You're Not Alone

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~ Flashback ~

Today has got to be the hottest day yet. It's only 10 in the morning and I'm sweating profusely. Right now we are working on marksmanship for the military police.

Since this training camp is preparing us to choose one of the three military branches, we should be trained for anything.

"Jesus it's hot out," Connie groans in annoyance.

"Right! Why can't we go to the lake?" Sasha frowns.

"Because we only get a couple days to work with the guns. There aren't a lot of artillery, so some of the military police squads gave up theirs for us to train with," Reiner explains.

"The faster we get this done, the sooner we can take a lunch break," I smile at the two.

We were split into lines with six stations that had guns. There are targets set up approximately 60 yards away. They're just large pieces of cloth with a plus sign painted on.

My group consists of Sasha, Wagner, and myself. On our left is Reiner, Connie, and Max. On our right is Jean, Marco, and Bertholdt.

"Alright, listen up!" Sadie's paces in front of us. "These targets are to grade your precision with guns. These aren't to be played with, you hear?"

Sadie's glances at Connie and Sasha. I pin my lips together to keep from smiling. Of course he'd be worried about these two. I sure would be.

"Remember, only ten of you will have the opportunity to join the Military Police, so this training course will give you an extra boost in grading. You have all been taught how to shoot correctly and all the safety measures that go with handling these weapons. I'll shout 'begin' and that will indicate you to shoot as many shots off as you can in the time frame. To get a better grade, you must hit the target near the center. It's also on the speed of which you can reload. Everyone understand?"

"Yes sir!" We shout.

Up first in my line is Wagner. He takes position behind the line and holds the gun up to his shoulder. We wait for Sadie's signal to start.

"Ever shot a gun?" Sasha asks me.

"No, have you?" I question her curiously.

"A few times, but I mostly use a bow. I come from a big hunting village," she smiles shyly.

"Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning your village before. This is a good skill to have, I'm sure you'll get a good grade for this training."

She nods and I stare back at Wagner. His arms are shaky and I doubt he'll be able to hit the target unless he calms down.

I walk over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. He flinches and glances at me with wide eyes and a pink tint to his cheeks.

"Wagner, you have to relax," I laugh lightheartedly. "The more still you are, the better of a chance you have at hitting the target. Just point and shoot."

"R-right. Thanks Sophie!" He yells a little too loud and I lean my head away from him. "S-sorry."

I smile and let out a laugh through my nose, then turn on my heel to get back in line. I lift my head up and look at the cadets to our right.