Chapter Three

Finding Grip

The night air was thick with tension as the recruits made their way to their assigned positions. The distant sounds of Titans echoed ominously, a constant reminder of the impending battle. Ansel, Otto, and Leni found themselves stationed together near the southern gate, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation.

As they settled into their posts, Ansel glanced at his companions. Otto, with his usually confident demeanour, was uncharacteristically quiet. Leni, who was always quick with a joke to lighten the mood, wore a solemn expression. The reality of their situation was starting to sink in for all of them.

Ansel broke the silence. "You guys scared?"

Otto took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Yeah," he admitted. "I've been through a lot of tough training, but this… This feels different. It's real."

Leni nodded; her usual bravado replaced with a more vulnerable look. "I keep thinking about my family," she said softly. "What if I don't make it back? What if this is the end?"

Ansel felt a lump in his throat. He had been trying to suppress his own fears, but hearing his friends voice their anxieties brought his own to the surface. "I keep seeing my family," he confessed. "The Titans destroyed every… I don't want this to happen here. I don't want to die without making a difference."

Otto looked up, meeting Ansel's gaze. "We've trained for this. We know what to do. But it's the not knowing that gets to me. Not knowing if our training will be enough, if we'll be enough."

Leni sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I've always tried to be brave, to laugh in the face of danger. But now, it just feels like a mask. Inside, I'm terrified."

Ansel placed a hand on her shoulder. "We're all scared, Leni. But we have to face it. We have to fight, for ourselves and for each other."

Otto nodded, a hint of determination returning to his eyes. "We've got each other's backs. That's what matters. We're a team, and we'll get through this together."

Leni managed a small smile. "Yeah, you're right. We're stronger together."

The three of them fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of their fears mingling with a newfound resolve. The distant roars of the Titans grew louder, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The battle was drawing near.

Ansel clenched his fists, steeling himself for what was to come. "No matter what happens, we fight. We protect each other and the people behind these walls. We give it everything we've got."

Otto and Leni nodded in agreement; their faces set with determination. They had shared their fears, and in doing so, had found a deeper sense of unity and purpose. The darkness of the night was closing in, but together, they would face it head-on.

The battle for survival was about to begin, and with it, the chance to prove their worth and protect their home. And as they start to fight side by side, they knew that whatever the outcome, they would face it together.

That's when commander Elke shouted…

"Lyra Scalvender wants to see Ansel. Meet at station 9."

Authors note:

Thanks for reading! Two chapters every week!