"Come on Frank!" Leo tugged his friend along. "We're going to be late!"
"I'm coming I'm coming!" Frank said. "Geez Valdez, let go of me!'
"Sorry, I"m just so excited to check out the ODM gear!" Leo squealed.
"You're creeping me out man." Frank remarked.
"That's nice, now come on!" Leo took off, furiously sprinting towards the crowd of soldiers. Frank jogged after him.
"IT'S APTITUDE TEST TIME SO LISTEN UP!" The commander barked. "THERE IS NO PLACE FOR YOU HERE IF YOU CANNOT PERFORM! FAIL, AND BE SHIPPED TO THE FIELDS! NOW, DIVIDE YOURSELF EVENLY BETWEEN THE FOUR STATIONS, SEVEN TO A STATION. CAN YOU MANAGE THAT MAGGOTS?"
"Yes sir!"
Jason, Percy and Annabeth were already in a line together. Leo slipped in before anyone could join. He had to see Jason on these things. Speaking of which, were they even what he thought they were?
Leo peeked out and watched as Mikasa was being strapped onto a machine. Long cords attached to a belt around her waist, drooping as she stood there.
Leo fought a scream of excitement. Some of his siblings in the Hephaestus Cabin built something like this, and it was so much fun to use! Oh yeah, he was going to rock this.
"Lift her up." Someone said. The cords attached to Mikasa's belt began to rise, tensing as they went. Mikasa looked completely calm and in control as her feet left the ground.
"So that's what all these straps are for." Percy said. "I tangled myself trying to get them on at least three times."
"She makes it look easy." Annabeth said.
"It's not too hard. I used something like this before. Jason, this is why I thought you'd be good at it. You can manipulate the air to keep you steady." Leo smiled.
"Look, even Connie's getting the hang of it." Percy said. "This shouldn't be too hard."
"Oh no…" Annabeth said quietly.
"What? What is- oh. Now that's just depressing." Percy followed her gaze. Eren was hanging upside down from his gear.
Jason raised a hand.
"Jason, don't. Once you've tipped you don't get back up." Leo said. "If you use your powers to help him, they're going to know something's up. We can talk to him later, we've still got a couple days to learn to use this stuff."
"WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION JAEGER?" The commander barked to the upside down Eren. "STRAIGHTEN YOURSELF UP!"
Jason noticed the snickering faces surrounding Eren and felt anger bubble up inside of him. He sent a gust of wind that messed their hair up and left it hanging in their eyes.
"Are you sure I can't help him Leo?" Jason asked. "The commander just told him to straighten up, so it has to be possible."
"It's not. Trust me Jason, don't do it." Leo urged.
"Next!" Someone hollered.
"Good luck Annabeth." Percy said. Annabeth smiled and walked up to the machine. She clicked the hooks into place and stood, eerily calm. "I"m ready."
"Lift her up!"
The cords slowly began to rise. As soon as Annabeth felt the tension along her waist, she prepared for her feet to leave the ground. Once that happened, it was difficult. She shifted her weight according to where and how the belt was tensed. She remained in air for a couple more seconds before she trusted herself to look around.
Piper was two machines over and appeared to have it under control She glanced up and met Annabeth's gaze with a smile. Piper wobbled a bit, and she returned her full focus to keeping herself properly aloft.
Annabeth searched the ground for Percy's familiar green eyes. He gave her a thumbs up and a lopsided grin. The tension eased, and Annabeth realized she was being lowered. She shifted her weight to accommodate the new feeling. Her feet touched the ground, and she promptly unbuckled herself from the machine.
"You should be able to get it Seaweed Brain." Annabeth told him. "Just feel the tension and move your mass according to that."
"Thanks Wise Girl." Percy replied as he approached the machine.
"Would it be bad if I helped him stay up?" Jason asked Annabeth.
"Yes. You might not always be with him in battle to support him. He needs to figure this out for himself." Annabeth responded, returning her gaze to her boyfriend.
"Lift him up."
Long story short, he managed to do it. Jason winced every time he wobbled and flinched whenever he grit his teeth.
"It was hard seeing my bro struggle." Jason said once Percy unattached himself from the machine.
"Aw, thanks bro." Percy clapped him on the back. "You're up." Once Jason had hooked himself up, Percy turned to his girlfriend. "How did I do?"
"Not bad." Annabeth smirked.
Jason rose into the air, looking as though he was still on the ground. He was practically standing on air.
"Show off!" Percy yelled.
"Oh, I'm hurt!" Jason threw his hand against his forehead dramatically.
"Dang, he's better than Mikasa." Leo remarked.
Jason started doing jumping jacks just to show off. "Do you think I'll pass?" He called.
"Not a chance Grace!" Percy replied, laughing.
Leo went next, and he had a manic gleam in his eyes the whole time. He shifted and wiggled and seemed to be absolutely fascinated with the belt. When they lowered him he didn't take the cords off for another five seconds. He just stared at them in awe.
"FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAD AN INSUFFICIENT PERFORMANCE," The commander glanced at Eren when he said this. "OR A BELOW AVERAGE ONE, THESE MACHINES WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO PRACTICE. DISMISSED!"
"I'm probably going to try and get a bit better." Percy said. "I think I wobbled too much."
"I am too." Frank said. "I nearly tipped over."
"I'll help you guys if you want." Annabeth offered.
"Oh, me too!" Hazel piped.
"Nice. It can be like a double date." Frank grinned.
Percy snickered. "Just like a double date."
"Well, me and Pipes are going to find out more about the titans." Jason said. "What are you going to do Nico and Leo?"
"Hm? Oh, I dunno." Leo shrugged. Then his eyes lit up. "Maybe I could spend some more time with the ODM gear! It's so fascinating how it all works."
"I guess you're my partner then." Nico remarked. "Since I need to practice more."
"Sure. Put 'em here di Angelo." Leo raised his hand. Nico stared at him.
"No, thank you." Nico said drily. He stalked back towards the ODM machines.
"Ooohh! Shut down by di Angelo!" Percy laughed.
"Shut up Jackson." Leo muttered as he followed Nico back.
Mikasa, Armin, and Eren were already at one of the machines. Eren was hooked up, and Armin had his hands on the lever, ready to spin it and raise Eren into the air.
"Just remember the basics and you'll be fine." Percy overheard Mikasa tell Eren as he hooked himself up. "Don't try any fancy maneuvers…"
"You ready Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth called.
"Yeah." Percy replied. The cords began to lift him into the air. He wobbled a bit once his feet left the ground.
"Percy, you're stressing it too much. You need to take deep breaths and be in control of yourself." Annabeth lectured.
"Okay." Percy relaxed. He took even breaths, and he eventually stopped shaking. Be in control of yourself. I'm in control.
"Good. You've got it." Annabeth complimented. "There you go."
He looked up and immediately wobbled.
"Keep your weight evenly spread." Annabeth said. "You had it, but as soon as you looked at me you lost control. You need to-" She was cut off by a sickening crack!
"EREN!" Armin exclaimed. Annabeth whipped around to see Eren, hanging upside down, his head on the ground.
Annabeth dashed over and helped Mikasa unbuckle him. He crumpled to the dirt, blood dripping from a gash on his forehead.
"Armin, me and Annabeth we'll get him patched up, don't worry. Why don't you help Annabeth's boyfriend? He's tipped." Mikasa said as she slung one of Eren's arms over her shoulder. Annabeth had Eren's other arm. She glanced behind her to see a pale Percy hanging upside down. Armin rushed over to him.
"Thank you." Mikasa told Annabeth.
"Don't mention it. Come on, doctor's office is this way." Annabeth began to lead them towards a small building to the right of the Mess Hall. Eren seemed to be half conscious, groaning and occasionally twitching.
"So, what's the relationship between you two?" Annabeth asked. Mikasa's expression became guarded.
"He helped me when I was very young. I had lost my family and his took me in. I'm forever indebted to him." She said curtly.
"He's lucky to have a girl like you in his life." Annabeth replied. "He seems quite ambitious, and I say that with the highest respect. But he has a temper, and it seems like the kind that could get him in big trouble."
"He watched a titan devour his mother." Mikasa said lowly. "The experience shaped him into who he is now. I'm sure you can understand how that affected him."
"Of course. I had no idea." Annabeth said awkwardly. "He's a good boy though. Passionate, brave, quick witted."
"You have no idea." Mikasa said as they reached the bottom of the stairs leading to the doctor's cabin. "I'll take it from here. Thank you for your assistance."
"Anytime. Seriously, girl to girl, I'm here if you need to talk to anyone about anything."
"I'll keep that in mind." The ghost of a smile tugged at Mikasa's lips, and she entered the doctor's cabin with Eren.
Annabeth turned and ran back to the machines to see Percy leaning on Armin.
"Annabeth! Is Eren okay?" Armin exclaimed.
"He's going to be fine." Annabeth replied. "He's with the doctor. What's up with him?" She turned her gaze towards Percy.
"I think he's just dizzy. Suddenly flipping like that kind of rattled him." Armin answered.
"Anna...beth?" Percy squinted at her.
"Idiot." She chuckled. A loud, clear sound, the dinner bell, rang out.
"Foood…" Percy groaned.
"Come on Seaweed Brain. Let's put some nutrients in your body." Annabeth slung Percy's arm over her shoulder. "Thanks for getting him down Armin. He's such a doofus sometimes."
"No problem." Armin smiled lightly. "Hey, could I come with you guys to the Mess Hall?"
"Of course!" Annabeth replied. Armin jogged up to her ash she began walking away.
"So, how did you two meet?" Armin asked, nodding to Percy.
"Oh gosh. That was like, six years ago." She smiled lightly. "He had just gotten into a fight and was unconscious outside my home, so my family took him in. He's powerful, but he ain't the sharpest tool in the shed."
Armin grinned. "Cool. Sounds like you're in charge in this relationship."
"Heck yeah." Annabeth chuckled. "So how did you meet up with Mikasa and Eren?"
"Well, we both lived in Shiganshina, and I was getting beaten for fantasizing about leaving the walls. They kind of came to my rescue. I showed them everything I knew about the outside world. They were both fascinated by it, just as much as me. Eren made it his goal to see it. We all want to see the ocean so badly." Armin's voice grew wistful.
Of course, Annabeth thought. These guys have never been outside the walls. They've never seen the ocean. Best not tell him I've seen it, he'll get suspicious, but mark my words, this boy will see the ocean.
"That sounds incredible." Annabeth said. She halted in front of the door and looked to Armin.
"It is. Oh, sorry." Armin opened the door for her and let her drag Percy in.
"No apologies needed. Thanks." Annabeth responded. She dropped Percy into a chair and sat down next to him.
"I'm going to wait for Eren and Mikasa to show up." Armin said.
"Alright. See 'ya." Annabeth smiled. Armin waved and stepped back outside.
Annabeth turned, grabbed a nearby cup of water, and threw it's contents onto Percy's face.
"Huh? What?" He shot out of his dizzied trance, whipping around frantically. He noticed the fact that he was soaking, and that his girlfriend was holding an empty cup, looking very smug, in front of him.
"Ha ha. Very funny Wise Girl." Percy stuck his tongue out. He gathered up all the water she had thrust on him and dropped it on her.
"You're such a sore loser." Annabeth remarked.
The door opened, and Eren, Mikasa, and Armin entered. Eren's head was bandaged. Mikasa and Armin set him down in a chair, Mikasa next to him and Armin across. People began filing into the hall, and people pointed and stared at the injured boy. The eight demigods sat at the table next to them, and could clearly see Eren's eyes widen in disbelief at his situation.
"Hey Daz." Jason overheard a man say to his friend. He angled his head to hear their conversation. "He was talking big about butchering all the titans, but he got real quiet after ODM training didn't he?"
Jason noticed Eren pale. He had heard.
Jason abruptly stood up. "Hey, at least he's got more guts than all of you combined. So stay out of it jerk."
"Jason, sit down." Piper growled. He did so promptly. "And calm down too."
"I guess it's the fields for him tomorrow." The man, Daz said. "Can't keep wasting food on the useless."
"Shut up you son of a harpy!" Jason exclaimed. A strong gust of wind suddenly blew across the hall, nearly knocking the two men over. "If we should stop wasting food on the useless you'd be bone thin right now!"
"JASON!" Piper barked. "Sit. Down!"
Jason did so, grumbling darkly.
"Hey, calm down." Percy said. "You're not getting us anywhere."
"Sorry guys." Jason sighed. "I just hate it when people are such idiots."
"Eren." Mikasa grabbed Eren's shoulder, causing him to cry out. Annabeth glanced over. Steam was rising off Eren's head.
No. That's just the steam from the food. Annabeth thought. Why would his head be smoking?
"Worrying won't solve a thing." Armin said. "There's still some time to get some practice in come morning."
"How pathetic." Eren muttered. "How am I supposed to kill 'em if I can't even stand up straight?"
"It might be time to let that dream die." Mikasa said, earning a startled look from both boys.
"What do you mean?" Eren asked, his eyes wide.
"I think you should give up this attempt to be a soldier." Mikasa said nonchalantly. "There's a lot more to fighting and combat than just throwing your life away in vain."
"What are you saying?" Eren was clearly outraged. "After everything we saw that day? After what happened to my mom? You're crazy if you think I'm just going to walk away."
The demigods exchanged confused glances. Annabeth quickly stole Riptide and put it in pen form, and scribble on a napkin Eren's mom was eaten by a titan. Everyone frowned once they read it.
"I get it, but it doesn't matter how determined you are." Mikasa continued.
"It- wait what do you mean?" Eren looked rabid, scared confused and angry at the same time.
"Because whether or not you're fit to be a soldier isn't up to you." Mikasa explained.
Eren flinched away like she had hit him, hurt and rage evident in his eyes.
The bell rang, and everyone began cleaning up.
"You misunderstand." Mikasa said.
"Let's go Armin." Eren said darkly, either oblivious to the fact Mikasa was still talking or he didn't care.
"Oh, okay." Armin replied.
"I'm not saying you should return to the fields by yourself." Mikasa continued, not knowing the boys had left her. "I wouldn't dream of it. Because wherever you go, I'm going to go with you." Mikasa turned to look at Eren but found herself face to face with Sasha.
The demigods quickly exited.
"Wow, that's grim." Frank said, throwing a worried glance over his shoulder. "Poor guy."
"There's nothing we can do about it." Nico said darkly. "I'm going to sleep. See you guys in the morning."
Jason watched the dark haired boy walk off. He'd been acting strange, very strange. Ever since he started dating Will, he had smiled more. He even tried to be social. But now, he was back to the way he was before. Cold. Secretive. Sad.
"Good night boys." Piper waved and started towards her cabin, Hazel by her side. They split up and went into their respective cabins.
"Gosh, today was so tense." Jason said, climbing atop the bunk he and Percy shared.
"Tell me about it." Percy replied. "This place is seriously depressing me."
The door opened, and Connie and Jean walked in. They were in a heated argument about something, as per the usual.
"Hey, Grace, what was with the whole standing up for Jaeger thing?" Jean asked.
"I don't like it when people are picked on, alright?" Jason snapped.
"Geez, calm down. I just asked you a question." Jean climbed up to his bunk and Connie settled into the one under him. Nico had a bunk to himself, mainly because everyone else was too scared to offer to bunk with him.
Percy got up and entered the bathroom just as there was a knock at the door. Jason leapt down from his bunk and opened the door to reveal a very desperate looking Eren.
"Can I talk to you guys?" He asked. "About the ODM gear."
"Sure. Come on in." Jason held the door open for him.
"Connie! How do you keep such good posture?" Eren seized the bald boy by his shoulders, revealing Armin waiting in the doorway.
"Hands off me man!" Connie said, shoving Eren off.
"Please…?" Eren begged.
"What's the trick to posture control?" Connie smirked. "Hard to say. I guess I got the gift. You've just gotta feel it, ya know?"
Eren turned to Jean.
"I'm trying to figure out your trick." Jean looked like he was on the verge of laughter. "You've screwed up every way imaginable, short of an accidental equipment related asphyxiation."
"Pleeasse guys." Eren took a hurried step forward, and Armin extended an arm to keep him from crashing into Jean and Connie."You gotta help me I'm begging you."
Jason looked to the conversation.
"That's funny. Wasn't it just yesterday you said that if you can't handle the pressure you gotta leave?" Connie said. Eren winced away, hurt evident on his face. Jason took a step towards them. "No wait. Was it if you're a complete idiot you gotta leave? Something like that."
Eren looked like he may start crying.
"Back off guys." Jason barked. "One more word and I'll throw you over Wall Rose."
Jean snickered.
"Or I can just gut them with a sword." Nico drew his Stygian iron blade out from under his bunk. The weapon radiated fear and death. "It'd be much more fun if you ask me." He pointed it at the boys.
"You wouldn't." Connie growled.
Nico's eyes were so empty, cold, and soulless that Jason was surprised Connie had the courage to speak. Nico pressed the end against Connie's cheek. "Try me baldie."
Percy took this moment to leave the bathroom. He looked at the situation then went back inside.
"You were really good at it." Armin said, turning to Jason. "Do you have any advice?"
Become the son of the god of the sky, Jason thought. "No, not really. Reiner and Bertolt are pretty good though. Maybe they'll give you some pointers."
"Thanks. Come on Eren." Armin tugged his friend out of the cabin.
Nico lowered his sword and slid it back into it's sheath under his bed.
"HOW THE HECK DID YOU SMUGGLE A SWORD IN HERE?" Connie exclaimed.
"I have my ways." Nico grinned lightly.
"Is it safe to come out now?" Percy asked.
"Yeah." Jason replied. "We're good."
:~:
The crowd waited with baited breath as Eren stood there, attached to the ODM machine. He and the commander stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.
"Eren Jaeger, are you ready?" He finally asked.
"Yes sir!" Eren said. He silently surveyed the crowd, locking eyes with Armin, Mikasa, and Jason. They could all see the fire blazing in his eyes. He would do this.
"Proceed!" The commander barked.
The crank began to turn, and Eren was slowly lifted into the air. He was still upright when his feet left the ground, and he remained that way, his eyes glued to the commander.
He's doing it. Jason realized, going slack jawed like most of the crowd. He's doing it. He's going to stay.
And for a second that was reality, everyone cheered, but then he wobbled. He wobbled again, until finally he fell back. He used his arm to stop his head from hitting the ground first, but Jason looked into his eyes. He was still trying to get upright again.
The commander approached him.
"No! Not yet! Once more, I can do it!" Eren exclaimed frantically.
"...Lower him."
The crank was released, and Eren collapsed to his knees, panting. He sat back shakily, his eyes watering. "I- I'm finished."
Jason was about to bust through the crowd to demand to let him have another turn, but then the commander spoke.
"Fardlan, please trade belts with Mr. Jaeger."
"Huh? Uh, yes sir!" The man behind the machine said. He unstrapped his belt and extended it towards Eren, who followed suite. He shakily hooked himself back up to the machine and stood, ready to be lifted. The crank turned, and Eren's feet left the ground. He looked tense at first, then he relaxed. His eyes widened in surprise.
He's having no trouble with this guy's belt. Leo thought. Eren's belt must have been faulty.
"Your equipment was defective." The commander said, confirming Leo's suspicion. "If given a piece of functional gear you might not be worthless after all." the commander fingered the belt. "The quartermaster didn't notice this broken clasp. Might have to visit the supply depot and crack a couple skulls."
"He still did." A man in the crowd said. "Even when wearing that busted gear."
"So you mean I- I didn't wash out?" Eren said in disbelief.
"You made the cut." The commander said drily. "Now keep training cadet!"
It took Eren a moment to register those words, but when he did, he pumped his fist in the air in victory.
"Good job Eren!" Jason exclaimed. "Way to go! I knew you could do it!"
"It seems like things worked out for him." The man next to Jason remarked.
"Look, his eyes are saying check me out." Armin smiled.
"They're not." Mikasa said. The boys looked at her simultaneously. "His eyes are saying he doesn't have to leave me. Not anymore."