[Part 1: Notes from the Instructor]

Now in the middle of our second year we're practicing with our ODM gear, however as the others use the standard ODM gear I combine it with my wrist launchers, I may not be able to use the gas with these but they're far more maneuverable. I can also decouple them and reattach quicker than with the waist gear. Many of us during this training get into our groups with Eren, Armin & Mikasa grouped up as usual, as I work with Annie, Mina & Marco. I even made a second set of the gear for Annie and she seems pretty efficient with it despite never actually wearing it or using it herself. Though I did get to see Grandpa Shadis' notes on us and copied them to my own journal... they were intriguing. What he thought of us.

Reiner Braun (Male)
Blonde Hair
Blue Eyes
From (Unknown Village in Wall Maria)
My Notes: A big boy, he's very strong. Honestly wouldn't mind having him for back up in case of a mugging. Despite differences between us in the past, he puts duty above personal problems. I respect him for that.
Shadis Notes: The mind and constitution of a grass-fed ox. Respected by his comrades.

Armin Arlelt (Male)
Blonde Hair
Blue Eyes
From Shinganshina District, Wall Maria
My Notes: A smaller far less physical boy, but very intelligent, if I wasn't already being groomed for it, he would make a fine Commander in the scouts, Garrison, or Military Police. His brain is very hard to predict he reminds me of father.
Shadis Notes: Built like a daffodil, but academically brilliant.

Loren Schulz (Male)
Black Hair
Green Eyes
From
My Notes: A smaller boy who's talented, however, I don't think he'd make the top ten.
Shadis Notes: Talented and driven if he works a bit harder he could give anyone a run for their money. Well liked by his peers.

Annie Leonhardt (Female)
Likely age 13 or 14
blonde hair
blue eyes
from... unknown.
My Notes: Is a beautiful girl who is now my assistant in doing maintenance on my gear. Further interactions with Annie has led to flare ups of heat emanating from my cheeks. Conversations with Christa, Sasha, and Connie state that it might be what is called a crush. After a full six months with her I've learned that she hopes to graduate and reunite with her father. A wonderful goal and I hope she achieves it. One of the best in the entire class I wouldn't be surprised if she had one of the top 3 spots in this years graduates.
Shadis Notes: Gifted with a sword, but does not exactly play well with anyone not named Marcel Zoe, he seems to be the one soft spot she has.

Bertholdt Hoover (Male)
Black Hair
Brown Eyes
From Unknown village in south of Wall Maria
My Notes: A taller lad and Reiner's friend. Physically gifted though he seems to dislike how close Annie and I have become over the last two years.
Shadis Notes: Heaps Of native talent, but too mild-mannered.

Jean Kirschtein (Male)
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
My Notes: One of the most skilled in the class when it comes to ODM. But can be very annoying to deal with.
Shadis Notes: Among the top of the class in ODM. Also an insufferable smart asshole with a hair-trigger temper.

Marcel Zoe (Male)
Blackish-Blue Hair
Light Blue Eyes
From unknown, resides with scouts.
My Notes: The "adopted" [not legally] younger brother of Hange Zoe, has an insatiable desire for knowledge and technological improvement, even if it gains the ire of some others. Considered the youngest scout ever, as I've lived with them since I was a kid.
Shadis Notes: The younger brother of Hange, and one of the most talented Cadets ever. Trained by his sister as well as many of the Scouts in their off time it is hard to imagine him being anything below the top 3. A genius when it comes to machinery and an idiot when it comes to being sensible.

Sasha Braus (Female)
Brown Nair
Brown Eyes
Also known as "Potato Girl"
My Notes: Sasha is a fun loving girl, who's a wonderful person so long as you don't bring food with you.
Shadis Notes: Unusually fine instincts, rarely shares them with her teammates.

Connie Springer (Male)
Shaved head
Hazel eyes
From Ragako Village in Wall Rose
My Notes: While not the smartest in the class he's still very skilled and a fine soldier at that.
Shadis Notes: Agile on the switchbacks. Few sandwiches shy of a picnic.

Mikasa Ackerman (Female)
Black hair
Black eyes
From Shinganshina District, Wall Maria
My Notes: Despite her immense skills similar to that of Captain Shorty she's very anti-social so much that despite Annie being known as not a team player she's far worse with the exception of Eren & Armin.
Shadis Notes: Model cadet. Excels in everything. In fact it's no overstatement to call the girl a genius.

Eren Jaeger (Male)
Brown Hair
Blueish-Green eyes
From Shinganshina District, Wall Maria
My Notes: A very stubborn boy, his motivations are very childish, however his stubbornness has also lead him to surpassing students who are far more naturally gifted.
Shadis Notes: Lackluster in the classroom, marginally better in the field. But. Driven by a sense of purpose that's almost terrifying.

Ymir (Female)
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
From... unknown
My Notes: Another female who doesn't get along with others, however she does display anger for more than any other female, she also demonstrates a ruthless cunning that is very captivating to watch.
Shadis Notes: N/A

Christa Lenz (Female)
Blonde hair
Blue eyes
My Notes: A sweet girl, but a bit too soft, it's a surprise she's even still here in the cadets. Though, she seems nice to a fault not because she just so happens to be nice...
Shadis Notes: N/A

[Part 2: Top Priorities]

A few weeks later we learn to do close quarters combat. It's strange to need to learn this as our main enemy is titans, but then I remind myself of the Military Police. I sigh internally and walk around when I hear a small commotion, I'm looking for Annie as I need to remove the wrist gear from her, but it seems like she found trouble. When I arrive I find both Reiner & Eren on the floor.

"Um..." I say looking down at the pair. She glances to me with a glare but upon noticing who it is she seems to soften a bit and I chuckle slightly. "Sorry about that guys, I've been looking for Annie for a while. And I lost track of her. Forgive me."

"Why are you apologizing, they started it."

I turn to her exasperated. "But you didn't have to be that rough with them."

Annie raises a brow. "What? Only want that treatment for yourself?"

I turn to her my cheeks turning bright red, flustered. "W-What?!" She smirks and begins walking toward the Workshop as I follow her blushing like crazy. "So... um... who taught you to fight?" I ask.

"My father." She answers. "And you?"

I chuckle remembering that class. "Captain Shorty. He was... well, he was a thug before being in the scouts. Doesn't matter anyways. Unless you plan to be in the Military Police this training is useless."

"I've been meaning to speak to you about that." She says standing behind me.

"What?"

"I, uh... want you to join the Military Police with me."

I turn back. "Come again?"

"I won't repeat myself." She glares.

"I figured, but, why ask me that? You know I want to be with my family."

"Well... I think I finally understood what you said... in your entry about me... I think I finally understand that myself. And I don't know how I'd react if you went beyond the walls and... well.. you don't come back."

"Hey, don't worry about that, love." I slightly grasp her hand, by this point we've entered into my workshop. "I promise you, no matter what happens out there, I'll always come back. Just promise me, that you'll be waiting for me."

Annie blushes finally. "S-Sure."

I smile to her as we'd already reached the work shop and entered by the end. And I notice how close we'd gotten the pair of us mere inches from each other. We both blush and back away as I grab the screwdriver and motion for her wrist. She lifts her sleeve and allows for me to remove the wrist gear.

"So, anyone else here that you think would make a good scout?"

"Easy. Myself, Mikasa, Eren, Reiner, Bertholdt, Sasha & Connie. Everyone else would be best suited for either the Garrison or Military Police."

"And why not me?" She asks.

"Because, you've already made your mind. And I don't want you to join the scouts."

Annie leans down next to me removing her gear. "Why not?"

I finish removing the wrist gear and lift my goggles. "Same reason you don't want me to join. I don't want to fear that we'll go on an expedition and the only thing left of you is your jacket." I sigh after removing hers and allow for her to remove mine. After the gear is off we make our way to the mess hall and join the others for supper.

Hm? We both turn as Eren and Jean go to fight, however before they can start, I sigh and throw a fork in between the pair. Gaining what looks to be the ire of Mikasa.

"Oi. Unless you want to get the attention of the instructor and do laps I suggest you sit back down."

Eren turns to me angered. "And what of you? Are you training to get a cushy job with the Military Police, too?"

"No. I'm training to join my family, the scouts. I was raised by the scouts. I wouldn't abandon them for a bunch of fat pigs. Now..." As I'm about to finish speaking the door opens, Shadis stands peering in, his terrifying gaze scaring many of the cadets.

"Would someone care to explain the little ruckus I heard just now. I do hope everything's alright."

After a moment of silence I raise my hand. "Connie passed some gas Commandant."

Shadis sighs. "Why am I not surprised? For the love of god, learn some self-control." He closes the door and I sigh a breath of relief when Connie walks up to me.

Connie grabs me by my shirt. "What the hell man? What was that about."

"If I didn't say someone did something, he would've questioned all of us, and let's be honest, Armin or Mina would crack under the pressure."

Armin sputters then looks down. "I, uh... yeah..." He says defeated.

"Sorry." Mina apologizes.

"But why me? Why not someone like Sasha, or Jean, or Eren?" Connie complains.

"Well a few reasons, 1. Sasha's a good girl. I like her. 2. Jean won't shut up if I do. And I don't want to deal with him. And 3, I'm pretty sure Mikasa's mad at me for throwing my fork at Eren, and I don't want to deal with more of that."

Connie grasps for arguments. "But... But..."

"Just sit down already." Annie says drinking her soup.

Connie gives up allowing for me to finish eating and then heading to sleep... well, not after apologizing to Connie a few times.

[Part 3: The Top]

Of the original recruits only two-hundred and twenty cadets graduated. Some with honors. As we stand there the top ten in front of everyone, instead of standing at attention I have my journal out and I'm taking notes of who's in the top spots.

Top Ten of the 104th Southern Cadet Corps
1. Mikasa Ackerman
2. Annie Leonhart
3. Marcel Zoe
4. Reiner Braun
5. Bertholdt Hoover
6. Eren Jaeger
7. Jean Kirschtein
8. Sasha Braus
9. Marco Bodt
10. Christa Lenz

The Commander of the cadets shout. "Do you have Heart?!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

"As of this moment, you have three options open to you. Choose wisely! The Garrison Regiment, whose job is to reinforce the walls. The Scout Regiment, who rides out into Titan country to take back what was once ours. And the MP Regiment, maintaining law and order under orders from his royal majesty. Those cadets eligible for the MP have already been named. The rest of you, take a look. These are the top of your class."

After the end of the ceremony many of us head to a military establishment for the cadets. As many of the cadets celebrate graduating together, I sit with Annie the pair of us not joining in the festivities. Of course a scene is made involving Eren and blah, blah it happens every damn time.

I chuckle after he runs he's out sitting in front of Annie. "Well, he was loud, as usual."

"But do you believe him?"

"As the 14th Commander of the Scout Regiment, he just said what all scouts believe. Humanities future, lies outside of Wall Maria. And in order to reach that future, lives will be sacrificed, lives will be lost, but if we quit, then those lives meant nothing. Lives like Ilse Langnar, Isabel Florins, Asriel Krugel, Karina Mahks... and so many others I've lost... their deaths will have meant nothing if we give up. And I don't ever want that. I don't want the deaths of my family to have meant nothing, Annie."

"So that's why you're joining the scouts. To make sure their deaths have value?"

"Yes. I wouldn't forgive myself if they all died for a hopeless goal. Annie, promise me, if I die out there, you'll live on."

Annie smiles. "Of course. I'll make you wait before we see each other again."

"I'll make sure to watch you, and protect you if I die. Okay?" We joke, or would this be flirting?

"Sure."

We smile to each other. And we end the night with each of us cadet graduates in Trost District waiting for the ceremony to choose our Regiment.

[Part 4: Battle]

The day after graduation and I stand on a roof with Sasha, Connie & Nico. The five of us waving off the scouts as they leave. And I notice sis spotting me. And her smile.

"Give them hell! Captain! Do your best, Nana! Don't over do it, Sis!" I notice the sly smirk on Nanaba. As well as the smiles from most of the scouts as they see me and hear my voice as Hange turns to me and gives me a thumbs up. "Captain Shorty! Spare me a few for my first expedition!" I see him tsk at that comment followed by Petra and the rest of Levi Squad all seeming worried as Hange and Miche laugh a bit from it.

I frown as they ride away. With Petra waving at me slightly. I give a light wave back and start walking back to the HQ. My squad is with Annie. The pair of us sit around with Military Police member Nico Harms. Or at least that's what we were doing until a giant explosion seems to happen at the wall and we look towards it to see the Colossal Titan.

"No, way... it really is skinless..." I mutter.

Nico turns to the squad, saying quietly, or maybe it's just quiet cause of the panic. "Here? Now of all times?" He asks.

"Sir, we need to get to our squads. Annie, let's go."

"I'm coming with you all. Don't forget, I was the top of my class. I'll lead your squad. Let's go."

I shake my head. "Right."

Damn it, you couldn't stay just a few more hours, Levi, Hange... Erwin... As the next commander of the Scouts, it's my duty to ensure none of my teammates die. Where's Pyxis Gramps when you need him. I think to my journal and my squad.

Marcel Zoe
Annie Leonhart
Ymir
Christa Lenz
Axel Marz
Erlvin Djives

Damn it all.

Ymir scoffs standing on a house with the rest of the squad. "Say, Zoe, did your scout buddies train you for this?"

"Honestly... no. But that's not a concern now. Alright, I'm not Eren, so I can't give a good rally speech, so just shut up and listen. That goes doubly for you Ymir." I say turning back to the others  Ymir scoffs. "Stay with at least one partner, watch each other's backs. Also, no matter what they do, don't die on me. If you get hurt, hurt them back. If you die..." I pause to take a breath.

"If we die...?" Axel asks.

"Walk it off." I say stepping forward. I then shoot forward with Annie directly behind me as a Titan begins to reach for me I use my wrist launcher to get behind it. I then turn one of my blades upside down and spin my body slicing the nape into several pieces. As Annie kills a Titan of her own. I turn to the side hearing a scream only to find Erlvin missing an arm and a leg. I then see as a Titan pulls on a cord and brings down Mina, wait where's her squad?

"Annie! Go check on Axel, I'll get Mina!"

She nods and rushes off as I hurry and save Mina by killing the Titan that was holding her before carrying her away from the area, as her teammates are all dead or dying.

"Hey, Mina. Where's your squad?" I ask holding her shoulders.

Mina frantically thrashes about. "I... I don't... I don't know."

"Alright, just stay by my squad. So far we've only lost Erlvin."

Mina looks to me terrified. "How are you staying so calm?" She asks, panicked.

"Because... I need to make sure, that all my future subordinates are safe."

"What?"

"Let me be clear to you. As the 14th Commander of the Scout Regiment I promise to make sure that no sacrifice is in vain. We'll survive as long as we can. And I will do whatever I can to protect my subordinates."

Annie lands next to me. "Hey, Marcel."

"Annie. Where's the squad?"

"Ymir & Christa are with Nico. He's taking care of them... Axel was already..."

I lower my head. "Axel too... damn it!" I whisper shout. I stand and turn to the destruction. "Okay, the three of us will stay together. Mina, stay by us. We'll watch your back and make sure you don't die. So keep an eye on us too."

"Y-Yeah." She says terrified.

"Is there anyone else in your squad alive? Eren, Thomas? Armin?" I ask.

"I... I don't know."

"Damn that loud mouthed suicidal maniac. Okay, for now just focus on survival. If things get to hard for you tell me, and I'll take us to captain Nico."

Mina looks at me concerned. "Captain Nico?"

"Nico Harms of the Military Police is in charge of the 40th Cadet Squad. His co-Captain is Marcel Zoe. Just stay alive Mina."

Mina nods. "Right." She says worriedly.

Annie, Mina and I all work together and kill several titans. With myself killing at least a dozen by myself and Annie getting that many if not more. Mina is able to kill a few titans however, after a while the three of us reconvene with the rest of the squad as well as many of the other recruits. How the hell were we supposed to handle this?

Chapter End.

Well, that was quick.