Naive and Damned

Chapter 3 : Condemning Opportunities

Falco

"And that," Gabi boasted, "is how it's done!"

The candidates stood in their small group inside the courtyard, waiting for their instructor to arrive. Udo and Zofia looked reluctantly impressed at Gabi's loud whistle, nailing it with only a day's practice. Falco shared the sentiment, though he wasn't surprised; of course she'd managed it after how determined she'd been on Saturday. Unfortunately, Gabi once more dousing her shirt with spit tainted the impressive image.

"How'd you even learn that?" Udo enquired, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"Reiner taught me. He wouldn't at first, but I convinced him!" Gabi said, looking off to the side with a grin.

"So you pestered him into doing it?" Zofia deadpanned. Gabi shrugged, but her grin widened.

"He just couldn't say no to this cute face!" Then she turned to look directly at himself. "I suppose none of you could keep up, huh?"

Falco watched her for a second, contemplating to himself as Udo and Zofia argued back, sounding indignant. It was true – he'd once again fallen behind.

Unable to sleep last night, he'd come to a decision. Multiple decisions, actually.

Firstly, he'd no longer rely on others for strength, ever again. He was sick of feeling weak, and would probably continue to do so, but others shouldn't have to deal with his incompetence and laziness. So, he'd make sure he'd improve himself, by himself. He'd double the extra training he did and put all of his effort solely on becoming the Armoured Titan. He would not bother Mr Kruger anymore – the humiliation was just too much – and only visit once a week to deliver letters for him.

Secondly, he would try to avoid his grandfather's tempter, no matter how demeaning. It would not be brave, but he knew it wasn't worth the trouble. Not to say he thought he had the strength to do so either way. It was a hell he couldn't handle – someone like him was just too pathetic for that.

He'd most definitely fail at becoming the Armoured Titan's successor. Gabi was so brilliant, a shining star that he had no choice but admire. No matter what anyone personally thought about the girl, her talent shone too brightly to be ignored. Confident and naturally gifted, no other candidate stood a chance, and could only stand and watch from the shadow she cast onto them.

He stood no chance against her, but refused to give her up. A star like her must brighten up the sky for far longer than thirteen years.

*

The following week had dragged on for an eternity.

Falco had increased his hours spent training as promised, adding two to three hours daily so that he would barely arrive home in time for dinner. With the training being intensely physical, he would collapse into bed after eating to fall asleep instantly.

The additional extra training took its toll far faster than Falco would have imagined – to the point that their instructor, Mr Kaes, had told him, "just get lost already," looking fed up. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop – this was all he had left to him: ensuring Gabi's safety. If he failed, he'd have nothing, be nothing, forever regretting not being able to save his best friend.

Of course, there was one obstacle to his focus. A face that haunted him at night and caused him increased paranoia.

Falco was never free from his Grandfather for long, even when the man was not there.