Keith Sadies starts to walk up to the new cadets and introduces themself.
"Hey, mop-top!" called Keith.
"Sir!" replied Armin placing his right hand on his chest.
"What do they call you, maggot?!" he asked
"Armin Arlelt, from Shignashina, sir!" Armin replied.
"Wow, seriously? Why would your parents curse you with such a retarded name?" insulted Keith.
"It was my grandfather who named me, sir!" assured Armin.
"Cadet Arlelt! Why is a runt like you there?!" Keith asked.
"To contribute to mankind's victory, sir!" assured Armin.
"That is delightful to hear!" yelled Keith. "You're going to be a great light snack for them!"
Keith grabbed the top of Armin's head and turned him around facing the other way.
"Row three, about face, runt!" yelled Keith.
Keith walked towards a boy with blond hair and light brown hair, who was sweating.
"What do you call yourself?!" asked Keith
"Sir! My name is Thomas Wagner, I"m from the Trost district!" yelled Thomas.
"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!" yelled Keith.
"I'm from Trost, sir! My name is Thomas," repeated Thomas
Keith then broke in.
"Shut up! Nobody cares!" he yelled. "Next!"
Keith started to walk up to a girl with gray eyes and thick black hair with pigtails.
"What do you call yourself?!" he asked.
"My name is Mina Carolina, sir! I'm from the Calaneth District!" yelled Mina.
As Mina introduced herself to Keith, a man with gray hair and glasses was walking around with another with blond hair.
"Look at him go," he said. "The man is a master when it comes to fresh-faced recruits."
"That takes me back, " said the man behind him.
"Is a pathetic worm like you the best Karaness has to offer?!" asked Keith.
"Sir! I'm afraid that's the case, sir!" she replied.
As Keith continued to yell at Mina, the two men continued to walk around.
"But, what's the point of intimidation?" asked the man behind.
"It's a rite of passage," replied the man. "Through stress and denigration we revert them into blank slates. From there, we can rebuild them bit by bit into proper soldiers. He is the first step in that process."
Keith went to to a boy with dark brown hair and silver-colored eyes.
"What do they call you cadet?" he asked.
"Sir! My name is Samuel Linke Jackson, sir! I'm from Snate!" yelled Samuel.
"Wow, I never knew you sell that crap,' insulted Keith.
"We seem to really excel at that back home, sir!" yelled Samuel.
"Row four, about face!" Keith yelled.
As the men continued to walk, the one behind notices that Keith was walking passing some cadets.
"There some he's passing by," he said
Keith walked pass a girl with blonde hair that is tied at the back and blue eyes, Eren, Mikasa, Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight, Rainbow Dash, and many others.
"A drill instructor is nothing compared to what those recruits have seen," said the man with gray hair. "They were there, witnessing to the hell of the Titan attack two years ago. You can read it on their faces."
As both men continued to walk the man with gray started to walk out.
"Come on, lets go,' he said.
Keith walked towards a boy with short, light ash-brown hair, trimmed on the back and side, and light brown eyes.
"What do we have over here?!" asked Keith.
"Jean Kirschtein, sir! From the Trost District!" replied Jean.
"And why are you here, cadet?" Keith asked.
"To join the Military Police, sir. Best of the best," he replied.
"Oh, that's nice, you want to live in the interior, do you?" Keith asked
"Yes!" he replied.
Then, Keith headbutted Jean, causing him to hiss in pain, grabbing his head, and making him fall onto the ground.
"What... the... hell?" he muttered
"No one told you to sit, recruit!" yelled Keith. "If you can't handle this, Kirschtein, then forget about joining the Military Police!
Keith moved on to a boy with short, parted black hair, freckles on his cheeks, and light brown eyes.
"What the hell is wrong with your face, you smiling idiot?!" yelled Keith.
“Marco Bodt at your service, sir, from Jinae. South side of Wall Rose," replied Marco. "I aim to join the Military Police and give life and limb in service to the King!"
"Well, then. That makes you an idealistic fool and a rube," insulted Keith. "You want the truth?"
Keith got close to Marco's face with a angry expression scaring Marco.
"The only use the King has for your life and limbs are as Titan fodder," said Keith.
Keith moved on to Pinkie Pie, who was jumping up and down excited to introduce herself, while Marco stood in place in shock as he continued to salute.
"Ooh, ooh, ooh, I'm next, I'm next, I'm next!" yelled Pinkie in excitement as she jumped up and down.
"Shut the hell up and tell me your damn name, you pink cotton candy haired girl!" insulted Keith causing Pinkie to stop and looked at Keith with terror.
"I'm Pinkie Pie, from Shiganshina, sir!" yelled Pinkie.
"Why the hell are you here twinkle toes, if your so excited?!" he asked.
"To protect humanity from the Titans, sir!" she replied.
"That is great to hear when you're excited to see the amount of carnage in a battle," said Keith.
Keith moved on to Fluttershy, who was already terrified of Keith, while Keith moved along Pinkie Pie stood next to Marco saluting.
"Hey, you covering your face, you're next," said Keith.
"I'm Fluttershy," she said in a quiet, timid voice.
"What was that?" asked Keith. "Can you speak a little louder?!"
""It's Fluttershy," she said more quieter.
After not hearing Fluttershy's name for the second time, Keith lost it and lifting up Fluttershy off the ground, scaring her even more, and got close to her face with an angry glare on his face.
"FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STATE YOUR GODDAMN NAME LOUD AND CLEAR!!!" he exploded. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Fluttershy gave a little nod.
"WHAT?!" yelled Keith.
With a loud and clear voice, Fluttershy saluted and giving all her might.
"My name is Fluttershy, from Shiganshina, sir!" yelled Fluttershy.
After Fluttershy introduced herself, Keith let go of her, causing her to fall and land on her bottom.
"Now, how hard was that you stray animal lover," insulted Keith as he moved on to the next person. "Next!"
After that, Fluttershy could only whimper after that, but got enough strength to toughen up. Keith then moved on to a girl with pale skin, long moderate rose hair color with gray aquamarine streaks, and indigo eyes.
"Hey, cherry head, you're next," insulted Keith.
"My name is Sour Sweet, from the Trost District, sir!" she yelled.
"Wow, come to think that the name Armin was retarded, now I think that name is more retarded," insulted Keith.
"It's okay, I get a lot," said Sour Sweet in a kind voice.
"Why the hell did you moods for an insult?" he asked.
"What you mean, by that?!" she asked in a angry voice.
"Never mind that, why are you here cadet?!" asked Keith.
"To help humanity from the Titans!" said Sour Sweet.
"That is great to hear, but your emotions will get the best of you," said Keith.
Keith moved on to a girl with dark blue hair with cerulean and arctic blue streaks and gamboge eyes.
"Hey, you're next blueberry," said Keith.
"My name is Indigo Zap and I'm from the Trost District, sir!" yelled Indigo Zap.
"Why the hell are you here cadet?" he asked.
"To kill the most Titan than anyone," said Indigo Zap.
"So, your that type of person, huh?" he asked.
"What do you mean by that type?" she asked.
"You're like a goddamn 5 year old, always wanting more," he replied. "You're probably going to the first one to die cause of your cockiness, and not by a lack of strength."
"I'm not being cocky, sir!" yelled Indigo Zap.
"Shut up blueberry!" yelled Keith.
Keith moved on to another girl with light pistachio hair with light green and lime green streaks and light amber eyes.
"Hey, lettuce head you're next," said Keith.
"Right! My name is Lemon Zest, and I'm from the Trost district, sir!" yelled Lemon Zest.
"Why are you here cadet?!" asked Keith.
"To help protect humanity from the Titans, sir!" she yelled.
"I don't believe in that, look at you," said Keith. "You look like you partied yourself hard and got wasted every time."
"I only party, but I don't get wasted at all," she assured.
"Good to hear!" yelled Keith as he moved to the next person.
Keith moved on to another girl with light opalish gray hair with light arctic bluish gray streaks, orange glasses, and orchid eyes.
"Hey, cloud head state your name," demanded Keith.
"Actually, my head isn't made out water vapor, so technically I'm not a cloud," she said.
"I said your name not a goddamn lecture about what clouds are made out of!" yelled Keith
"My name is Sugarcoat, I'm from the Trost district, sir!" yelled Sugarcoat.
"Why are you here cadet?" he ask.
"To fight off the Titans from humanity!" yelled Sugarcoat.
"That is good to hear nerd!" insulted Keith.
Keith moved on to another girl with grayish mulberry hair with light raspberry streaks and cerise eyes.
"Hey, grape head you're next," Keith said.
"My name is Sunny Flare, from the Trost district, sir!" yelled Sunny Flare.
"Why the hell are you here cadet?" he asked.
"To help humanity and kills as many Titans!" she yelled.
"What are you, like blueberry over there?!" he asked. "You two are going to be the only soldiers that are going to die due to your cockiness."
"Understood!" she yelled.
Keith moved on to a short boy with a shaved head and bright hazel eyes.
"Hey, cue-ball you're next!" yelled Keith.
"Oh, me? Sir! Conny Springer, from Ragako village, sir!" yelled Conny.
Keith looked at Conny as he salutes and notices that he is saluting with left hand instead of the right hand. Keith grabbed Conny by his head and lifted him up.
"You have it backwards, Conny Springer," warned Keith. "That was the first thing you were taught. This salute represents the resolve in your heart to fight those bend on the systematic destruction of our people! Is your heart on your right side?!"
Keith spotted a girl with reddish brown hair with a ponytail that reaches her neck and light brown eyes eating a potato. Keith dropped Conny at looked at the girl.
"Hey, you there. What do you think you're doing?" he asked.
The girl looked around and gave no response and continued to eat the potato. Keith walked to the girl.
"YOU ARE OFFICIALLY ON MY SHIT LIST. JUST WHO IN THE HELL YOU ARE?!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
The girl quickly swallowed, and saluted with the potato in her right hand.
"Sasha Braus from Dauper village, at your service. Reporting for duty, sir!" she yelled.
"Sasha Braus, huh? And what is that you're clutching in your right hand?" he asked.
"A steamed potato! It sat there in the mess hall begging to be eaten, sir!" she answered.
"The theft I understand," he said. "But here? Why eat it here, of all places?"
"It looked quite delicious. And it was getting cold, so I gave it shelter in my stomach, sir" she replied.
"Why? I can't comprehend. Why would eat that potato?" he asked.
"Are you asking me why people eat potatoes?" she asked back. "I'm surprised you don't know, sir."
That caught everyone's attention shocking them, including Eren, Conny, Jean, Marco, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sunny Flare, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Armin. As Keith stood in front of Sasha waiting for an answer, she split the potato.
"Here, sir. Have half." she offered holding the split potato.
"Have half? Really?" he asked.
He looked at Sasha, who have him a smirk on her face.
Couple of Hours Later
Sasha was then punished by running around the camp. As she does her punishment, Eren, Armin, Conny, Mina, and Marco watch from a distance.
"Man, I thought Sadies was going to kill Potato Girl," said Conny.
"I know. What a hell of a first day," said Eren. "It's funny, being told to run till the sun sets didn't seem to bother her nearly has much as losing meal privileges for the next five days."
"I think she said that she's from Dauper," said Conny. "If I remember, that's a small hunting village up in the mountains."
Eren then notices a wagon pulled some people on board.
"Hey, what's that?" he asked.
"They're dropouts," Mina answered. "They'd prefer to work in the fields."
"But it's only the first day," said Armin.
'That's the way it is. If you can't handle the pressure, you've got to leave," explained Eren. "I can't believe anyone would rather pull plants than fight."
"I know about some of us, but you never mentioned where you were from, Eren," said Marco.
"The same as Armin, from Shinganshina," Eren replied putting his hand on Armin's shoulder.
Conny and Marco were surprised to hear the answer.
"Wow, that means..." Marco realized.
"You saw them. You were there that day," said Conny.
"Quiet!" yelled Marco.
"The Colossal one? Did you see him?" Conny asked.
"Yeah, I did," replied Eren.
News of Eren seeing Titans started to spread like a wildfire. At dinner time, a large group of cadets surround Eren as he eats his food.
"Yeah, okay? I saw the big guy," said Eren.
Everyone around Eren were shocked to hear and start to bombarded Eren with questions describing the Colossal Titan.
"Whoa, seriously?" asked Thomas in amazement.
"How exactly tall was he," asked Samuel.
"He stuck his head over the outer wall," Eren answered.
"I heard he steeped over the wall completely," said Daz.
"So did I," said Hannah.
"That was the rumor in my village, too!" said Franz.
"He was big, but not that big," assured Eren.
"What did it look like?" asked Mina.
"It had a mouth like a corpse. And no skin, just muscles," answered Eren.
"And the Armored Titan? The one that broke through Wall Maria?" asked a male cadet.
"Is that what they're calling it?" asked Eren. "In all that panic, it was just another Titan to mean."
"Now way. So, what were they like?" asked Samuel.
As Eren was about to eat, he stops and remembers that day where he witnessed his mother getting eaten by a Titan. Eren dropped his spoon and covered his mouth gagging. The others watch Eren in silence.
"C'mon. That enough questions, all right? I'm sure he'd rather not relive everything he went through," said Marco.
"Sorry. We didn't mean too...," said Conny until Eren broke in.
"It's not like that," said Eren as he took a bite from his bread. "Those stupid Titans. They're not that big of a deal. If we focus on mastering the omni-directional mobility gear they gave us. Then, it's Titan payback time! I've waited years to be trained as a soldier. All of a sudden, the reality is sinking in. I'm joining the Scout Regiment. Then, I'm sending the Titans back to hell. I'll butcher'em.”
On the other side, Jean was listening to Eren's story and interrupted him.
"Hey, are you crazy or something?" Jean asked. "Not that it's my business but signing up for the Scouts is like a death sentence."
"I guess we'll see. Or at least I will," said Eren. "You seem content in the interior with the MPs."
"Look, I'm just speaking honestly here, kid," said Jean. "I think it's better than being some loud-mouthed braggart tough-guy wannabe pretending he's not piss-scared as the rest of us."
"Are you trying to pick up a fight?" Eren asked as he got up from his spot.
"Stop it, you guys!" warned Marco.
"All right, sure," said Jean as he got up from his spot. "Makes no difference to me."
Both Jean and Eren were face-to-face, until the sound of a bell was heard alerting them all.
"Right, I'm sorry," apologized Jean. "It wasn't my place to doubt you.
Jean offered his hand to Eren,
"Let's call it even, " said Jean.
"It was my fault, too" stated Eren as he slapped his hand and walked away.
Jean watched at Eren as he walked away. Mikasa started to follow Eren, passing by Jean. When Jean saw Mikasa, he saw Mikasa's long, glossy, soft, silky, black hair blowing against the wind. Jean was shocked to see the shear beauty of Mikasa's hair.
"Um, excuse me!" called Jean.
Mikasa stopped walking and looked back to a blushing Jean.
"I, uh... I just wanted... I mean, I've seen anyone like you before," stuttered Jean. "I mean, uh... I'm... I'm sorry."
Jean couldn't find his next set of words and come up with something.
"You really have beautiful black hair," complimented Jean.
"Thank you," thanked Mikasa as she started to walk away.
Jean stood there smitten by Mikasa and started to run to catch up to her. He goes outside on the porch and looked around and saw Mikasa walking with Eren.
"Would you lay off? It's no big deal," said Eren.
"It's just that you get so worked up you don't think things through," she warned.
"Again with this?" he asked. "If you insist on worrying, worry about how long your hair is. It's going to catch up with you in a bad way when we start on the ODMs."
Mikasa looked at her hair and agreed and though about it for a second.
"Okay, fine. I'll cut it," she said. "How short should I go?"
"Whatever fits you," said Eren."So how are the girls doing?"
"They're doing alright, expect for Fluttershy," she stated.
"It's been a couple laters, shouldn't she be over that?" asked Eren.
"Well, she is shy after all, and she's not getting use to being yelled at," said Mikasa.
"I've seen her getting yelled at a lot of times," said Eren.
"Well, it's Keith not some adult we know," she said.
Back on the porch, a devastated Jean looked on as Mikasa walked off with Eren. Conny hums as he passes by Jean. Jean rubbed his hand down at Conny's shirt, alerting him.
"What the hell? Leave my clothes alone, goddamnit!" yelled Conny as he scratches the back of the shirt.
"What'd you wipe on me?" he asked.
"Don't worry. Just my trust," answered Jean.
Later, Sasha had finished her punishment and started walk towards a torch and falling near it from exhaustion.
"I'm finished," Sasha muttered.
She closes her eyes for a little nap. A figure appeared walking towards the exhausted Sasha. She sniffed at the scent of food and immediately woke up. She lunged at a girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She fell on her bottom and looked at terror of Sasha's animalistic behavior. She stopped and looked at what she had in her mouth.
"Could it be," she thought.
"It's bread!" she yelled.
"I'm sorry there isn't anymore," apologized the girl. "It's all I could take."
Sasha looked back at the girl.
"Hey, hang on. You really should drink a little water first," she offered.
Sasha was amazed at the beauty of the girl and went up to her.
"Are you a Goddess?" Sasha asked.
The girl was confused at what Sasha was doing. Then, a slender woman, with golden eyes, brown hair, and freckles on her cheeks appeared behind them.
"Hey Christa, what are you two doing?" she asked.
Both of them stopped and looked at the woman, and Sasha started to wolf down the bread she had.
"We, uh, she's been running all day, without food or water," explained Christa.
"I see. So you're trying to be nice," said the girl.
Sasha then swallowed the bread and she fell and her head fell on Christa's lap as she started to sleep from exhaustion.
"What's the point of breaking the rules for Potato Girl?" asked the woman. "That mindless act of kindness get absolutely nowhere."
Christa and the woman looked at each other.
"Whatever," sighed the woman as she carried Sasha. "Let's get her to bed."
"I'm confused Ymir. Are you trying to be nice?" asked Christa.
"I'm helping her so that she'll owe me one in the future," explained Ymir. "I intend to make use of her stupidity."
On the other side of the camp, Sunset Shimmer and the other girls were in their dorms.
"What a hell of a first day," said Rainbow Dash.
"It sure is," said Applejack.
"I'm already sweating," said Rarity in disgust.
"I though that a first day would be calm and not this," said Pinkie Pie.
"That Keith guy is scary," said Fluttershy.
"Well, he is the former commander of the Scouts," said Twilight Sparkle. "You'll get use to me, eventually."
"I hope so," said Fluttershy.
As the girls continued to talk about their first day in the camp, the dorm door opens. All of them look at see Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, and Sunny Flare entering the cabin.
"Hey, is this dorm 4?" asked Sour Sweet.
"This is dorm 4," Sunset Shimmer.
"Great, there's people here," Sour Sweet groaned.
"There are always people sharing dorms, that is the whole point," said Starlight Glimmer.
"Oh, I didn't know that, I'm sorry," apologized Sour Sweet.
"Wow, Keith was right, she does change moods quickly," whispered Rainbow Dash.
Applejack nodded.
"Excuse her, she tends to change moods," said Sugarcoat. "You'll get use to her in a couple of days."
"Right," said Rainbow Dash.
"We haven't heard some of your names, yet," said Sunny Flare. "You mind telling us who you are?"
"Sunset Shimmer."
"Twilight Sparkle."
"Applejack."
"Rainbow Dash."
"Pinkie Pie."
"Rarity."
"Starlight Glimmer."
"Fluttershy."
"Aren't the one that Keith yelled at you?" asked Indigo Zap.
Fluttershy was too shy to even talk about her first introduction towards Keith. She only replied with a nod.
"Well thats what happen if you don't speak up like a real man," said Indigo Zap.
"Hey, leave her alone," said Rainbow Dash, defending Fluttershy. "It's literally in her name, so what did you expect?"
"Okay, whatever you say," said Indigo Zap. "But she won't beat me in the Titan killing race with that personality."
"So, you're that type of person that makes a competition of everything," said Rainbow Dash.
"What, I want to show people that I'm awesome at killing Titans, when I'm alone," said Indigo Zap with confidence.
"You know that killing Titans is easier in a team," stated Twilight Sparkle.
"Okay, let's break this up," said Starlight Glimmer.
"Hey Pinkie Pie," called Lemon Zest.
"Yeah," said Pinkie Pie.
"You said that you were from the Shiganshina?' she asked.
"Yep, all of us are from Shiganshina," said Pinkie.
"That means, you saw Titans," realized Sugar Coat.
Before Pinkie Pie was about to speak, Rainbow Dash broke in.
"We can tell stories later," said Rainbow Dash sitting on the top bunk.
"We need some sleep," yawned Rainbow. "Tomorrow, we train for the ODMs."
"Right, one step closer to fighting Titans," said Indigo.
"Well, not really one step closer, we have a lot to train before fighting Titans," said Twilight Sparkle as she tucked her glasses in her case.
"Well, tomorrow is going to a busy day," said Rarity as she placed her sleep mask over her eyes.
The rest of them found all the open beds and tucked them in and taking out stuff that was in their bags.
"Good night," said Sunset Shimmer as she turned off the light.
The next morning, Keith set up the ODM training equipment. Many cadets listened to Keith as he spoke about their training.
"It's aptitude test time, so listen up!" yelled Keith. "There is no place for you here if you can't preform! Fail and be shipped to the fields."
Many cadets were strapped on and were lifted, some of them were trying to balance on them, others fell hitting the ground, while others easily kept their balance and stood there.
'We're just drilling the fundamentals here," said the man with gray hair. "You can tell a cadet's knack for it just by watching."
The man spotted something in the distance.
"Like her," said the man to Mikasa. "Completely steady."
Mikasa, now her hair was cut like Armin's hair, was on the equipment and floated there keeping her balance easily and surprising many of the cadets watching her.
"She inherently knows what to do and how to make it happen," said the man. "That's what aptitude is all about."
Conny, Sasha, Jean, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, and the other girls kept their balance, especially Pinkie, who was jumping up and down at the fun.
"What about this guy," pointed the other man.
The man adjusted his glasses to see what was going on.
"That's precisely why we run these tests," said the man. "He proves that drive and dedication don't always translate into capability."
Eren was upside down and was struggling to get back up. The other cadets could only watch him as he struggled.
"What is your major malfunction, Jaegar?!" yelled Keith. "Straighten yourself up!"
Eren could only watch some of the cadets laughed at him quietly.
"Why am I... How do I work this thing?" he thought. "This can't be happening."
Later on during sunset, Mikasa and Armin were outside, giving advice to Eren, who was strapped to the belt.
"Just remember that basics and you should be find. No need to try any fancy maneuvers," said Mikasa. "Unless, your Pinkie Pie, who managed to turn this into a trampoline."
"Yeah," said Armin, who was behind Eren.
"Just focus on your balance. Then distribute your weight evenly between the belts on your waist and your legs," explained Mikasa.
"Loosen up your stance a little bit," Armin added. "If I could do it, I know you could do it."
"Okay, a loose stance but balanced. Let's give it a shot, Armin," said Eren.
Armin nodded and started to turn the handle. Eren started to get lifted, but when he was lifted he was flipped over and slammed his head on the ground, knocking him out.
At night, several cadets started to tease Eren about his training on the ODM.
"Hey, Daz. He was talking big about butchering all the Titans, but got real quiet after ODM training, didn't he?" asked a male cadet with short brown hair.
"I guess it's the fields for him tomorrow," said Daz. "Can't keep wasting the food on the useless."
"Eren," called Mikasa.
"Worrying won't solve a thing," said Armin. "There's still time to get some practice in."
"How pathetic. How am I going to kill them if I can't stand up straight?" asked Eren.
"It might be time to let that dream die," suggested Mikasa.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I think you should give up this attempt to be a soldier," Mikasa replied. "There's a lot more to fighting and combat than just throwing your life away in vain."
"What are you saying," he asked. "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."
"I get it. But it doesn't matter how determined you are," said Mikasa.
"Wat, what do you mean?" he asked again.
"Because, whether or not you're fit to be a solider isn't up to you," she explained.
Then the bell rung signaling them all, expect Mikasa. The others started to grab their plates and started to walk off.
"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 with you," said Mikasa.
To her surprise, Eren wasn't sitting next her, but Sasha was sitting where Eren sat. The cafeteria was empty and Mikasa and Sasha were the only ones there.
"Uh, are you going to finish that?" asked Sasha pointing to the bread.
Mikasa was about to give Sasha her bread, but then ate it herself.
At the dorm, Eren was desperately asking people for advice for on the ODM training.
"What's the trick to posture control?" asked Conny. "Hard to say. Guess I got a gift. You've just gotta feel it, you know."
"I'm trying to figure out your trick. You've screwed up every way imaginable," teased Jean.
"Please, guys. You gotta help me, I'm begging you," begged Eren.
"That's funny, wasn't yesterday you said, If you can't handle the pressure, you've got to leave?" he asked.
Eren was in shocked, knowing that he said those words and were starting to catch him up.
"No. wait. Or was it, If you're a complete idiot, you've got to leave?" Something like that," said Conny.
Next, Eren went to the top of the bunk to a boy with short blond hair and gold eyes, and a tall boy, with short black hair and pale green eyes.
"Oh. come on. I heard from everyone that you're both really good at it! Bertholdt! Reiner!" begged Eren.
"Sorry, kid. But there isn't any special trick to just hanging there. Not to be hard harsh but if it's advice you want, I'm not really that type of guy," said Reiner.
"All right," said Eren.
"Let's hope it all come to you tomorrow," said Armin.
As they were about to leave Bertholdt started to talk.
"Hold on. Aren't the two of you from Shingashina?" asked Bertholdt.
"Yeah, that's right," said Armin.
"Then, you know first-hand how terrifying they are. Why on earth would you want to be soldiers," he asked.
Both Eren and Armin looked at each other and then to Bertholdt.
"I didn't see the things Eren did, he saw their bloodlust first before anyone realized how bad it was," explained Armin. "And I... I knew I couldn't sit idly by as the royal government forced the citizenry into the failed territory retrieval operation.
"I see," said Bertholdt.
"Where are you two from?" Armin asked.
"Oh, Reiner and I? We were both from a mountain village just Southeast of Wall Maria," Bertholdt replied.
"Then that means...," said Armin.
"Yeah. 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," he explained. "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 looked out my window and..."
Berthodlt stopped talking, and Armin gulped.
"After that, well, uh, everything was a blur," he continued. "I think we all just panicked."
"Hey, easy now, you're just getting yourself worked up again," said Reiner.
"Sorry," apologized Bertholdt.
Bertholdt continued to talk.
"Basically, what I've been trying to say is this. The four of us aren't like the rest of them," said Bertholdt.
"Thes, who?" asked Armin.
"The others here who have never witnesses to the Titan's horror," replied Bertholdt.
Around the dorm, many cadets were having fun and cracking jokes with each other, instead of feeling scared.
Bertholdt, Eren, Armin, and Reiner went out their dorm and started to walk away. Bertholdt started talking with a lamp in his hand.
"Most of them are here to show. To do just what society expects," he said. In a world where you're labelled a coward if you choose fieldwork by the time you turn 12 property demands our service. With that said, I'm really no different from the others.
All of them started to follow a path, following a rocky path.
"I joined the ranks hoping for assignment to the Military Police, tucked away in the interior," explained Bertholdt. "If that doesn't work out, I'll give up entirely. I don't have the fortitude for anything else."
'There's no shame in caring about your life, Bertholdt," assured Armin. "We all do."
Bertholdt went over a tree branch, and Reiner started to talk.
"I'm going to return to the home that was taken from me. That's all I care about," declared Reiner. "I will do it. No matter what."
What about you? Why did you sign up?" asked Bertholdt.
"I joined so I could kill them all," declared Eren.
Reiner and Bertholdt looked back at Eren.
"I won't stop till every single damn Titan is dead," declared Eren. 'Dead. Every last one."
Reiner was impressed by Eren's determination on killing the Titans.
"You saw what those monster are capable of and you still want to take them on?" asked Reiner.
"Damn right," replied Eren. "It's just after screwing up the training, I don't know if I'll be a soldier.
All of them stopped at a cliff side and looked on. The clouds started to clear and the moon was shinning bright revealing a beautiful scenery of a huge lake and trees.
"We'll take it from step one: belt adjustment," said Reiner. "I know you've got what it takes. I can see it in you, Eren Jeager. Am I wrong?"
"No! I won't fail," said Eren. "Thank you Reiner."
The very next day, Eren was strapped to the equipment, ready. Keith stood in front of him.
"Eren Jeager. Are you ready?" asked Keith.
"Yes, sir!" yelled Eren.
"I'm going to do it. I have to," he thought. "I may not be as talented as the rest. But nobody, nobody, has more guts!"
Reiner, Bertholdt, Armin, Mikasa, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Starlight Glimmer watched him, along with the other cadets.
"You can do it, Eren!" yelled Pinkie Pie.
"Proceed," said Keith.
Then, Thomas started turn the handle. Eren started to get lifted up spreading out his arms a little to keep his balance.
"The moment of truth. I won't fail again. To hell with working the damn fields!" he thought.
All of them watched in amazement as Eren kept his balance as he was lifted.
"I'm not giving up. Not without a fight!" he thought.
Eren then was balanced and the other cadets cheered him on at his success.
"I'm going do it!" he thought.
Much to his excitement, he started to lose his balance and was flipped upside down. All were shocked at the sight of Eren flipping. Keith continued to and notices something. Eren tried his best to get back up.
"Once more! I can do it!" he yelled.
"Lower him," said Keith.
Eren was lowered, but had a sense of defeat in him.
"I'm finished," he whispered.
"Wagner! Please exchange belts with Mr. Jeager," said Keith.
"Yes, sir!" Thomas replied.
Everyone was shocked. Eren then put on Thomas's belt and was lifted. Much of his surprise he was keeping his balance more easily. Keith showed his belt and showed it that the clasp was broken.
"Your equipment was defective," stated Keith. "If given a piece of functional gear, you might not have been worthless after all. Quartermaster, didn't notice this broken clasp. Might have to visit the Supple Depot and crack a couple of skulls."
The other cadets were surprised on how Eren managed to balance on a broken belt. This even surprised Indigo Zap, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare, and Lemon Zest.
"That Eren guy is determined," said Indigo Zap.
"I didn't even know it was even possible to balance on a broken belt," said Sugarcoat.
"He still did it. Even while wearing that busted gear," said a male cadet.
"Amazing," said another.
"So, you mean I... I didn't wash out?" asked Eren.
"You made the cut," replied Keith. "Now keep training, cadet!"
Hearing this Eren lifted both his hand up in the air.
"i did it. I really did!" yelled Eren.
"Way to go, Eren!" yelled Rainbow Dash.
"Well, I'll be," said Applejack.
"You rock Eren, woohoo," said Fluttershy.
Pinkie Pie jumped up and down at Eren.
"You did Eren!" she yelled.
"Check it out, Mikasa! I'm doing it! I can fight Titans!" he thought.
Mikasa stood there in shock at Eren as was floating.
"You don't have to worry about me! Not anymore!" he thought
"It seems like things worked out for him," said Reiner.
"Look, his eyes are saying, "Check me out!", said Armin.
"They're not," corrected Mikasa. "His eyes are saying he doesn't have to leave me. Not anymore."
Armin, Bertholdt, and Reiner looked at Mikasa with confusion.
"Grisha. Today should bring your pride. Your son is a soldier!"
At sundown, Keith rode his horse down a forest and looked at the cadets swinging from tree to tree. Eren swung across the tree and dodge all the incoming branches. He then swung high enough to be above the trees and looked at the sun setting.