Chapter 4
The time has come. The cadet corps life unfurls before Eren once more, a familiar scene etched in his memory. He stands amidst a sea of faces, each bearing the weight of their own aspirations and fears. Keith Shadis's voice cuts through the air like a blade, sharp and commanding, as he hurls instructions and admonishments at the newcomers. Eren's gaze sweeps over the crowd, lingering on the haunting absence left by those who fell in the battle of Trost, a bitter reminder of the cost of his past recklessness. But this time will be different. This time, he swears silently to himself, he won't let them die.
His attention is drawn to Historia, a beacon of hope amidst the tumult, yet beside her stands Taka, an unexpected ally in this relentless struggle. The realization of another Titan Shifter fighting by his side sends a surge of determination coursing through Eren's veins. His gaze then shifts to Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie, the perpetrators of unfathomable destruction. Clenching his jaw, Eren resolves that their apparent advantage will not deter him. They may believe they hold the upper hand, but they are gravely mistaken.
Among the chaos, Sasha's presence catches his eye, her antics once again drawing the ire of authority. A mixture of relief and disbelief floods Eren's mind as he witnesses her lively spirit. "Sasha... she's alive," he murmurs, a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty.
As time marches forward, Eren finds himself seated in the mess hall alongside Historia and Taka. The camaraderie between them is palpable, a thread of solidarity woven amidst the chaos of their reality. "Glad to see you've made it into the corps, Taka," Eren remarks, a note of genuine warmth in his voice.
Taka shrugs nonchalantly, a hint of determination flickering in his eyes. "It's not as difficult as it seems. Let's just hope we can weather whatever comes our way, together."
Historia nods in agreement, her expression resolute yet hopeful. "Yes, together."
Just then, Armin and the others join them, their curiosity piqued by the topic at hand. Samuel's voice breaks through the chatter, his question hanging heavy in the air. "How tall is that?"
"Big enough to look over the walls," Eren responds with a certainty that belies the uncertainty swirling within him.
"Stepped right over them, some say!" another cadet interjects, echoing the rumors that have spread like wildfire through villages and cities alike.
"That's what they said in my village too," adds another, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of fear and awe.
Eren shakes his head, dispelling the exaggerated tales. "No, it wasn't that tall," he corrects, his tone firm and grounded in his firsthand experience.
Mina leans forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What did it look like?"
"It barely had any skin, but it had a huge mouth," Historia offers, her words tinged with a hint of dread as she recalls the haunting image of the Colossal Titan. "And it appeared in a weird flash of lightning that caused a little earthquake."
Connie's brow furrows in confusion. "What about the Armored Titan that broke Wall Maria?"
"They called it that because of the stones embedded in its body. But other than that, it looked like a normal Titan to me," Taka answers, his voice steady despite the memories that linger like shadows in his mind.
Samuel's eager yet apprehensive expression betrays the emotions swirling within him. "Th-Then, what are ordinary Titans like?" he asks, his voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and fear.
As Eren, Historia, and Taka struggle to find the right words to respond, Marco steps in, his voice a soothing balm amid the tension. "Let's spare them the questions, everyone. I'm sure there are things they don't want to remember."
"I'm sorry for asking," Connie begins, his voice tinged with regret.
But before he can finish, Eren interjects, his tone surprisingly calm despite the weight of their shared traumas. "No, it's fine. The pure Titans vary in size and movements. Some crawl, while others walk. Heights range from a mere 4 meters to towering giants of 15 meters. And their behaviors... they're as unpredictable as they are terrifying. Some Titans devour their victims swiftly, while others... prolong the agony, as if reveling in their helplessness."
Historia's voice cuts through the silence, her words laden with a darkness that sends shivers down their spines. "I still remember how they played with my brothers and sisters before devouring them... how they were helpless..."
Gasps of horror ripple through the group at the haunting imagery evoked by Historia's words. Eren steals a glance at the warriors, their stoic facades beginning to crack under the weight of shared memories.
"But," Eren continues, his voice firm with resolve, "we refuse to succumb to fear. We believe Titans are not invincible. We can defeat them. Instead of letting fear consume us, we choose to train ourselves, to become stronger, so we can exact our revenge. That's why we're here. To become soldiers, to join the Survey Corps, and ultimately, to eradicate the Titan threat from existence."
A skeptical voice cuts through the determination, belonging to a boy named Jean Kirschtein. "Hey, are you nuts? Did you just say you want to join the Survey Corps?"
Taka doesn't miss a beat, addressing Jean with a hint of defiance. "And what if we did? I remember you, Jean Kirschtein, the one who wanted to join the Military Police to take it easy."
Jean's retort is swift and cutting. "I'm no liar...I'm a straight talker, unlike someone who pretends to have balls of steel, even when he's about to piss himself."
Eren's laughter rings out, cutting through the tension like a ray of light piercing through storm clouds. "Who do you think you are implying? Because we weren't pretending," he retorts, his voice laced with a raw honesty born of shared suffering. "Christa here did mention how her family was killed, and it's not just her. Our families were slaughtered by Titans. We've witnessed firsthand the horrors they inflict. If we were cowards, we wouldn't have set foot in this place. And joining the Military Police? It means turning a blind eye to the true enemy, to kill fellow humans instead of Titans. Do you have the stomach for that?"
Jean flinches at Eren's words, his facade of confidence momentarily shattered. But Eren presses on, his gaze unyielding. "Joining the Military Police might offer a comfortable life, but it comes at a cost. We've all seen how they silence dissent, how they spill innocent blood in service of the king's whims, haven't we, Armin?"
Armin's shoulders slump, a weight of sorrow bearing down on him as he nods in silent confirmation. "My parents...the Military Police executed them simply for pursuing knowledge, for daring to question," he confesses, his voice barely a whisper.
Gasps of shock ripple through the group, the revelation hanging heavy in the air. The dinner bell chimes, signaling the end of the meal and providing a welcome distraction from the tension. Jean's demeanor softens, a flicker of remorse crossing his features. "Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply you were wrong. Peace?"
Eren's expression softens, a gesture of reconciliation. "Yeah. I'm sorry too."
They shake hands, a tentative truce forged amidst the lingering echoes of their shared pain. Eren's group, including Mikasa, prepares to depart, their resolve unshaken. But before they can leave, Jean's voice cuts through the air, catching Mikasa's attention. "Hey, you..."
Mikasa turns around, her expression guarded as Jean stumbles over his words. "W-Well, uh...it's just that you look different than the rest of us. I'm sorry...your hair is very pretty," he manages, his attempt at apology awkward but genuine.
"Thank you," Mikasa responds softly before turning away, her walls firmly in place.
Jean hesitates for a moment before mustering the courage to follow after her. Casting a quick glance around, he observes Mikasa falling into step beside Eren.
"It's no big deal. Get off my back," Eren grumbles, his irritation palpable.
"You never think things through when you get worked up," Mikasa chides gently, her voice a soothing counterpoint to Eren's frustration.
"That again? Anyway, don't you think your hair's too long?" Eren asks casually, a hint of concern underlying his words as he flicks her hair with the back of his hand. "It could cause an accident during 3D gear training, you know."
"Alright," Mikasa concedes, pinching a few strands between her fingers. "I'll cut it."
Jean watches, a mixture of surprise and disappointment flickering across his features.
"But how short should I make it?" Mikasa inquires, her gaze scanning the group.
Historia offers her assistance with a warm smile. "If you want to, I can help you with that."
Connie strolls by, his cheery tune abruptly interrupted as Jean wipes his hand on his back in frustration. "H-Hey! Don't mess with other people's clothes! What did you wipe on me?!"
"My faith in humanity," Jean mutters, his tone heavy with resignation.
Armin's curiosity piqued, he turns his attention to Taka. "That reminds me, Taka, right? I'm Armin. It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Taka responds with a nod.
Armin furrows his brow, a question burning on his lips. "So why did you talk to Eren and Christa? And you did say you're also from Shiganshina. But how come we've never met you before?"
Taka's expression darkens, a shadow passing over his features. "I lived a past that I'm not so proud of," he admits quietly. "I was an orphan, and I had to do whatever it took to survive."
Before the conversation can delve any deeper, Eren interjects, breaking the tension. "Historia, should we bring that bread now?"
Historia nods in agreement. "Yeah, let's go."
Armin's curiosity isn't quelled. "What are you doing with that bread?" he asks, his eyes flicking between Eren and Historia.
Eren's gaze softens, a hint of sympathy in his voice. "Remember Sasha? She was eating a potato earlier and got reprimanded. She must be hungry and low on energy," he explains, his concern evident.
Armin nods in understanding as he and Mikasa make their way back to the barracks, leaving Eren, Historia, and Taka to deal with Sasha's frenzied attack. With swift reflexes, Eren blocks her assault with his arm, the sharp pain of her bite drawing blood.
"Eren!" Historia and Taka gasp in unison, their concern evident.
Ignoring the pain, Eren maintains his composure as he gently pushes Sasha to the ground. "Hey, what's that for?" she protests, confusion clouding her expression.
"We brought you some food, risking backlash for our actions, and you rushed at us like an animal, even biting me on the arm. At least have the decency to act like a sane person," Eren retorts, his tone cool but firm.
Sasha's gaze falls on Historia, who holds a piece of bread in her hand, her hunger evident. "Goddess..." Sasha murmurs weakly.
"If you call me a goddess or deity, I'll take that food away from you and eat it right here and now," Historia warns, her voice icy and resolute, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
"D-devils..." Sasha recoils, realizing the gravity of her actions, and accepts the food with muttered gratitude, her demeanor softened by the gesture.
"Devils, huh?" Taka remarks, his tone contemplative.
"Maybe we are all devils," Eren muses, his gaze drifting to the horizon, "after all, our freedom is being risked and we are not going to let that happen."
Historia nods in agreement, her resolve unwavering. "Which is why we must reclaim what is rightfully ours and ensure the safety of Eldia."
As Sasha succumbs to sleep, her body finally relenting after the turmoil of hunger and exhaustion, Eren steps forward, offering to escort her to the female dormitories. Historia nods in agreement, understanding the necessity of ensuring Sasha's safety and comfort.
With practiced ease, Historia takes charge, gently tending to Sasha's needs as Eren and Taka make their exit. They slip away quietly, mindful of the need to avoid drawing attention from other cadets.
I'll end the chapter right here, I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the gear training and other stuff.