You're Not Alone

•05•

It's been two years since we joined the cadets. Two long and hard years or exhausting and strenuous effort to try and be top of the class.

This training is to keep us alive out there beyond the walls, so I won't take it for granted. My life means more to me than goofing off.

"Your boots water-logged, Arlelt?" Keith rides along side us on a horse.

It's pouring down rain and we're all drenched to the bone. I keep running, my stamina is higher than most because I am an avid swimmer. Every chance I got, I'd swim in the lake.

"Come, let's see some hustle! Is the gear too heavy for you? Hell, drop it. Leave it in the mud. Titans will digest easier with out it."

Armin is struggling a lot. His small build can't carry the bags and run. I glance back and see Reiner taking the bag from him.

We continue running and I control my breathing, making sure I don't breathe too much or too little. This is just the beginning of challenges we face when trying to make the cut.

*another day*

Today we work on hunting and killing Titans. Throughout the forest there are wooden giants with a cushioned nape that we have to cut.

Keith is keeping up with us, evaluating our progress and skill. I watch at Jean heads towards one of the fake Titans, ready to slice it.

However, Connie appears and gets to it first. I smirk at Jean, who's face is full of pure annoyance. From beside me, Sasha hurries in and is screaming with joy as she glides through the air.

I roll my eyes and smile. At least she is having fun. It's nice to see not everyone is taking this as serious as others.

We all head back to the training ground and start on our hand to hand combat. Eren and Reiner are partnered and I watch as Eren takes down the tall blonde.

They switch and Reiner hands the wooden knife to Eren. That means it's Erens turn to attack. Eren takes it and looks confused.

"This training makes no sense. It's not like we're picking fights with someone our own size. You have to be stupid to use this..."

"What if there's not an option... it's our job to be or prepared. You have to be ready for anything. Don't believe me, look."

Reiner glances to Annie.

I watch as Reiner approaches her and he begins to taunt her. My partner and I stop our combat and watch as Reiner pushes Eren to fight Annie.

Eren charges at Annie. Her hands are up and ready for a fight. He swings, but she kicks him in the shin and he falls to the ground.

"That was a dirty move," Eren grunts. He's holding his shin and can't get up.

"Are we done here?" Annie sighs in annoyance.

"not just yet. You know the drill. Take the dagger," Reiner orders.

"No wait!" Eren pleas.

Annie grabs his body, picks him and then flips him back to the ground by his neck. If her hands turned slightly different, his neck would've been snapped.

She walks away with the knife, leaving Eren face down and ass up in the dirt. She tosses it to Reiner and moves the hair from her face.