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~o~
The dream shifted then, and she was suddenly back in Shiganshina, but it was not the Shiganshina she remembered. The streets were empty, the buildings crumbling, and a heavy silence hung in the air. She wandered throug...
The scorching sun blazed on the back of V's head as she breathed heavily beside Sasha. They had exchanged a few words at the start of their laps, but after three long hours, both were too exhausted to continue the conversation. The only sounds breaking the silence were the occasional, "Yes, sir!" in response to their instructor's shouts.
This was grueling. Victoria had been warned by Chisaki that training would be hard compared to the basic formations he taught her. But she didn't think she would have to run laps for hours in the hot sun for a snicker. She needed to get her shit together and vowed then and there not to let that happen again.
"Freidrich! Fall in!"
It was Commandant Shadis.
She let out a weary groan as she turned to the left, coming to a stop in front of him. "Sir!" she exclaimed, managing a salute despite the sweat dripping down her face into her eyes.
Commandant Shadis looked down at her with a piercing gaze, a hint of smugness in his expression. "Listen, cadet," he said firmly and in a level tone. "I trust you've grasped this important lesson today. A soldier's ability to maintain a poker face is crucial. If you can't control your emotions, you pose a risk to your comrades. Do you comprehend what I'm saying?"
Victoria was taken aback that he wasn't raising his voice at her. His concern for her ability was sincere, and upon reflection, she realized he had a point. In scenarios where she might face an adversary and needed to keep her composure or a secret, self-control is essential. A lapse in that could endanger her comrades' lives.
"Yes sir," Victoria nodded sharply. "I understand, sir."
"Excellent," Shadis's face had a hint of a smile. "I love it when my cadets are smart. Hit the showers."
"Sir!"
The Commandant walked away, leaving her to drop the salute and nearly collapse on the ground from exhaustion. She watched Sasha struggle by herself. Poor girl, she had to keep going til at least sundown.
That wasn't for another two hours at least.
~o~
"Victoria?"
Just hearing her name sent a shiver down V's spine. Fresh from the shower, she was busy squeezing the water from her hair when the gentle voice caught her by surprise. Turning around, she came face to face with the person who had spoken.
Reiner Braun stood behind her, visibly unsettled. He had changed so much, yet she could never erase the memory of his piercing golden eyes. He was undeniably handsome, probably around 14 now. The boy had shot up like a weed, towering over her with broad shoulders and a strong jawline.
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"Reiner." Victoria herself was equally stunned. Annie had surprised her, but Reiner shocked her. It had been years since she had held his hand.
"I didn't realize you were going to join the military." His eyes pierced through her, radiating a searing intensity. There was a depth of emotion there that she couldn't quite grasp, yet she misinterpreted it as anger. What could possibly be fueling his fury? It sparked something in Victoria.
