In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 2: Kindred Spirits

You stood at the attention alongside hundreds of hopeful cadets, your heart racing with anticipation. The grueling training program was about to begin, and only the top performers would earn the right to join the Scout Regiment.

As Commander Erwin Smith's booming voice echoed through the training grounds, you glanced around at your fellow recruits. That's when you saw them, the three that introduced themselves along with everyone else. Eren Yeager, his eyes burning with determination; Mikasa Ackerman, her expression stoic, but her eyes revealing a deep intensity; and Armin Arlert, his curious gaze scanning the surroundings. They intrigued you, a group that seems to have been through a lot, the same as you.

You exchanged awkward smiles as Commander Smith introduced your instructors. The notorious Captain Levi stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping the crowd. 

"Welcome, cadets," Captain Levi drawled. "Over the next three years, you'll be pushed to your limits. Most of you will wash out. But for those who remain, the reward will be worth the pain."

You stared in astonishment, seeing Captain Levi himself, in person no more than 10 feet away from me. You felt an overwhelming sense of motivation and admiration. 

~

You stood nervously in the bustling courtyard of the Training Corps, clutching your gear and trying to make sense of the sea of unfamiliar faces. Suddenly, a loud whistle pierced the air, and instructor Keith Sadies' booming voice called the new recruits to attention.

As you fell into line, your eyes scanned the rows of fellow cadets. You spotted Eren, Armin and Mikasa, all standing within arm's length. 

Taking a deep breath, you turned to them and introduced yourself. "Hi, I'm (Y/N) (L/N). Nice to meet you all."

Eren, standing to your left, flashed a warm smile. "Eren Yeager. Nice to meet you too, (Y/N)."

Armin, to your right, nodded enthusiastically. "Armin Arlert. It's good to see some other new faces."

Mikasa, standing beside Armin, gave a slight nod. "Mikasa Ackerman."

You sensed an instant connection with the trio. As instructor Sadies began the orientation, the four of you exchanged whispered comments and nervous chuckles.

During the first break, Eren suggested you all grab some food together. Over bowls of steaming hot soup and bread, conversations flowed easily.

Armin discussed his favorite books and strategies, and you discovered a shared love for exploration and the outdoors with Eren. Mikasa just sat contently, looking at you all, specifically Eren as he spoke.

As the training progressed, the four of you grew inseparable. You partnered up for drills, offered words of encouragement during grueling exercises, and studied tactics together late into the night.

Commandant Sadies took notice of your tight-knit group, occasionally remarking on your collective potential. "You four have something special. Keep nurturing that teamwork."

One evening, as you sat together on the barracks' steps, watching the stars twinkle to life, Eren turned to the group with a grin. "You know, I think we're going to make it through this together."

Armin nodded vigorously. "We'll be the top cadets in no time."

Mikasa's gaze locked onto the horizon. "We'll make a difference."

You smiled, feeling a deep connection with your new friends. "Together, we'll change the world."

In that moment, you knew that the bonds forged in those early days of training would last a lifetime - through trials, battles, and the unrelenting struggle against the Titans.

The four of you shared a laugh, the camaraderie and anticipation palpable as you gazed up at the star-filled sky, ready to face whatever lay ahead.