammering as he glares at Sasha wide eyed, "I-I-I did no such thing!"

"Calian we regularly meet at night like once a week after you steal from the officers pantry!"

He tries signaling her to shut up but the damage is done. Mina crosses her arms, "So… you guys have been meeting at nights?"

"I cook some meat I… appropriate every now and then."

Sasha shivers, "The things he could do to that meat!"

"Phrasin!"

Mina grins slyly, "So you cook for her too!"

He blushes maddeningly, "She blackmailed me too!"

"uh huh."

"look what's done is done. The meats here and it'll probably be ruined by the time we bring it back so… we might as well eat it." Sasha's grin widened to the point, Calian was worried it would split her head open.

Samuel decides to chime in, "I-I'd really like a slice please!"

Connie does a double take, "Hey if he gets one so do I!"

Eren looks at everyone feeling betrayed, "But…"

"Eren you're kinda out numbered here, Sasha leave it to me! I'll grill it for us!"

She begins whooping until he looms over her with a dark look in his eyes and he whispers through gritted teeth, "We can discuss later your inability to keep secrets."

She smiles apologetically at him, "y-you could have half of my slice?"

He simply pinches his nose and before he can say another word… Yellow lightning strikes.