This chapter has been revised/rewritten for improvement purposes. I DO NOT own Attack On Titan/Shingeki No Kyojin.
"Today, you are the 104th cadet corps of the Southern Division. You are all here to become well trained soldiers." I projected while standing in front of a huge crowd of cadets. "We will make sure that you all get stronger. I want to know that you are all here with determination. I want you all to work hard and make sure you're ready to protect your loved ones and humankind. My name is Alice Arlet and I will be your lecture instructor for the next three years!"
Two years has passed, year 847, since the fall of Wall Maria. The kids had gotten slightly mature now, just being at fourteen year old and today, they are here to become soldiers.
Eren and Mikasa were able to take care of themselves during the past two years which made me happy. I think Carla and Grisha would be happy too. Speaking of which, I did went on numerous search parties for Grisha ever since his disappearance but he is still nowhere to be found. I really don't know if Grisha is dead or alive but I do hope to find an answer one day so that Eren can have closure on where his father truly is.
I looked at all the trainee's around me. There are a lot of young folks here. All within the same youthful age as my kids. The reason why I'm standing here today as an instructor for these newly cadets was simply because Commander Erwin advised me to. According to Erwin, he mentioned to me that I'd be the perfect person to teach our new cadets about the titans. Honestly, I thought Hange would be the perfect person for this...
With my mouth wide open, I started projecting my voice once again. "I know going through these lectures may seem boring but it is vital to know information about the enemy and how to defeat them."
I surveyed the area once again and eyed each cadet. I finally noticed Armin, Mikasa and Eren sitting at different spots. I let my lips curl slightly at the sight of them. I haven't really been able to see the kids much since I've been on search parties and doing lots of paper work for Commander Erwin. I'm glad I get to see them grow maturely.
"Miss Arlet?" a boy called out to me as he raised his hand.
I could feel myself cringe slightly from hearing that. "No need to be formal towards me." I said politely. "That makes me feel too old. Just call me Alice. I'm fine with it."
"Are you one of humanities strongest? Second to Captain Levi?" The young boy asked. I then heard some whispering and chatters among each other while I eyed the kid.
With an eyebrow raised, I gave him an answer. "Well, I don't want to be labeled as humanities second strongest. There's still Miche Zacharius who is said to be. I'm just an Elite soldier whose committed in protecting humankind." I said as I saluted towards the cadets.
Another round of whispered chattering were among the cadets as I picked up a small piece of chalk and eyed a cadet sleeping on the side of the room. With the chalk still in hand, I flicked it towards the young man and heard the room echoed with 'ooh'. As the chalk hit his well shaved head, he immediately woke up from his slumber, stood up in shock and saluted wit his left hand. "C-Conny Springer at your service SIR!"
There were immediate snickering among the cadets from his sudden goofiness and oblivious to his surrounding. I just stood there with my hands on my hips, glaring at the young man. "Springer. First, you are in a room for your Titan lecture. If you do not want to be here, the door is there. Second you are saluting to me with the wrong hand. Third, I am not a 'sir'."
I could see a shade of pink appearing across Conny's face as he stood there in embarrassment. "M-My apologies Alice."
A smirk appeared on my face as I picked up another piece of chalk and began writing on the board. "Tell me Springer. What do you know about titans?"
"Well..." He began hesitating. "I never seen them. But based from the stories I heard, they're large and scary. They only eat humans and are a big threat to humanities existence."
"Not bad Springer." I said, nodding my head in approval. "You may sit down." He did as told. "Now, if I catch anyone else sleeping under my watch, I won't be as nice. There will be consequences and punishment. Got that?"
Nervous heads were being nodded and I could almost hear some intimidated gulps. "Okay. Let's get started."
With that, I spent the remaining lecture time giving an introduction of what humanities view of titans are and where we think they originated from. I even gave a brief explanation about our military system and what each job role does.
"That is all for today. Please try and remember all these information I give out. You may be tested on these so be aware. DISSMISS!"
All the cadets stood from their seats and saluted towards me as I responded the same. I was then approached by the kids as each cadet were slowly leaving the classroom setting.
My little brother was the first to greet me. "Hi Alice."
I couldn't help but to smile at the sight of my brother. "Look at you Armin. My little brother has matured and is now a cadet." I placed my hand on his head and ruffled his hair.
"It's good to see you here Alice." Mikasa said with a small smile. I smiled back at the girl. My God she's grown to be a beautiful young woman. She has definitely grown tall, taller than me, and has a more serious look on her face.
My attention now faced towards Eren and he still had that same look of determination I've seen since the fall of Wall Maria. "Eren. You've grown too. Almost as tall as me now." I said, letting out a hearty laughter.
"I stuck to my word Alice. I'm here to train hard and be the best." Eren said with all his pride. "I will be the strongest and I WILL get revenge for my mother." His fist tightened and I could see him gritting his teeth.
I lifted my hand and patted his head. "I know Eren." I said quietly, giving him a small smile. "I know you'll be one of the strongest. I will always cheer you on."
He nodded his head with that determined smile still on his face. I could see Mikasa nodding in agreement and Armin giving the same smile. They sure have grown.
"I'm curious to know whose your head instructor."
"Keith Shadis." Mikasa answered.
My eyes widened in shock from hearing that. Did not expect that. "Really? I'm surprised to hear that. Keith was the previous Scouts Regiment commander. Good to know he's still helping out in the military."
"Well he's very intimidating and mean." Armin said quietly.
I couldn't help but to laugh. "Yeah. Keith is not that bad. He's just very strict."
"We should head back before we get into trouble for curfew." Mikasa said.
"I guess you're right." Eren added.
"Head back to your cabins kids. Tomorrow's going to be a tough training day. I know I been through that." I said, letting out another laugh.
"See you Sis." Armin said, him, Mikasa and Eren waving towards me.
"See you all." I waved back.
As the three of them exited the room, I picked up my eraser and began erasing the notes on my board. I was enjoying my moment for silence for the next couple minutes until it was interrupted by the sound of someone opening the door.
I turned around to see Levi.
"Hello Captain Levi." I greeted him with a smile.
He returned my greeting with a nod. "You ready to go home?"
"Yeah. Give me another minute." I answered with another smile.
Levi and I had actually gotten pretty close during these past two years. The both of us walked home together a lot more often and I normally get teased by my friends about that. The more I got closer to Levi, the more deeper my feelings for him are. I still don't know how Levi feels about me, but I am extremely content with the relationship I currently have with him.
"Don't forget to clap those erasers." Levi said as he grabbed them out of my hand.
He walked up to the window, opened it and began clapping the eraser. I couldn't help but to stand there and let out a small smile. His quirky cleaning personality is cute. I couldn't help but to blush at this.
"Here. It's all clean now." He handed them back to me.
"Thank you Levi."
I grabbed them and felt my fingers brushing his hand. I ignored the blush that crept across my face and quickly placed the erasers back to the board. With that, the two of us exited the training grounds and walked home.
The breeze felt nice and the air was doable. It's just another regular walk home with Levi.
"How was your first day?" Levi asked, breaking the silence.
"It was okay. I did what I had to do. I could see the look of determination among most of them while others had an unsure feeling." I answered quietly, still enjoying the breeze.
"What about those three?"
I knew he was talking about Eren, Armin and Mikasa. "I know I've been pretty absent to them these past two years. I'm really happy to see them as mature adults now. Seeing them as part of our new cadets, it sort of made me feel warm to know that they are willing to do this for the sake of humanity."
Levi was silent for a brief moment but then responded. "That's good to know."
From the corner of my eye, I see catching a glimpse of me and then looked away. I couldn't help but to let the corner of my lips curl. "How was the expedition today? Seeing you this early means that something happened." A frown formed knowing that this information was most likely true.
"Yeah. Erwin planned on moving forward to reclaim Wall Maria. Unfortunately, a few casualties happened and we retreated." Levi answered, a disappointed tone was sensed.
"I see..." I said quietly, lowering my head slightly as I put my hands behind my back and played with my fingers. "I wish I could be there to help. Maybe then those lives could've been saved."
Levi didn't say anything, looking at him from the corner of my eye, I could tell he was in deep thought. "I...prefer you to stay within the walls for the time being." He said. This caused me to stop my pace and I stood there in confusion. "Why's that Captain? Do you not want me to be out there?"
"No." He said bluntly. My eyes widened from his response but before I could speak, he explained himself. "Erwin advised for you to stay here and teach right? That's because he wants you to see your kids grow and become strong soldiers. Who knows what might happen to them after they graduate. Plus, who knows what could've happened to you if you stayed on expeditions with us."
I could feel my chest tightened from his explanation. Levi's right. I don't know exactly know where the kids will go after graduation. They could join any branch they desire and that will definitely cause us to not see each other. Plus, if I continue to assist Commander Erwin on future expeditions, there's a slight chance I could die even if I am one of Levi's elite soldiers. I guess I understand why Erwin did this for me. How kind of him.
"You're right Levi. Thanks for reminding me of that. I don't know what I would do if wasn't able to see them." I said, smiling towards Levi.
Levi was staring at me for a moment but then looked away. I'm not sure if what I saw was true, but I could've sworn there was a hint of red across his cheeks. "You really are something..." I heard him whisper.
"Hm? Something wrong Captain?"
He shook his head. "No. Just thinking about something." He said and began walking away. "Let's go home."
With that, I didn't say anything and following along. I don't understand what Levi's comment meant but I felt glad to know that the two of us were able to bond more.
