The pride of the military is the use of the omni-directional mobility gear, a gas-powered propulsion device that also uses grappling hooks for stability. The gear is used as a way to move in a three-dimensional space and fight Titans. Since their weak spot is the nape of their neck, getting in the air and behind them quickly lead to the development of these machines. They also come with several sets of blades in case the ones in use break.
Today, we just have ourselves strapped in a harness and hooked to several ropes. The ability to stay upright is the most important aspect of using ODM gear, and this is the best way to test it.
My father often told me how exhilarating it was when he flew around with the ODM gear, and like the curious child I was, I often asked him how he could do it, and if I could fly like him someday. He often laughed at how I wanted to fly, but he never discouraged me. In fact, he once tested me in the same way we are today, but instead of the state-of-the-art equipment we have today, my father had to make do with some rope and two trees.
Of course, as a child I had no idea what I was doing, being tied between two trees and having to keep myself upright is no easy task, luckily my father tied me up high enough to not get myself hurt when I flipped over. He says it all has to do with your center of gravity, and great physical strength, particularly in the legs, coupled with spatial recognition abilities, as well as the mental strength to not waver in the midst of a panic, are crucial qualities. I remember I actually managed to stay upright, but only for a few seconds. My father said if I had the proper equipment, I would've stayed up until the sun came down, but today I find out if he was right about that. No matter how determined I am, it all comes down to if I'm capable of becoming a soldier.
I'm soon strapped into my harness, and as I wait to be raised up, I'm approached by Sadies, and I doubt he's here to wish me luck. "If you can't cut it here Everett then it's to the fields with you!"
Not today sir, I'm just getting started! "Yes, sir."
"Raise him already."
"Yes sir!"
I was raised off the ground, remembering what my father told me. I focus my strength on my legs and my center of gravity. I manage to stay upright, with the exception of losing balance a few times, but not enough to make me fall over. I do my best to not smirk at Sadies as he watches me successfully pass.
"Alright, lower him down."
I'm lowered back down, and I get out of my harness.
"Looks like you'll be titan fodder after all."
"Better than cowering behind the walls, sir"
I head off to see how the others are doing in their tests, So far Jean, Connie, and Sasha have passed, although they weren't as steady as I was. Mikasa on the other hand was perfect, I'm not sure how she did it but I can tell she'll be one of the best amongst us. Eren however, that's another story. I was there during his turn, completely upside down seconds after he was raised up. I even heard a few other cadets snicker at his complete failure. I guess Sadies is going to give Eren another shot because he was not immediately sent to work in the fields.
Later that day, Mikasa, Armin, and I tried to help him. I strap him up, making sure that the ropes are secure. "So you didn't do so well earlier. At least you are still here."
"Remember Eren, it's all about the strength in your legs, and to focus on your center of gravity. Mikasa, you got any tips?"
"Just remember the basics and you should be fine. No need to try any fancy maneuvers. Just focus on your balance. Then distribute your weight evenly between the belts on your waist and your legs."
"Loosen up your stance a little bit," Armin tells him. "If I could do it, I know that you can!"
Eren nods. "Okay. A loose stance but balanced. Let's give it a shot, Armin." Armin nods and begins to raise Eren. Not even a second in the air, Eren flips over and hits his head hard on the ground.
I sigh as I gesture Armin over to help me unhook Eren. "Shit."
In the mess hall, it is not hard to overhear others talking about Eren's failure. He did have his head wrapped up, and his face replayed his fear and failure. Apparently, he spaced out long enough to annoy Mikasa because she grabbed his shoulder hard enough to snap him out of it. "Worrying won't solve a thing. There's still time to get some practice come morning."
"She's right you know, I mean look at the bright side..." I take a bite of my bread and point it to Eren. "...you still got your head."
Eren scoffs, less at my comment and more at himself. "How pathetic. How am I supposed to kill 'em if I can't even stand up straight?"
"It might be time to let that dream die." Us three boys stare at Mikasa in confusion. Now Armin and I, either keep our opinions to ourselves or try to pacify his feelings, and Mikasa is very blunt with him, but to my knowledge, she has never ever been against his goal.
"What do you mean?"
"I think you should give up this attempt to be a soldier. There's a lot more to fighting and combat than just throwing your life away in vain."
"What are you saying? After everything we saw that day, after what happened to Mom, you're crazy if you think I'm just going to walk away."
I bit my lip in silence. Does she want you to give up...or is she trying to motivate you? Mikasa… I am hoping Armin will intervene, yet he seems as content to watch the exchange as I am.
"I get it. But it doesn't matter how determined you are."
Does she really want Eren to quit?
"Because whether or not you're fit to be a soldier isn't up to you. You misunderstand. I'm not saying you should return to the fields by yourself. I wouldn't dream of it. Because wherever you go, I'm going to go with you." Mikasa turns her head as she finishes speaking, only to have her mouth drop at the sight of Sasha in Eren's seat. Most of the cadets, including Armin and Eren, have left while Mikasa monologued. So I bear a smirk as Sasha and Mikasa try to comprehend the situation.
Sasha points to the loaf of bread beside Mikasa. "So, uh, are you saying that you're not going to finish that?" Mikasa looks to the loaf and holds it between her and Sasha, to the redhead's delight, only to have that dream of bread dashed once Mikasa places it in her mouth. Feeling some remorse for the girl, I push the rest of my food to her, and her delighted look returns once more. "Thank you."
"No problem, Potato Girl." Mikasa and I get up to leave the hall, I even hear an embarrassed giggle from the redhead behind me, making me smile as I leave.
I catch up with Mikasa, needing to ask her a few things. "Mikasa, I do not understand. Why would you tell Eren to give up?"
She does not look at me, and I did not expect her to talk to me, yet as she brushes her hair back she speaks, "It is for the best. For him."
"I don't believe you. As someone who's as overprotective as you are, I don't think you're saying for him, but rather for yourself." Mikasa stops in her tracks, and I go to stand in front of her, forcing her to face me. I look down at her since I have quite the height over her. "If you really were saying it for Eren, then not only would you have told him to quit, but you would've told me and Armin to quit as well. Eren has the same goal as I do, to seek vengeance on the Titans. So tell me, Mikasa, should I quit too?"
Mikasa may have scared many people in the past, but she has never frightened me, not even once. So our stare-down lasts longer than it should. As I turn to head to the guy's barrack, I hear Mikasa's steps cease. "Elijah."
"Yeah?"
"We both know Eren will not give up, no matter what you or I say."
And give up he did not. When I returned to the barracks, I spotted Eren and Armin sitting on a bed with two older boys. Their names currently escape me, but it wasn't long before I had some sort of introduction. "So where are the two of you from?"
The black-haired boy speaks first, bowing his head in sadness. "Oh, Reiner and I? We were both from a mountain village just southeast of Wall Maria."
As I join my friends, I question their new comrades. "Southeast of Maria?"
Armin does too. "But… Then that means…"
"Yeah," says the one I'll later learn is named Bertholdt, "Unlike the more prosperous river towns, our village didn't receive word right away. The Titans were on us before we even knew what was going on. It happened at dawn. All the livestock were so restless. Soon after, we heard these strange rumblings that just became louder and louder. Eventually, I realized those rumblings were the sound of death getting closer. I, uh, looked out my window and...After that, well, uh, everything is just a blur. I think we all just panicked."
"Hey. Easy now, you're just getting yourself worked up again."
"Sorry. Basically, what I've been trying to say is this. The four of us aren't like the rest of...of them."
"'Them?' Who?"
"The others here who have never been witness to the Titan's horror."
"Hey." Reiner puts a hand on Bertholdt. He gestures to the rest of the barracks, filled by the other boys. Understanding, Bertholdt slides off the bed, followed by Reiner, Eren, and Armin. The five of us headed outside, now able to talk freely in private. "Most of them are here for show. To do just what society expects. In a world where you're labeled a coward if you choose fieldwork by the time you turn twelve, propriety demands our service. With that said, I'm really no different from the others. I joined the ranks hoping for an assignment to the Military Police. Tucked away in the Interior. If that doesn't work out, I'll give up entirely."
Bertholdt may make some fair points, but still, anyone who'd rather join the military police just to hide away from the Titans should never have earned it in the first place. I keep my mouth shut out of respect for him.
We're now outside the camp, walking through the forest. Bertholdt and Reiner take lead while Armin, Eren, and I trek behind them. "There's no shame in caring about your life, Bertholdt," Armin says. "We all do."
I look to Reiner, wondering what his story is, he's been very quiet. "Why did you join?"
"I'm going to return to the home that was taken from me. That's all I care about now. I will do it. No matter what." I hear the conviction in his voice, not too different from mine and Eren's. The three of us want the same thing, to return and take back our homes.
Bertholdt looks about, turning to Eren. "What about you? Why did you sign up?"
Eren frowns initially, but as he speaks his face becomes more and more fierce. "Why'd I join? I decided I have to kill them. I won't stop till every single Titan is dead and rotting. Dead. Every last one."
Reiner and Bertholdt look absolutely flabbergasted, but that's how one would react to Eren's reasoning. Reiner glances at me, silently asking me the same question. I look back with a face similar to Eren's. "I couldn't stand idly by and let that one continue to live on, the Armored Titan, it took my family away from me." I grip my mother's necklace wrapped around my neck. "Eren can kill all the Titans for all I care, but I will be the one that sends the Armored Titan back to hell."
Reiner nods and turns around. As we come to a clearing in the woods, he speaks again. "You saw what those monsters are capable of and you still want to take them on?"
"Damn right," Eren states. "It's just after screwing up the training, I don't know if I'm cut out to be a soldier."
The clouds spread apart in the sky, revealing the full moon. Light hails down on the earth, revealing our location to be on a cliff overlooking lower levels of the forest and a large lake that flows into a river. It is quite a marvelous scene, one I did not know is so close to the camp.
"We'll take it from step one: belt adjustment. By tomorrow, you'll be an expert. I know you've got what it takes. I can see it in you. Am I wrong here?"
Eren looks back at Reiner, smiling in happiness that the older boy will help. "No! I won't fail. Thank you, Reiner." Reiner smiles back, then looks for a short but noticeable moment at me before turning back to the scenery below us.
"We live in a cruel world, yet eternally beautiful."
It was the moment of truth, either Eren finally proves himself as a capable soldier, or it's off to the fields with him. With Eren strapped in one last time, the other cadets including myself, Armin, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Mikasa watch with anticipation. "Eren Jaeger, are you ready?"
"Yes, sir!"
With one last look of determination, I nod at him. Prove them wrong Eren, show them all what you can do!
"Begin."
Eren is raised, and to everyone's surprise, excluding my own, he manages to stay upright. Hell, everyone even started cheering for him, but those cheers were soon replaced by looks of disappointment when he fell over once again.
I was more confused than disappointed, I didn't understand, he did everything right, so why did he still fail?
"N-Not yet... I'm not finished yet!"
"Lower him."
Eren is lowered down, and his face is a pure look of defeat. "I'm...I'm finished."
"Wagner, change belts with Jaeger."
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Despite my and everyone else's confusion, Eren has swapped belts with Thomas and raised once again, only this time he manages to stay upright.
"Your equipment was defective. The fitting on your belt was damaged. Quartermaster didn't notice this broken clasp. Might have to visit the supply depot and crack a couple of skulls."
So, even with a damaged belt, he managed to stay balanced, even if it was only for a few seconds.
"Th-Then, did I pass?"
"You're fine. Commence training."
Eren passed the test. He cheerfully looks in our direction, to which Armin and I smile back. He will not have to work the fields but continue to train for our vengeance.
"It seems like things worked out for him," Reiner says.
"Hell yeah, I knew he had it in him." I say with a sense of pride.
Armin chuckles. "Look, his eyes are saying, 'Check me out!'"
"They're not."
"Huh?"
Mikasa does not meet our gazes. "His eyes are saying he doesn't have to leave me. Not anymore." Nobody says anything to counter Mikasa, yet I believe I am the only one who knows she is wrong. Mikasa may believe her words, but Eren's eyes say the complete opposite.
My father had always told me how exhilarating it was to use the ODM gear, how it made him feel like he was flying, but I don't think words could ever describe how it truly feels. It may not feel like true freedom afterward, but in those moments of maneuvering with the ODM gear, I really did feel free from the rest of the world. As I continue to swing through the forest, I use enough of my gas to project myself high above the trees. Time slowed down as I took in the beautiful scenery around me, with the sun setting and the faint sound of nature over the sounds of my gear. it almost feels like...home. But my home was stolen from me, and my family...I'll train harder, every single day for the next three years. I will...no matter what. I will kill it. but for now, I must train.
"Hey, Elijah?"
Eren approaches me from behind, looks like he's out of breath. "What is it?"
"Sadies requested for you, he's in the training grounds."
"Any reason why?"
"Hell if I know man, but it's best to not keep him waiting."
"Fair enough, I'll see you around yeah?"
I leave for the training grounds, only semi-prepared for whatever the hell Sadies wants with me. I've kind of gotten used to the man screaming in my face, but i never know what he could have planned for me to do.
I arrive at the training grounds, and just like I expected, I find Sadies pulling the same shit and yelling at a couple of familiar cadets. I believe their names were...Thomas, and Mina? I'm not good with most names here, but once I put a face and a name together, I eventually get it down.
"Okay, you maggots! If you're not in it to win it, you can pack your bags and ship out to the Interior right now! Thomas Wagner! Even a waste of space like you could make it in the Interior! They're low on numbers, son. And you! Mina Carolina! Born in a pigsty, weren't you? Then go back and live with the swine, kiddo! Titans don't eat pork! Although, I dunno if the pigs would even take a runt like you in!" Sadies storms off, walking past me without even a glance. So much for needing to see me. I decided to check on the pair, wanting to help in any way I could. "Hey guys."
"Oh, hey Elijah, guess you heard all that right?"
"Well, it'd be kinda hard not to Mina," I say as I fold my arms.
"He didn't have to be so harsh, I'm doing my best."
"I don't know how much more of this I can take...maybe the life of a pig is better."
"Guys, I know Sadies can be a hardass, but don't let him get to you."
The pair look at me absolutely flabbergasted. "'Don't let him get to me?' How exactly are we supposed to do that?"
"Yeah, I'm with Thomas, I'm not sure we're going to make it like this. I just feel like I'm not going to improve my training results."
Mina looks at me, looking desperate. "What do you think we should do Elijah?"
"You guys want my advice?"
"Well, it's no doubt you're one of the best in the 104th, and Thomas and I could really use all the help we can get."
"Oh come on, there's plenty of others that are more skilled than me."
Thomas pats me on my shoulder. "You don't have to be so modest man, I've seen what you can do out there. Hell, I bet you're guaranteed to make the top ten!"
"Yeah! Plus, sure there may be others Elijah, but you're honestly more approachable than them. You might be one of the kindest people I've met." Mina says with a glisten in her eyes and rosy cheeks.
"...You guys...really want my help?"
Both Thomas and Mina nod at me with some of the most determined looks in their eyes.
"Absolutely."
"One hundred percent."
These two really believe in me...I mean I know I'm a good soldier, but I never thought people could think this highly of me. An idea pops into my head that would not only benefit these two, but myself as well.
"Alright, how about this? From today forward, the three of us will all train together!"
Mina's eyes widened in shock while Thomas' jaw dropped to the floor. It's Not exactly the reaction I thought they would have.
"W-What?! You want to train with us?!"
"I mean...wouldn't we just drag you down to our level, we couldn't possibly ask you to hold us back."
I get closer to the pair, and I rest my hands on each of their shoulders. "Guys, this is what being a soldier is all about. Learning from your fellow comrade's mistakes and improving each day. Sure it might seem that simple, but growing better as a soldier takes time, and I'm willing to help you guys become better soldiers, as well as people. I know you guys have probably heard what I think of people who'd rather join the Garrison or the Military Police, but no matter where you guys choose to go after graduation, you'll always have me as your friend."
Both seemed to be in awe of my words. Guess I can be pretty good at this motivational stuff. "So what do you say, guys?"
Mina is the first to speak up, sounding more confident than I've ever heard her before. "Yes! Let's do this!"
"And you Thomas?"
"Well, I don't know how much help I could be, but you guys can count on me."
I give their shoulders a firm squeeze and smile with a sense of pride. "I can't wait to get started."
After our little motivational talk, I left the training grounds but was soon called out by a familiar and loud voice. "Everett!"
That voice belonged to Sadies, I almost forgot that he was the reason I'm even here in the training grounds. "Yes? You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes. You need to push yourself to increase your skills. And learn from your peers. Some of them are really talented. Rookies like you need to spend a lot of time with other soldiers identifying their strengths and trying to copy them."
Is this just supposed to be a motivation thing, never even crossed my mind that Sadies could be capable of motivational talk. Regardless, I salute strong. "I couldn't agree more, sir."
"Alright don't be a kiss-ass. We're done here. Get back to the barracks. You'll need plenty of energy for tonight's night training."
Oh yeah, night training...
The point of tonight's training is entirely focused on teamwork. It's not so much about individual ability, instead, it's going to test our intra-squad cooperative skills and our tactical skills. Sadies has placed us all in separate squads and has spread us over the forest. My squad consisted of Sasha, Marco, Connie, and unfortunately Daz, A boy I would never choose willingly to be in anyone's squad. Daz is a complete coward, I swear I thought I caught him pissing himself when Sadies got on his case once. Nearly laughed my ass off.
"I didn't follow exactly what he was saying, but this sounds like a walk in the park. ...for a genius like me."
Classic Connie. Always so full of himself when it comes to "being the best." The kid might be good at maneuvering ODM gear, but sometimes I swear he's as dumb as a bag of rocks. But at least he has good intentions.
"Okay, 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."
I'm honestly glad I have Sasha in my squad, Not only is she a pro with the ODM gear, but she can navigate the forest unlike anyone I've ever seen, well besides my Mother. "Good to have you with us Sasha."
Sasha smiles brightly at me as she places her hands on her hips. "Haha! Good to be here too!"
"Seriously, why do we have to train at this hour? I just want to go back to bed..."
I rolled my eyes at Daz's remark and bit my lip before I could snap at him...again.
"Sadies said he'd be judging us on our cooperative skills. I wonder how well this is going to go..."
"Only one way to find out! Let's do this."
Our enthusiasm from earlier is now replaced by annoyance, mostly my own. We're not working together like we should be. If we can't change this...
"Dammit, why isn't this working out? Everyone's pulling their weight..."
"When it comes to cooperation, this trigger-happy squad was doomed from the start, right?"
Not being able to hold my tongue, I speak up in annoyance at Daz's statement. "If we don't all pull our weight it's doomed anyways. I mean I've only seen you hit one target!"
Marco tries to ease the tension before I lose my temper. "Okay, let's all just take a breath and think for a moment."
"...right, sorry Marco."
"Anyways, if we keep going on like this, we'll be forced to split up. We have to do something..."
I think for a moment before I speak up to the others. "We need to focus on our ability to communicate with each other as a team. If we can't handle that then there's no point to this."
"You're right."
Marco thinks to himself for a moment, and looks to me. "I propose that we let Elijah lead the squad. What do you say?"
"Me? Why me?"
"You seem to have a knack for this sort of thing, I saw the way you were trying to get everyone to work together. It's...kind of inspiring really."
"Yeah, even I have to admit that you're better at leading than I am."
Looks like I don't really have a choice. "Alright, leave it to me."
"Thanks, I'll do what I can to help as well, so feel free to call out if you need a hand."
I nod. "Thanks, Marco. Alright everyone, from this point forward, we communicate with each other as our lives depend on it. I'm counting on all of you, Sure we had a few problems earlier, but I know our squad can pull through. We just have to watch each other's backs, pull our own weight, and keep our communication at an all-time high, When someone needs help, you help. We got this."
They all look to me with a sense of determination and confidence. Looks like I'm getting through to them. Although Daz still seems unsure, I don't get upset with him but I still give him a piece of my mind. "And that part I said about pulling our weight, that goes double for you."
Daz just nods at me with that same look of cowardice in his eyes, Sure he's my comrade but he's nothing more than a wimp.
Marco gives me a pat on the back. "Okay then, we're in your hands! Take the lead and get us into shape, Captain!"
I don't really think calling me "captain" is necessary, but I don't wanna bring down the mood. So I just go with it. "Alright, let's go!"
Our blades and our gas are halfway gone thanks to earlier, but we still managed to make it to the meeting point thanks to Sasha's excellent intuition, she really knows how to navigate the forest.
"This is the real deal... we're already as good as dead!"
Connie retaliates against Daz's remark. "If you wanna go ahead. Fine with me."
C-Connie, if you rush again...I'm gonna...tell Keith."
I give Daz an annoyed and angry expression. Not only is he a coward but he's a rat. "I heard that Daz! If you want to rat people out then go ahead and move to the Stohess District! Although with that face of yours, I doubt they consider you "classy."
Daz squeals after my words, and he doesn't say anything back to me. I really have no patience for this kid.
"You're late! That puts your squad in dead last Everett!"
"Sorry, sir!"
"Hmph... Anyway, get to work on those training dummies! Remember, the main idea is to take them down as a group!"
Our squad starts to surround the training dummy, I then give the order. "Marco! Go for its legs! Sasha! Finished it off after Marco goes in!"
"On it!"
"Let's do it!"
Marco successfully hits his mark on the dummy's legs, and Sasha finishes it off with ease. The figure falls over, Indicating a proper kill. "Nice job guys! Now, to the others! Same idea as before! Connie and Daz, you go for that one by those trees! Sasha and Marco, you guys go for the one by that boulder! I'll take care of that one by the creek!"
Everyone follows my orders to the best of their ability. While I successfully take down one dummy on my own, Sasha and Marco have taken down their second dummy. Connie and Daz on the other hand, Connie successfully hit his mark on the titan's legs, but Daz Somehow managed to completely miss the dummy's nape.
"Daz, how the hell did you miss?!"
"Aaauugg! I'm sorry!"
"Dammit!" I dash from my position and swing around the dummy, and hitting its mark, taking it down. "Cut the chatter, Connie! Daz, make sure you actually hit the target!"
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Everyone! Let's now move to the next group!"
Everyone simultaneously agrees. "Right!"
After an intense training session with my squad, we await for Sadies to announce our results. I don't think our squad made the top scores, but we were able to work together effectively, and efficiently.
"Time to announce the top squad! The top squad of tonight's training is...Everett, your Squad!"
Everyone, including myself in my squad is in complete shock. We actually did it, I know the ranks aren't that important but to actually accomplish this with my squad gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride.
"Woohoo! I knew it! I'm a genius!"
We...we actually pulled it off."
"I don't know how you did it Elijah, but somehow we're back on track. Thank you!"
I smile at everyone. "It's thanks to you guys all pulling together."
Connie scoffs at me. "It's thanks to you! This cooperation stuff is more important than I realized. I think we're gonna ace this training!"
"As long as we stick together and watch each other's backs, we can do anything!" Sasha says with the brightest smile on her face.
I look around my squad. Everyone finally pulled together, hell even Daz managed to not screw anything else up. For now, I'll ease off the boy, but sooner or later he'll be back to being the same coward. Connie may seem like a hothead but when push came to shove, he came through for all of us. Sasha's keen instincts were astounding, I have no doubt she could make it into the top ten. Marco was a huge help, I'm not sure if I would have been able to do this leadership thing without him, he must have had real faith in me.
"Thanks guys."
After three years of training in the corps, soldiers learn the skills they need to take on the Titans. Upon graduation after all the grueling training, they are assigned to one of three regiments. The Military Police Regiment, charged with maintaining law and order among the population and serving directly under the king. The Garrison Regiment, charged with reinforcing the Walls, and protecting the territory within them. And the Scout Regiment, those who venture beyond the safety of the Walls into Titan territory...Most hope for the relative comfort of the Military Police Regiment, but only the top ten graduates are given the luxury to choose.
Today's the day of graduation. I'm as anxious as everyone else to hear who made it into the top ten. I doubt I'm even close to the top ten, but even if I were, I would still choose the Scouts with no hesitation. Sadies takes his position in front of all of us, and we all wait for him to speak. "I will announce the top ten graduates... Step forward when your name is called."
This is it, the moment of truth.
"Number ten, Sasha Braus!"
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sasha smile widely as she steps forward. I knew you could do it, Sasha.
"Number nine, Connie Springer!"
Connie takes his step forward with a cocky grin.
"Number eight, Marco Bodt!"
"Number seven, Elijah Everett!"
What? D-Did I just hear that right? I'm number seven, but how? Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, I take a step forward with the others who have already been called. As I did, they all glanced at me and gave me an encouraging smile. I don't know how I got this placement, or even if I even deserve it, but I think it's better if I don't dwell on it for now.
"Number six, Jean Kirschtein!"
"Number five, Eren Jaeger!"
Oh, I already know that Jean is pissy about this.
"Number four, Annie Leonhart!"
"Number three, Bertholdt Hoover!"
"Number two, Reiner Braun!"
"And our top-ranking graduate, Mikasa Ackermann!"
No surprise there, if anyone was gonna be top rank, it's Mikasa.
"That is the top ten. However, these results are based on scores during training... Whether you can put your skills to use in an actual battle is another matter altogether. Those of you who didn't rank should think long and hard... What can you do? What should you try to achieve? Tomorrow you'll be asked which Regiment you'd like to be assigned to! The 104th-Cadet Corps is hereby disbanded... That is all!"
Finally, after three long years, I'm finally ready. I hope you're ready for me you Armored Abomination, I'm coming for you.
After the rankings were called, I entered the barracks to meet with Mina and Thomas. Thomas spotted me first, waving me over. "Hey! Congratulations on making the top ten man!"
"Yeah, I knew you'd be one of the best." Mina says with a bright smile.
I smile at both of them. "Thanks guys, but if I'm being honest, I'm not really sure if I deserve it."
The both of them look at me with concerned eyes. "What do you mean? Of course you do!"
"Yeah man, you don't have to be so modest. Take some pride in this, at least for tonight."
"Sure. To be honest, I'm proud of both of you. You were once Titan fodder, but now you both might be able to floss their teeth." We laugh, but then I get a little serious. "But really, you guys did well."
Mina glows up. "All thanks to you."
Thomas shrugs. "Yeah yeah, now that we've graduated from the Cadet Corps, what do you say we check back over the things we learned before we join the others for dinner?"
Mina agrees. "Okay then, you first, Thomas."
"Sure. So, I managed to spend quite a bit of time with Eren and Armin. Eren's obviously just unbelievably brave, right? I mean, he's just got unlimited fighting spirit, that guy. Armin is...smart. Smart and determined not to be beaten. He does a lot of work behind the scenes to compensate for his lack of physical ability."
I nod. "I know them best, you are not wrong about them."
"So courage and determination, huh? I guess they've both got a really good attitude toward their training."
"Yeah, and that's something we should be able to take on board, don't you think? So Mina, how did it go for you?"
"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. Unless it has something to do with Eren, of course."
I smile. "Of course."
"And Christa's really good at seeing what's going on around her. She's always mindful of what her comrades are doing. It's pretty incredible actually."
Thomas sighs. "Well, I don't think I'm gonna be able to match Mikasa's skills. But, we could learn from Christa, I think. Okay, and how about you, Elijah?"
"Besides Armin, Eren, Mikasa, and you two?" I tap my finger on my chin before a flashlight goes off in my head. "Ah, Reiner and Bertholdt. Reiner is a natural leader, and an inspiration to us younger cadets. I'll admit that I strive to be like him. Bertholdt is a skilled soldier, much more chill than Reiner, and sometimes easier to talk to. Both are great guys."
Thomas nods. "Okay then, well, that just about wraps it up. This was really interesting."
"Yeah, I think it's been really helpful getting to know some of the others better. I've learned so much."
I barely recognize these two. Three years ago, Sadies was ready to eat them alive and here they are now, brimming with confidence. "You both seem really motivated now."
Mina places a hand on her hip. "Yes, we're not about to give up yet!"
"We'll have to spend time with other people in the corps and see what else we can learn."
"Good idea. With everyone's help and a lot of hard work, I'm sure we can become great soldiers!"
Afterward, we joined the others and celebrated. I'm soon greeted by my favorite potato girl. "Elijah! Congratulations on making it to the top ten!"
I smile warmly at her. "Thanks, Sasha, you too. I knew you had it in you."
Sasha giggled but soon got serious. "You're still going to choose the Scouts, aren't you?"
"Yes Sasha, I can't afford to stay safe behind these walls while those monsters are still out there."
Sasha then gives me a concerned look. "Elijah...I know you're hellbent on killing the Armored Titan, but..."
I rest my hand on her shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, but my mind is made up. I must fight back against them."
Sasha looks away from me, and she mumbles something to herself. "...I just, don't want you to-"
"Are you insane?!" Our conversation is cut short as Thomas' outburst has gotten everyone's attention. I head over to him, and it looks like he's talking to Eren.
He realizes his outburst gained everyone's attention, so much so that he lowers his voice. "How many people have died? We're talking a fifth of the population! If that doesn't paint a picture for you, I don't know what will. This is our life now. We can't beat them."
"Yeah? So what?" Eren looks at Thomas' shaking form with a burning determination. "We buckle? Take it all lying down? Things have changed. Maybe not a hell of a lot but enough. They aren't the mystery they were five years ago. There's still a long way to go but we've made progress. Every battle we've lost taught us a lesson. Gave us the tiniest inroad towards something like hope. You're telling me it's better to cut our losses? Let all the death and destruction be meaningless? Just to ball up and accept it? Not on your life! Humanity's future lies outside the walls, and I'm going to clear the way! I'm going to take back what's ours! I'll drive them out. And as long as at least one of us can say that, we're not done." In fury and nearly in tears, Eren makes a beeline for the door. Armin calls for him as he and Mikasa follow after him.
I grab Thomas by his shoulder, startling him. "E-Elijah?"
"Look Thomas, just because you don't have the choice doesn't give you the right to condemn others that do. You don't understand why we have to fight, but the moment when you come under the threat of the Titans, whether you survive or not, you will then understand." I release Thomas and join my friends outside. Eren, sitting on some steps, looks at us as we come and join him.
"That was, uh, quite a speech you gave us there," Armin says.
Eren shrugs. "Yeah. Most of it was yours. All the stuff you used to say back in the day."
I chuckle. "Yeah, I knew those words were too much for your simple, kill-all-Titans mind." Eren smiles, punching me in the arm. I smile a little more before dropping it, turning the conversation into a serious one. "You know my path, Eren. The Scouts have always been our calling, and I'll be glad to have you by my side when we take back our home and beyond."
Eren nods. "Of course. I've never doubted you would go anywhere else."
Armin sighs. "Yeah, well, I'm joining the Scout Regiment, too!" Eren and I look at Armin in shock. Why...Why would Armin join the Scouts? He can't join the Military Police, but the Garrison Regiment I thought he would choose.
"Now you're just being stupid," Eren shouts. "Come on! You're not a fighter! Your life is with the books!"
I interject. "Maybe the Garrison, Armin. You won't have to fight as much, but still on the frontlines."
Armin acknowledges our responses, but before he says a word I can tell his resolve is set. He won't change his mind. "I'm through with letting other people fight for me."
"Guess its the Scouts for me, too, then."
That I expected of Mikasa, but for Eren, it came as a surprise. "Oh come on! You were top of the class! You'd be wasting your shot!"
"Understand this, Eren. Where you go, I go. I made a promise to your mother before she died. I'm not letting you die. I've got your back whether you like it or not. So just deal with it."
Eren turns away from Mikasa's cutting glare, sighing as he grips his head. "Yeah. Well, Mom's not here."
"A lot of the people I used to care about aren't here, either." I look at Mikasa at the moment. Never have I heard Mikasa talk about caring for anyone outside of Eren. This soft side of her is...strange to be around, given I'm used to her cold demeanor.
I smile warmly for a second before I address everyone. "We might not be able to get them back, but we will avenge them. My parents, Eren's mother, Armin's grandfather, everyone we cared about, we will carry them in our hearts into battle. We will take back what's ours." I face forward, looking up to the starry sky that is bordered by the Wall Rose in the Trost District. We have hope, vengeance, and desire in our veins...and I'm glad to know I'll have the three people I trust most by my side.
"Connie, you're shitting me."
"Huh? What the hell do you mean you're joining the Scouts?" Eren and I were on the top of Wall Rose, checking out the cannons with the rest of the cadets. Apparently Connie is also joining the Scouts...for some reason. "What happened to the MP? That was your whole thing!"
Connie scoffs. "Don't worry about it! A guy's allowed to change his mind, okay?"
"I think your speech yesterday lit a fire under him." Mina comes from behind, placing a hand on my shoulder as she looks to Eren.
"Ain't nobody talking to you!" Connie turns to us, angry but embarrassed. "His temper tantrum had nothing to do with it."
"Take it easy," Thomas calls as he walks over. He looks from Connie to me. "It's not like you're the only one."
I smile at my friend. "Good to have you with us man."
Mina squeezes my shoulder and whispers in my ear. "Thomas isn't the only one either."
I give Mina a shocked expression. "You too?"
She nods at me.
"Well, good to have you with us too."
"Can you guys keep a secret?" We look to an approaching Sasha, holding her jacket tightly on her right side. "'Cause I totally just helped myself to the Officers' Pantry."
We all tense up. We are used to Sasha stealing food over the last three years, but to steal from the officers? "Sasha! They can throw your butt off the clink for that!"
"Seriously, what is wrong with you?"
"What isn't wrong with her?"
Trying to ease the tension, I laugh. "Are you guys really that surprised?"
"It'll be fine," Sasha responds with the most aroused face I've ever seen directed towards food. "I'm willing to share. Oh, can you imagine the sandwiches?"
She begins to shake with the possibilities she can have with the meat, which scares me more than her having it. "Somebody needs to take it from her, but I don't know if that's a good idea."
Eren yells at her again. "Put it back!"
"Yeah," Mina says from behind me. "Do you have any idea how rare meat's been since the Titans took Wall Maria?"
"Um, a little bit. Yeah." Sasha walks towards a pair of boxes and places the meat in one of them. "Just look at it this way. Pretty soon, we'll take back all the room we need for livestock."
A moment of silence is between us before one of us, Samuel, breaks. "I would really like a slice, please!"
Connie follows. "Hey, if he gets one, so do I. Just so you know."
"Me too!" I turn to Mina, herself excited for the prospect of meat. "I'm in on it, too!"
"But…"
"Eren." He turns to me as I smile back. "Let's be honest, they're not going to miss the meat Sasha stole. Sasha, leave it to me. I'll grill it for us!"
"Come on! Don't just stand there." We look to Samuel, sticking a pole inside one of the cannons. Thomas and Sasha walk off as Connie returns to his knees beside the cannon he's paired with Samuel. "If they see us slacking off, we're in for it."
Mina chuckles as she places a kiss on my cheek and walks off. "See you guys at lunchtime." I rub the side of my cheek as I watch her walk away, not sure how to take it. I step up to Eren's side as he looks over the town of Trost.
"What's on your mind, Eren?"
"Has it really been five years?"
I cross my arms, chuckling, and I look to the town as well, a smirk remaining on me. "Five long years. What has changed, my friend?"
"Look at us. Ready to stand tall again. We can do it. Mankind didn't start this fight, but we're going to finish it!" I nod along, brushing my hair back. The wind stilled afterward, just as if the world itself went on pause. It was just for a moment, but at that moment, the hairs on the back of my neck rose.
Then lightning struck.
