DISCLAIMER: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin! The characters, plot, etc belong to Haime Isayama. Inari, Shepp, and Kitty as well as my own creation/adaptations belong to me. Hope you enjoy my story. Read, review, favorite, follow. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

(Inari POV)

That day had ended in a blur and everyone had settled in for the night, awaiting the next few days of scouting. Most of the girls stayed up gossiping over the visiting commanders and corporals. Petra and I had decided to turn in early, wanting a nice rest for tomorrow's activities. Kitty was nowhere to be seen, only furthering our suspicion of a possible fling with Shepp. I've noticed that he has branched out a bit since we enlisted two years ago. His circle of friends has grown from just me, to that of Kitty, Petra, me, and a few cabin mates of his. I just hope that he stays as far from titans as possible. I don't want him to put himself in danger because of me. Seeing as I am now 18, I am fully capable of handling myself, yet he's not convinced. Maybe after these next few days of judgment from authorities, he'll see that I am able to survive without him.

I woke up earlier than the others, wanting to shower when there was still hot water. The sun had not yet risen, but not for long. I had slept in an over-sized white t-shirt that came down just below my panty line, pink knee high socks, pastel green boxer shorts, and had my long, wavy, auburn hair up in a high ponytail with a yellow bow. I grabbed my bathroom kit, a towel, and my shower shoes. I tip-toed out of the cabin, quietly closing the door, and made my way to the community bathroom. The boys and girls bathhouses were in the same building, yet divided by a wall. Of course we didn't bathe together! We still have morals.

I undressed, placing my belongings in a little cubby, and made my way to the showers. I let the hot water wash away all tension from my muscles. I shampooed my long locks, suds of tropical paradise going down the drain. I swear I will never get used to this. Back when I was trapped in the Underground, a shower was a luxury. Sure, we had community baths, but they weren't the most sanitary or clean. Too many people used them, some of whom had diseases. When Isabel left, I had to move in with Shepp, since Isabel was the bread winner of our little family. He at least had running water, even though it was cold. I would have to take multiple trips to and from the sink just to fill a small washing basin for us to bathe.

I had let time slip by me, now hearing the oncoming footsteps of the other cadets. I quickly finished up, turning the shower off, and stepping out. Most would want the showers, but Petra usually went to the community bath, so I decided to wait in the warm bath pool for her. Steam rose off the sudsy water. Not long after I slipped in the water, Petra and Kitty stepped in as well. They know I'm an early riser, so this process wasn't a big surprise for them. We sat in the farthest corner of the bath pool, chatting about today's activities.

As usual, Kitty complained, "I am not looking forward to hand-to-hand combat today. I'll just get bruises and that is not attractive."

"Still planning on seducing Commander Smith, huh?" I tease.

"No, but I still want to make a good impression," she rolls her eyes.

"I just hope I get good scores. I want to maintain my rank so I can join the Military Police," Petra says quietly, rubbing her cheeks with worry.

"You will do fine, Petra. You're ranked fourth anyway," I say soothingly.

"Yeah! I mean, with Inari and Shepp as first and second and me as third, we have your back. We will intimidate your opponents into submission," Kitty shouts, standing up, leaning on one knee, fist in the air.

"Uh, Kitty, you're showing," Petra says, covering her eyes.

Kitty and I laugh at her innocence. "What's wrong with some bonding? Skin-ship makes good friends," I say, wrapping my arms around their shoulders. Kitty and I tackle Petra in the water, tickling each other. I'm going to miss them so much. Kitty and Petra plan to move to the interior with the Military Police. I've had my share of harassment for wanting to join the Scouting Regiment. Shepp will want to follow me, but I'll be damned if he does. I let them bathe, leaving the bath now that I'm all prune-like. I wrap my towel around me, grab my stuff and exit the bathhouse.

If I had planned to stay in there that long, I should have brought my uniform to change into, but I had hoped to finish before the others woke up. I sneak out, staying in the shadows. I glance around the next corner. Damn it! No shadows. Nothing but blazing sunshine. Luckily, the coast is clear. I'll just have to run for it. I grip my towel tighter, take in a deep breath, and turn the corner. I instantly slam into something hard, falling onto my ass. Ouch! That hurt a lot. I rub my head, praying there won't be a bump.

"Tch! Damn cadet," someone says above me.

Oh shit! I glance up, seeing the man before me. Levi!

"Eek! I'm so sorry, Corporal Levi!" I stammer, waiting a reprimand. Wait, is he blushing?

"Make haste, cadet, and cover up. Is there such thing as decency these days?" he quips.

I feel a breeze and realize my legs were open, showing my womanhood to the world. Oh fuck! I clamp my legs together and quickly stand. I bet I'm bright red.

"Well, why would you be looking there, you twit?" I shout defensively, gathering my pride.

I see his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. "It was out for all to see! Show some respect for authority, you damn brat!" Levi shouts, trying to intimidate me.

"How can I show respect to a man with no morals? You could've looked away! Besides, we're on the same playing field here," I say indicating our same height. That's right, pip squeak.

"That's enough from you, brat! You're running laps, right now!" He says, pointing to the running field.

"Sorry, but no. It would be considered harassment for you to order a nearly naked woman to run in front of everyone. You really don't have morals, do you, Corporal Levi?" I smirk and turn away, flipping my hair in his face. I saunter off, feeling victorious.

It was now the afternoon and we have been sparring for the past few hours. We sparred as if it was a tournament of some sorts. Once, you lost a match, you didn't continue. If you won, you'd move to the next round. The idea of it was that you lose once you're pinned. It had played out how I would expect with Kitty, Petra, Shepp, and I as the last contenders. Kitty and Petra have been sparring for the past 20 minutes, neither able to pin the other. Kitty advances, aiming a right jab, but Petra dodges and lands her foot in the back of Kitty's knee. She stumbles, yet manages to evade Petra's oncoming assault of punches. Instead, she ducks and rams her shoulder into Petra's stomach, driving her back onto her butt, pinning her. Kitty had won. Now, Shepp and I will spar, and the victor will spar with Kitty.

Shepp and I square up in the chalk ring. I glance sideways and eye Commander Shadis watching with the other leaders, including our guests. I need to make a good impression. I need to join the Scouting Regiment to reunite with Isabel. Shadis blows the whistle, signaling us to start. Immediately, I feel my limbs tingle with power and adrenaline. Shepp is strong, powerful, and a tank. He would be thought to be the victor, but he knows all too well what will happen. All of the cadets know. I may be small, but I am quick, persistent, and precise. I'm also quite the trickster.

Shepp advances, faking a left punch, but goes to side sweep my legs. I jump up, rotate my body, and strike his shoulder with a hard kick. He catches my foot, pulling me forward, towards his awaiting fist. I bend my head backwards, missing his fist. My hands connect with the ground and I flip backwards, my free leg slamming into his chin, freeing my other foot. That'll leave a mark. We square up again, circling each other, watching for signs of an oncoming assault. My turn. I sprint at him, aiming my right fist at him. He dodges, aiming a jab of his own at my stomach. I dodge it, side stepping out of the way.

Oops.

He was waiting for this and had aimed his knee into my side. Pain floods my ribs, but I won't let it slow me down. I must win.

I grit my teeth. I need to finish this. Shepp steps forward, hoping to hit me again, now that I'm in pain. I dive roll out of the way, then dash upward towards his torso. I grapple his waist, then flip upwards, wrapping my legs around his neck. I pull him downward, flipping him onto his back. I land and stand with my feet on either side of his head.

"That's a pin! Inari advances," Commander Shadis shouts out, writing something on his clipboard. I smirk down at Shepp and help him up.

"Damn. You know how to use those legs. I should look out for them now," he says, wiping the dirt off his pants.

"Well, I'm limber so I use it to my advantage," I laugh and await Shadis' next orders.

(Levi POV)

I watch those two spar, analyzing their moves. Shepp is a formidable fighter, but he seems to hesitate with her for some reason. He could clearly take her. He out-weighs her in strength and size, yet I can't shake how fast and precise she is. Each attack of her is though-out and works to counter her opponents. I'm still surprised she has made it to this round. That damned cadet from both the mess hall and this morning. I feel my cheeks burn with arising memories. Now is not the time. I clear my head and think of the others. Kitty seems to make a show of her matches, always trying to stay ahead of her opponent. Petra was very skillful too. She was light on her feet and she's very swift. Kitty should take some notes from Petra. Kitty needs to learn endurance, while Petra could gain a bit more strength.

Suddenly, I hear a few of the cadets "Ooo" and "Awe." I look up and see her grapple Shepp and slam his back on the ground. God Damn! That ought to hurt!

Then, Shadis calls out, "That's a pin! Inari advances."

I step towards Shadis, "Who is that cadet?"

He looks at me, "Cadet Inari Magnolia. She's top of the class. She's quite the soldier isn't she? If only she had the mouth to match. She's quite the spit-fire, but she has the more purpose than everyone else." He seems almost to praise her. Wait, what?

"Did you say Magnolia?" I inquire. It can't be.

"Yeah, Inari Magnolia. Height: 5'3", age: 18 years, rank: first. Why?"

"Where is she from?" I ask.

"She and that boy, there, "he says pointing to Shepp, who's standing up now, "and her are from the Underground. Born fighters, they are. We might do more recruiting from down there, but the interior would have to vote on it. Those two are the only ones that made it to graduation."

The Underground? Magnolia? Isabel? Inari? Could they be related? If so, does she know what has become of Isabel? I feel a lump of guilt and sadness in my throat. Remember what Erwin said. No regrets. I push aside all inhibition, becoming my stoic self again.

"End the tournament here. I will be sparring Inari Magnolia," I say. Shadis nods and I earn a knowing look from Erwin and a questioning look from Hanji.

"Oi, brat! Back in the ring!" I shout out. Inari looks about confused, then she lands her eyes on me, all emotion turning to pride and prowess.

"Who, me? You want to brawl, pip squeak?" She taunts.

Damn her.

"No. I just think you need to be taught to eat dirt, instead spitting venom at your superiors." I snap. I take off my green cloak and brown jacket. I roll up my sleeves, preparing to kick her ass. She removes her jacket as well, reveal the pastel yellow shirt underneath. Hopefully, it'll be stained with blood when I'm done with her.

We square up and our audience goes silent with anticipation.

"I'm not holding back," she says.

"We don't stop until one is unconscious. That's how it is in the real world."

"I'm not new to beating someone to a pulp, corporal," she snaps.

"Good. Then, let the lesson begin," I sneer.