Deception

Chapter Four

-First POV-

Three Years Ago

"Congratulations young (L/N), it seems like you set a new record amongst your peers." Commander Magath spoke, tallying down my time as I passed the finish line, chest heaving and sweat rolling down my forehead.

Today was the last day that we warrior candidates would train before being able to claim our titan powers. Three grueling years of training led me up to this moment; to become a new weapon of our nation and a step closer to freedom.

I let out a sigh as I collapsed onto the ground, my skin hot from the sun that was beating down on Liberio.

It was mid-June and the weather was hot and sunny, perfect for relaxing or taking a peaceful walk but not to be running multiple laps with little breaks.

"Wow... Huh, who-who knew you could be so fast (Y/N)," Marcel inquired, collapsing onto his knees in front of me, panting and wheezing. He was no younger than me and had short auburn brown hair swept back golden eyes and somewhat tan skin.

"I think Annie decided to settle and let me win. Everyone knows she could do much better than me." I replied, wiping off the sweat with my forearm as I watched Porco and Annie come across the finish line.

"C'mon (Y/N), everyone knows you were already a fast runner. You just lacked confidence or either you purposely let Annie win to make her happy." Marcel said with a teasing tone and I could feel my face get warm, not from the sun but embarrassment. I had always thought Annie was a pretty girl. She was mean and quite harsh, in just plain general but the way she acted towards me was odd. One second she'd be glaring at me as if she wanted me dead, and the next, she'd be blushing and red as a tomato.

I had to figured there was something wrong with me even if I found her pretty when she glared at me or kicked my ass more than usual.

"Or how about Pieck? You guys seem pretty close," Another one of the warrior candidates, Pieck Finger. She was about two years older than me. She had long, disheveled shoulder-length black hair, and dark brown eyes. She was to inherit the Cart Titan. She was more on the softer side and was easily approachable. I thought of her as a close friend, someone I could go to if I needed to calm down.

"Shut up, it's not like that! I try as hard as my body can let me." I huffed out.

"You know, with all the time we've been together, I've never heard of or seen your family before. Are you like, some sort of orphan or something?" I could always count on Marcel to ask abrupt questions. Some may think it was Porco but Marcel was really the sibling that could offend you without trying.

"Marcel, that's rude to ask..." Bertholdt Hoover, another warrior candidate. Bertholdt was a rather tall, slender young boy. He had short, black hair and pale green eyes. He was to inherit the Colossal Titan. He was also a nice person but could always be serious when needed. I was just about two inches shorter than him.

"What? It's just a genuinely curious question. I've never seen anyone come and visit (Y/N) even though they can. It's just kinda sad, ya know." There was a collective silence as I shared a look with Bertholdt and looked back at Marcel. 

"Yes they come visit, you moron. My dad is a politician but my mom stays at home. But I do get letters from him and Uncle Willy gives me the pictures he's taken where he's staying at."

"I forgot you were a Tybur!"

"How?! That's the reason why I'm here! I'm inheriting the Warhammer from my aunt Laura!" Another voice had pitched into the conversation.

"That doesn't seem fair at all. We all had to work our asses off and you get the easy way in. Seems like there's advantages to being a Tybur. " Porco Gaillard. The younger brother of Marcel and a runner-up for the Armored. He had gray eyes, his blond hair was in an undercut style which was pushed back, and slightly tan skin. He was the usual arrogant brat but sometimes show that he cared, usually in a passive-aggressive way.