Attack on Titan: The New Generation

Chapter 18 Top 10

After the ten minuets were up, all of us came back to where we where doing the drill. I didn't fallow the directions when we were told get a partner and to start working on the same drill. I continued the lean against the fence and watch the others.

When Battlow decided to have us stop, we had the choice to either go to our cabins or to the mess hall. I didn't do either. I walked to the emergency room to check on Shaun. As I wait to be told what the room Shaun is in the lady at the desk said "Jeez, the man that punched that cadet must be pretty strong to do that to him."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"The bone around his eye socket was cracked by the man who's punched him in the eye. It must really hurt."
"Yeah his pride must be a reck now!" I laughed.
"Why do you say that young lady?" She asked, surprised.
"I'm the one who punched him." I said. She widened her eyes, then told me the room he was staying in. I thanked her and went to the room. I stuck my head in and squealed "Sorry!"

I saw Shaun turn around and show that his head was wrapped up, and eye bandaged.
"Im really sorry!" I said, now feeling more guilt for what I've done. 
"It's fine, I guess this means that I lost to a girl."
"Aw, your big ego can't handle it?" I pouted. Shaun laughed and I just rolled my eyes.
"Ok. I just wanted to see how you were. I'll be leaving then." I said as I closed the door.

"Where have you been?!" Asked Jen.
"I hurt Shaun, and I was checking on him."
"I saw you fight, your really good!" Said Tom.
"No, I'm not." I replied.
"What are you talking about?! You are really good at it!" Said Tom.
"No." I said. I turned my head away ignored Tom's praise.
"Why are you all negative? Isn't it good to be a good fighter?" Asked Tom.
"I guess, I just don't like saying I'm good at things. But thanks for the compliment!" I laughed.

"Your glasses are broken." I said pointing to the crack.
"Oh, I was kicked and they kind off cracked. It's fine." Replied Jen. I nodded my head and I watched everyone else go into the mess hall.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"Battlow told us to wait in the mess hall, him and other officials are deciding the top 10." Tom said with excitement. The top 10, finally it's came. The top 10 where are the best cadets of each class. The 10 are the people who can chose what brigade they want to be in. If I made it, I will be able to not have my parent's death in vain. Along with Michelle's.

"Oh. Where are Mariana and Carol?" I asked.
"They must already be in the mess hall." Replied Jen. I nodded my head and began walking in the building. Jen and Tom followed. As I walked in the building I saw Mariana and Carol sitting at the corner table. I walked to the table and sat down.
"Where's Shaun?" Carol asked.
"In the clinic. He got hurt during training, but I don't know if he's coming or not." I replied. She nodded her head and went back to her silence.

Jen sat next to me and Tom next to her. The other cadets started to get antsy, and began to mess around. I watched as the cadets started throwing objects and yelling.
"Idiots." I said underneath my breath. Carol looked out the window and said "Some one's coming!" Suddenly everyone stopped doing what they were doing and became really silent. The door opened and there stood Shaun.

"Why's it so quiet?" He asked. The cadets laughed and started their antics again. Shaun walked to our table and sat down with us.

A few minutes later the cooks began to hand out tea to each table. I looked over at the pot and I watched the steam float to the ceiling.
"Hey, the tea pots remind me of Lilly's smoke!" Laughed a cadet. My eyes widened and I felt my face flush with red. I let myself slid down the chair a little. I crossed my arms and lowered my head.

"Can we not touch that subject." Said Jen. I looked up and saw her face looking gloomy. Almost like Mariana's face. I pulled myself up in the chair.
"What's wrong?" I asked Jen.
"Nothing." she replied. I raised an eyebrow and rolled my eyes.
"Yes there is. You never ask like this. The only time you do is because your upset. So, what's your problem? Tell me." I commanded. She looked up at me and whispered "I'm scared." My face turned from concern, to shocked.

Suddenly the front doors slammed opened and a soldier walked in.
"All of you are reported to the training yard. Throw out what you have and come quickly." Said the soldier. I looked away from the women and got up.
"Hey what's wrong with Jen?" Whispered Carol. I shrugged my shoulders and said "I don't know. But after this I'm finding out." Carol nodded her head and walked ahead of me. As we walked down to the training yard, I looked at the sky. It was already dark, and the stars and moon were just starting to come out.
"Why can't the moon be out." I whispered.
"What do you mean? It will get darker. In my opinion, I much rather prefer the sun and daytime." Said Tom behind me. I turned my head and saw his face was full of blush. Why is he blushing?
"Well, sadly I'm not you. The daytime is good and all, but the moon and stars shine beautifully. Even though they aren't as bright as the sun, they're bright enough to show its beauty. Almost every night I would stand or lay down on the dirt and just stare at the moon and stars, for a while. You should give the night a chance before you say anything." I explained. I turned my head back and continued walking.

I looked up again, and there was the moon and a few stars. I smiled and let out a sigh of relief. As we continued walking I saw that there were torches up ahead and a small stage.
"We'er getting close." Said Carol. I nodded my head and looked over at Jen. Her head was down and her arms crossed.
"Expect to get an answer knocked out of you." I whispered. She turned her head and looked away.

Finally we got to where we were supposed to stand. All the cadets were in a perfect rectangle, as we stood in front of the stage. All of us stood with our hands behind our back and our feet apart. I watched the fire from the torches flicker in the dark. Then Battlow walked out onto the stage and stop in the middle.
"There are three brigades you will be able to choose and work in. The Garrison Brigade, guard the walls and work near cities. The Survey Corps Brigade, explore and risk your lives outside the wall. Studying and killing titans. And the Military Police Brigade, protecting the citizens of the kingdom. But only theses places are available to the the top 10. I will call the names from 10 to 1. If your name is called please walk up to the front of the crowd." Said Battlow.
"Sir!" Replied the cadets.

"Number 10, Benjamin Juk. Number 9, Sara Lucas. Number 8, Dakota Smith. Number 7, Mitch Hay. Number 6, Michelle Ackerman." Started Battlow. How can Michelle be in the top 10?! She died!
"Cadet Michelle Ackerman died as a true soldier, before she got the chance to use her ability. And for that, she was chosen to be the 6th best." Explained Battlow. You hear that Michelle, your being recognized for saving me. I will pay for that debt!
"Number 5, Carol Kipe. Number 4, Jen Carsol. Number 3, Shaun Bakes. Number 2, Matiana Stocks." Battlow continued. My name and Tom's haven't even been mentioned yet. What if I can't get in the Survey Corps?! Jeager can't help me with my ability. I won't be able to have my parent's and Michelle's deaths not in vain! I began to panic. I felt my heart beating faster every second. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself.

"Now, the best cadet is someone who doesn't just have some skill, but this person stands for other's rights, and never leaves a soldier behind. And for that, number 1 is Lilly Starks."