Two years have past since we have enlisted. The most rigorous two years that all of us had to endure. Our training was literally something straight out of hell. Eren, Mikasa, Armin along with the rest of the cadets have grown strong and smart over that amount of time. I've also been helping with the other cadets training whenever they felt like they weren't meeting Keith's expectations. The guy has good intentions but seriously he expects too much from us.

By helping them train, I've become like their unofficial leader whenever Keith isn't yelling at us. They've grown to respect me immensely and trust me with helping them out while at the same time making sure they know that training means nothing. They need the will to act or else they get killed. They seem to have understood that fact. I could see the looks on their faces whenever we would spar. They show the intent to kill and I respond in kind.

They are getting better which is good. Their survival is what I'm hoping for as we go out to face this war. Some still want to live in the inner walls but are appreciative of the training and hope that they don't ever have to use it. It's a nice thought but foolish nevertheless. My relationship with some of the cadets have improved as well.

Mikasa and I have been at each other's side sparring against each other whenever we train. She is a perfect soldier and a highly dangerous combatant. So far I'm the only one who can go toe-to-toe with her but I know that she has been holding back a bit so that she doesn't kill me. When not training and just hanging out together, we've been talking to each other about the past and the lives we lived before everything went to shit. Sometimes she would smile. It certainly makes my day when she does. Our intimate relationship has progressed to the point where we would hold hands and kiss each other to show affection. We are not ready for the next level yet but right now it feels good to have some semblance of happiness.

Ymir and I have also become good friends with each other. This happened after a heart to heart conversation with her after Historia's training. Historia was too innocent to go on the offensive against me during our spars at first but now she is a competent fighter to protect herself. This development led to Ymir being depressed because she thinks that Historia would cast her aside and not need her anymore. I was able to convince her that Historia would always need someone to watch her back no matter how skilled she is. It took some convincing in my part but eventually Ymir brightened up. More determined than she used to be. Ymir seems to trust me now especially when she asked me to protect Historia in case something happens. I promised her I would if the worst comes to pass. She also seems to be eyeing my body on occasion as if she showed interest in me that way. I'm not sure if that's the case because I'm sure that she's a lesbian but then again my presence in this world could've brought some changes. It's possible that Ymir is a bisexual. I guess I'll wait and see

The male cadets see me as a warrior worthy of respect and as a brother type figure to keep them in line. Meanwhile, the female cadets seem to have crushes on me. Many of them were obvious because they would often talk about how good I looked to them in comparison to the other guys. Some would just blush whenever they saw me like Historia. I guess she has a crush on me too. The other female cadets are so stoic, like Ymir and Mikasa, that's its difficult to tell but I know I've garnered their respect at least.

Now we are running in the rain, carrying our bags while Keith is riding his horse beside us. I don't know how long we have been running but I know that's it been a while. I see Armin falling behind the rest of us.

"What's wrong Arlert? You are falling behind. Is it too hard for you? Do you want to be the only one that doesn't carry his equipment. If this was a real mission, you would be Titan food." Keith said to him as he rides further away from him. I can see Armin panting heavily as he runs. I tried my best to improve his stamina but he still seems to be out of shape. I slow down my pace until I'm next to Armin.

"Come on Armin. I'll carry your stuff until you are confident enough to carry it. Our training is being graded so let's move fast or else he figures out I helped you" I said to him. Armin just nods and increases his pace while taking back his equipment bag. He pushes forward through sheer willpower and I smile at this as I run behind him.

Next day we were training in our 3D gear so as to simulate an attack to a Titans neck which is one of their main weaknesses. I'm soaring through the air locating Titan locations that some of the other cadets don't think about and slash the necks of the practice dummy's. When you're a Titan shifter, you have an slight understanding of how a Titan thinks and where they might hide.

I start to see Sasha having a blast with her gear. She uses the thing very unconventionally but it's effective. Could help her survive. I just smile at her antics. It's kind of cute. She eventually sees me and makes an "eep" sound with a blush on her face and instantly leaves the area. I chuckle and think it's adorable. I then continue on my hunting until Keith tells us to finish.

Few hours later, Reiner is about to stab Eren with a wooden knife but Eren blocks him and flips him over onto the ground. This was training. Pretty useful since I'm sure we might face human opponents along with the Titans. Everyone was doing it except for me. I'm just watching. Keith would sometimes allow me to supervise the training since he's seen that I've been improving the skills of the cadets. He also knows that my sparring partner is more often than not Mikasa so he knows that I'm more than capable in a fight.

The cadets are doing well for themselves. Their skills have certainly improved and is being shown to me. I walk around as I see cadet after cadet nodding their head at me in respect. I nod in return and keep walking. I then see Eren and Reiner approach Annie.

This is not going to end well.

I can see Annie's face which showed fearlessness and tranquil fury. I know that she has a tragic backstory just like most of us here. She is certainly a well trained fighter but prefers to work alone. Though so far I'm the only one who could stand up to her and beat her in combat. This seems to have earned her respect.

Eren and her are preparing to fight but as soon as he tries to stab her, she instantly flips him over. Literally one of the quickest fights I have seen. Annie then gives the wooden knife to Reiner expecting him to fight her too. He tries to back out but Eren make sure she does by giving him a deathly glare. It's very impressive really that he could do that.

Reiner then charges at her but she flips him over all the same. Completely hilarious. Annie walks away and then directs her attention at me. We both look at each other with mutual admiration as both fighters and shifters. She doesn't know that I know that she is a shifter and she doesn't know that I'm one too at least I don't think so. She eventually gives me a nod and I respond in kind. She is soon about to leave until Eren starts to ask her about how she fights. I don't listen to the conversation because I know what she is saying to him. Including about how the top 10 graduates can choose to live in the inner walls.

I walk to see both Conny and Sasha clowning around with their training. I approach them and give them a slight glare . They laugh sheepishly and go on with training, leaving me to observe the others.

Later at night, I'm eating food with Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Sasha and surprisingly Ymir and Historia. Eren is listening to Jean's conversation with Marco about living comfortably inside the walls. This seems to irritate Eren.

"So interior life is simple and comfortable?" Eren asks Jean which catches his attention. "Five years ago, this place was also the interior"

"What is your point Eren?" Jean asks him while being annoyed.

"Jean, you're such a simpleton, you'd be comfortable wherever you go." Eren tells him. This causes Jean to twitch his eye. A good amount of people are laughing silently at that.

"Damn you" Jean said.

"Don't you think it's crazy? Learning to fight Titans to only run away from them?" Eren asks him.

"You ask that now? This farce should be kept going for my sake if nothing else" Jean responds. This angers Eren

"You damn bastard" Eren exclaims to him. I slam my hand hard onto the table to which it nearly breaks and catches everyone's attention.

"ENOUGH" I yell at both of them. "This is not the time to fight against each other. Eren sit down and shut up. Control your anger or I'll do it for you." I told him with authority to which he does without question and has a look of guilt. I then turn to Jean.

"It would seem Jean that you have chosen who you wish to be; a coward" this really shocks him but I continue "you train and train only so that you could waste it in some comfortable room in the interior. All you'll be doing is be a pig to be fattened and sent out to be slaughtered. The government doesn't care how many people they sacrifice as long as their way of life continues. If the rest of us die, it'll be you and whoever else left standing inside the walls against the Titans. You will die and it'll be in vain. Everyone will lose."

This seems to have shaken his beliefs of what he wants to do. He just sits in his seat pondering what I just said and says nothing for the rest of the night. A good amount of the cadets knew that what I said was the truth. If we don't stop the Titans, everyone will die and nobody would be left to stop them.

Suddenly, Keith looks in to check up on us.

"I just heard a loud noise come from this place. Would you mind enlightening me of what is going on?" He asked us. Nobody answers until Mikasa raises her hand and says that one of the cadets ripped a giant fart. This causes everyone to laugh but held it in. Keith just covers his nose and leaves the area.

"Learn som self-control" he says to us and then he leaves. I just start crying laughing along with everyone else after what just happened. Oh man I needed that.

Graduation is drawing near for us. It's almost time to choose where we want to go. This decision will decide our future and our lives.

218 of us are now gathered in front of several officers. All lined up and saluting to them. This is it. One of the officers tells us that we have three paths to take.

The Garrison. We would assigned to protect the walls and defend the cities. Not bad in hindsight but with the shifters leading the Titans, defending the walls would not actually work.

Recon Corp, the place Eren and I wish to go. We will be fighting the Titans on the outside. This is the front lines. With my Titan abilities along with Eren, we can turn the tide of this war. However, there is great risk on revealing what we can do. Even if I'm revered for my actions as the Black Titan several years ago, the people will still fear me and Eren more so. Eren's anger is an asset when he shifts but also makes him the most dangerous.

The Military Police Brigade. The groups that protects the king and is able to live comfortably away from the conflict. I personally think these guys are just cowards who would do anything to live peacefully in their rich little worlds. Fortunately, only 10 people with the top scores can go so that makes it an earned job.

Later that day was a relaxation period. Gives us time to decide on what we want to do and celebrate surviving training from hell. I'm one of the ten people that can be allowed to the Military Police Brigade but I'm not going to. I have a responsibility to fight in the front lines. Many have died needlessly because they couldn't fight the Titans on equal footing. That's gonna change.

I can see Jean drinking alone. Jealous that he is below in score of Eren and me. Wagner and Marco come talk to us and are not surprised by the knowledge that we are going to join the Recon Corp. One cadet, however, doubts that we would win.

"You know full well that you can't beat the Titans. Even with all of our training we will still lose" the cadet exclaimed at us which caught the attention of everyone. Eren was about to speak until I stopped him.

"I can understand your doubt and fear on the matter." I tell the cadet calmly. "But we did not train to fight just so that we can live peacefully within the interior. I'm not saying that we can completely beat them. I'm saying that if we don't fight with all of our strength, mankind is doomed and deserves to be wiped out" This seems to have put everyone in some form of a stunned get understanding expression. They know that if we fail to be soldiers, then everything we have trained for and are trying to protect will be for nothing.

"We have a chance to prove to others and more importantly ourselves that we are not afraid of them. We can overcome the challenges ahead but only if we have each other's backs. Our duty as soldiers is to protect humanity. Whatever the cost. I'm prepared and willing to die for everyone if it means we win. The question is: Are you?" I finished saying to the cadet as I leave to get some fresh air. Eren, Mikasa and Armin follow me while everyone else thinks about what I just said.

I go outside, sit down and breathe in the town air. It's so peaceful out here. The wind is steady and the sky is filled with stars. Makes you want to forget that the Titans are even here. It's a nice thought to have. Unfortunately, reality always comes to keep our fantasies in check. Pretty soon, I'm cut off from my thoughts.

"That was very inspiring John. Like always" Eren said to me as he sits along with Armin and Mikasa.

"Thanks Eren. Everyone is so consumed by fear that they will do anything to be away from the conflict. I've done my best to give people some confidence but it's difficult when you're facing the Titans" I said reasonably. I'm not a miracle worker but as long as people survive and stay alive, I guess I can't really complain.

"You did the best you could. Now it's up to them to decide" Mikasa reassured me. I look at grab and grab her hand to which she graciously holds as a form of thanks for being supportive.

"John, did you really mean what you said. That you would die for us if it meant winning" Armin asked me.

"I did Armin. I'm the oldest out of all of you by one year. I'm expendable and I will do whatever it takes to protect you and keep you alive. If it means I have to die to do so then so be it" I told him with determination.

"You are not expendable" Eren exclaimed as I look at him "You are still the Lion of the Wall and more importantly my brother. You have helped us so many times during training and have looked after us ever since what happened in Shinganshina. You are the reason we haven't given up. It's because of you that we are here. You are not expendable and never assume otherwise or else I will kick your ass"

I laugh at that "You realize that I'm a better fighter than you right?"

"I don't care. I won't give up until I do" Eren said to me with a playful smile. I smile in return and give him a hug.

"Thanks little brother" I said to him. Pretty soon Mikasa and Armin join in the hug. We stay like this for I don't know how long. I kind of wish we could stays like this forever but I know that can't happen.

Next day, Eren, Mikasa, Armin and I see the Recon Corp about to leave the walls. We see Commander Erwin. The pragmatic leader of the Recon Corp. A good man but is willing cross moral lines to achieve his goals. He cares a lot for mankind but he is forced to make ugly choices.

Next we see Commander Levy. The most badass character of the series last I remember. Truly a dangerous man in the battlefield but has also lost a lot of good friends over the years. He's a broken man but still keeps fighting with a brutal ruthlessness that I start to question if the man is even human himself.

The people watching them leave are cheering them on hoping that they return successfully in their mission. Unfortunately, not many will come back home. That is also the cost when fighting a war. Eventually we see an old friend. Hannes.

"Hey everyone. You guys graduated yesterday right? I can't believe they let you guys through" He told us with a smile.

"And I cant believe they let a drunkard like you Captain of the Garrison." I told him with a returning smile. He laughs at that.

"Touché" he said.

"How's your mother doing?" Hannes asked me.

"She's doing well. She's making a profit on the farm we have in the reclaimed lands" I told him. Yes Carla, my mom, is a farmer. A real good one in fact. She is one of the head farmers in the land to produce well-grown crops for the people. She has settled in well and gets a good amount of money for her contribution. So the Yeager family is pretty stable on income. We aren't that rich but we sure as shit ain't poor either. It took her a bit to recover from the shock of what happened years ago but working on the fields has helped her a lot. She's Livingston peacefully now and I'll do my best to make sure it stays that way.

"I'm glad to hear. After everything that happened, she deserves some form of happiness. I wish you guys luck, I have things to take care" Hannes tells me as he heads out.

"Thank you Hannes" I say to him before Eren and I head to the top of the wall to make sure the artillery is in place and ready to fire.

"So all you guys enlisted to the Recon Corp? I thought you guys wanted to be in the Inner District as Military Police" I ask the other cadets while cleaning the cannons.

"Yea but we all listened to what you said and we agree with you. If we don't fight, we die. You helped prepare us to fight them and had our backs every step of the way. It's only fair that we do the same" Conny said to me. I look at the other cadets to see if they really do agree. I wasn't disappointed when they look at me with smiles on their faces and nod at me. They look ready to fight. I'm glad because pretty soon the fight is going to be coming to us.

Sasha then makes an appearance

"Guys, I borrowed some meat from the officers morning rations" she tells us as she shows the meat. Everyone but me is shocked by this act. I just laugh because I knew that she would do this.

"Sasha, you want to go to solitary confinement?" Eren said to her.

"You are a real idiot" said Marco

"Idiots are scary" Said Thomas

"Let's all share this together" Sasha says while drooling "we'll slice it up and eat it with bread!" She just pants at the idea. Everyone is telling her to bring it back until I start to talk.

"Well I can eat" I responded which surprised everyone.

"WHHHHAAAATTTTTT!!!???" Everyone exclaimed.

"No one is gonna know unless we don't eat it all besides I am hungry" I reasoned with them. On cue most of their stomachs start to rumble. Guess they are just as hungry.

"Once we retake the lands, we can keep pigs and cows again and be able to eat as much meat we want" Sasha added while putting the meat in a safe place. Her repsonse seemed to have the desired effect. Everyone wants to have the meat now and so they went back to work in anticipation for lunch. Eren and I look back at the city below. It's a beautiful view until I sense something. It's feels familiar.

Oh shit.

"Everyone get to the ground now" I say to them as I arm myself with the blades and turn the opposite direction. They all look at me confused.

"What are you talki-" Conny tries to speak until yellow lightning appears and we all see him.

The Colossal Titan.

"MOVE" I yelled at them and then the Titan destroys the gate. The shockwave sends us flying but we secure ourselves using our gear on the side of the wall. Everyone looks ok just surprised at what happened. They see the gate and are practically stunned at the destruction. The Titans are coming in. I need them to focus or else people will die.

"Get to the ground and help evacuate the civilians. Once your done, get ready to fight. We can't let the Titans take this place. This is where we draw the line. Now Go" I ordered them which seemed to shake them out of their stunned expression. They all listen to me and leave except for Eren. I figured this might happen so I just let him join me. We zip in front of the Colossal Titan ready for a fight. The Titan doesn't notice us but we sure as shit notice him.

Time to go to war.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Ok guys another chapter is up. This took me a bit to write this but I hope that it was enjoyable and entertaining.

I also am planning on creating a Spider Man story that was pitched to me by Kival737101. Its gonna take place in a AU of the spider man game but in the DC universe. It's also gonna be a harem story.

I'm also thinking on creating a Walking dead fanfic that takes place in the TellTale series from the beginning with the pairing is between OC and Clementine as the story progresses. Or maybe a harem I don't know yet. Let me know what you guys think of it.

Anyway, Enjoy the chapter guys. This is me signing out.