Leaping Into Freedom (S1)

Chapter 3

"Straighten those spines, piss-ants! The 104th Cadet Corps Boot Camp starts now! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Commandant Keith Shadis; And you will grow to hate me! Training is gonna be a white-knuckle ride through Hell. If I've done my job, you'll be waking up in a cold sweat from memories of this place every night for the rest of your miserable lives. Right now, you're nothing. Livestock. But over the next three, soul-crushing years, you'll learn to take down your own goliath. Remember this moment when you come face to face with him, 'cause here's where you ask yourself: Am I a fighter, or am I feed? Am I gonna be ground up to puppy human grist 'tween boulder-sized incisors? Or am I gonna be the one to bite?"

Harlow and Leanna stood in one of the last rows of cadets. Shadis was walking down each and having kids introduce themselves.

"Hey, Mop-Top!" Shadis announced.

"Sir!" The blonde boy saluted.

"What do they call you, maggot?" Shadis asked.

"Armin Arlet, from Shiganshina, sir!" Armin announced.

"Wow, seriously? Why would your parents give you such a dumb name?" Shadis asked.

Harlow couldn't help but let out a small and quiet laugh at Keith's response.

"It was my grandfather, sir!" Armin said.

"Cadet Arlet! Why is a runt like you here?" Shadis asked.

"To help humanity overcome the Titans!" Armin announced.

"That is delightful to hear! You're gonna be a great light snack for them! Row Three, About Face, runt!" Shadis announced as he grabbed the top of Armins head and turned him around. The rest of the people in that row followed.

He Went on to Thomas Wagner and Mina carolina. Harlow met them when she first got there. They were both very nice.

"What do we have over here?" Shadis asked.

"Jean Kirstein, sir. From Trost District!" Jean saluted.

"And why're you here, cadet?" Shadis asked the boy.

"To join the Military Police, sir. The best of the best." Jean said.

"That's nice. You want to live in the interior, do you?" Shadis asked.

"Yes!" Jean said with a smile.

Shadis smashed his head into Jeans head.

Harlow smiled at the fond but painful memories that came back to her.

Jean fell to his knees in pain.

"No one told you to sit, Recruit! If you can't handle this, Kirschtein, then forget about joining the Military Police!" Shadis said to the boy who was on the ground in pain.

He moved on to the boy next to Jean.

"What the hell is wrong with your face, you smiling idiot?" Shadis asked.

"Marco Bodt at your service, sir, from Jinae. South side of Wall Rose. I aim to join the Military Police and give life and limb in service to the king!" Marco said with a massive smile.

"Well then. That makes you an idealistic fool. You want the truth? The only use the king has for you is as Titan fodder." Shadis said darkly.

He left the boy in utter shock.

"Hey, Cue-ball. You're up next!" Shadis said to the boy next to Marco.

"Oh, me? Sir! Conny Springer, from Ragako village, sir!" Conny said as he saluted.