*

BACK AT THE CABIN

The snowstorm slowly bypassed us allowing me and Christa to move on easily, finally getting down back to the foot of the mountain. When arriving back Ymir was already waiting for her, seeing how worried she was really was. 

Walking into the cabin I exhale deeply, feeling the warmth coaxing the room. Pulling down the mask around nose and cheeks, the warmth soon starts to melt the bitter cold that rests across my cheeks.

"Corporal!!!" Susanne exclaims, rushing towards me with relief in her eyes. "Did you find Christa?"

With a soft smile I nod, "Yes, she's out there with Ymir,"

She breathes with somewhat relief while I head over to where the equipment was laid, as I unwrap the rope around my waist and shoulder, hanging it up on the hook. Placing the ice axe down, I turn around heading to the fire that crackles at the end of the Cabin. 

"How about Daz, is he doing okay?" I question, while slipping my hood off, flicking my hair.

She hums softly, "He's all wrapped up in blankets and hot cocoa, why don't you have some yourself?" She suggests, before resting her forehand against my forehand. "No fever, that's good......but still, we need to get those kids warmed up. It's too long for a small body, to endure such harsh conditions."

Lifting my head up I saw everyone happy and not an ounce of worry, wavering within the room. Closing my eyes while inhaling slowly, I turn to my room, "Get everyone warmed up, seen we've completed training here....we might as well best be heading off,"

"R-Right,"

She heads off to everyone while I collapse to the seat behind me, while I allow my body to settle down. My muscles were aching painfully, and my head was pounding against my skull. Massaging my temples slowly, a small groan leaves my lips.

Small labored breaths leave my lungs, as I try to collect myself. My chest was burning, feeling like I was suffocating. Leaning forward I hung my head, trying my best to keep myself warm and relaxed. Clenching my hand into a fist, I clutch my coat against my chest tightly. Small pants continue, feeling a smile rest across my lips.

I couldn't allow anyone to notice my weaknesses, especially when teaching them survival. Hated the feeling of being weak, being the damsel in distress.

But......

Going out there alone without a real plan, made me realise how reckless I can be when lives are on the line.....how stupid I am....

Yet, I have no regrets......

*

YEAR 849 - A YEAR LATER - TRAINING GROUNDS

Sweat aligns my forehead while facing one of my cadets, as I have dueled with ten of them. All have failed or some almost surpassed me, but due to the humidity it was getting hotter by the second. Small pants leaves the young soldier's lips, looking about to pass out any minute. Without warning he yells out charging in, like he had nothing to lose. Leaving himself entirely open, I grab his wrist and twisted his arm, kicking his knees out feeling them slam into the dirt hard.

"Gahh!" he cries out, before feeling his body grow limp in defeat. "Dammit."

My eyes flicker around seeing all the cadets looking hot, and I knew it was time to give them a break. Releasing the boy, I clear my throat earning everyone's attention. Placing one hand on my hip, the other swipes the sweat and grime that was collected during the two hours of training.

"Alright you lot, how about you all go down and cool off at the river nearby?" I suggest, while slipping my jacket off leaving in my black tank top. Rolling my shoulders back, I wipe the sweat with my jacket getting sick of being hot and sticky.

They all nod, "Yes Corporal Akira!"

Soon I hear cheers and laughter finally greeting my ears, allowing me to fall to my ass onto the log bench to collect myself. Seeing them all disappear from the grounds, I soon close my eyes allowing my body to gather more energy for anything else that's scheduled for this afternoon. Cheeks burning profusely beneath the sun, I thanked my genetics that I couldn't burn easily.

"You've done a lot today,"

Fluttering my eyes open stood Shadis who stood before me, making me sit up more properly. He just wore a simple shirt, knowing full well he couldn't wear his thick uniform coat. He took a seat beside me, seeing the cadets rushing down towards the riverstream nearby.

"So..........in six months time, we will finally announce the top ten," he spoke up, while I hum in response. "You happy with the cadets, that reached the top ten?"

Nodding, "Yeah, but....."

He turns to me, noticing the slight hesitation in my voice.

"But?"

Sighing deeply, "Are they ready to finally choose their own paths?"

Even though I placed them in harsh training, and made sure they knew about survival and defence, I still didn't like how children have to start fighting for humanity. I know I started young too, but I've trained from birth. These kids have not much experience, but given how well they've come since the start, I'm impressed.

"If you trained them, then I have nothing to worry about," He spoke up, as my eyes slightly widen. "You are our top strongest soldier, and by that I place all my trust with your actions for the future of humanity."

My mouth was agape by the sincereness of his words, feeling warmth in my chest.

He sighs heavily, "It still doesn't give the right for Commander Erwin, to neglect and hold such distrust towards you,"

He was right, I didn't deserve the neglect from our only commander. It wasn't right, and it's frustrating. 

"I will make his trust bind to me, because he is our Commander," I spoke up, lifting my head watching the kids running out happily. "I will try my best to protect him, protect everyone.......even if my life might be limited."

He soon stood up hearing the cicadas singing their buzzing tune, while he shield his eyes from the hot blazing sun. My eyes trail up while he shares me a nod, "Well, inform the cadets that the rest of the day they can take a break,"

"Sir?"

He gives me a smile as my eyes widen, seeing a rare sight.

He turns to the office building, "They've become strong enough, one day can't hurt to earn some fun.......they're kids after all,"

He was right, allow them to have some fun while they have it. Something I wished I could've had, but now it's gone. When I was younger what I found fun was training with my mother, who held a spark of a warrior. No, she was like a graceful goddess. She was a beauty of Shiganshina, and she had a voice like honey. Soft and mellow.

"Yes, sir,"

With that he turns on his heel leaving me to my own thoughts, while I wipe the beads of sweat that glides down my forehead. Lifting my arms I pull my bangs and hair up, allowing some air to cool my warm head. A smile graces my lips, tugging with amusement and somewhat pride that I managed to take on this amount of cadets. 

What a journey it has been, hasn't it?

*

FIVE MONTHS LATER

After having some dinner after a big day of training with ODM, everyone was soon getting more excited by the day. It was only a a month until the cadets will announced, by the top ten. Almost three long years since I last saw Levi, but to me it went by quick. I couldn't understand where I stood with Levi, and what my relationship was with him. Friends? Comrades? Frenemies? 

Walking down the path towards the riverside, the cool air finally subsided the heat. The air lingers against my skin, allowing me to finally cool down after another scorching hot day. My eyes lift to see the stars, that dusted across the black night.

"Corporal!"

Pausing in my steps, I turn to see Sasha running towards me.

Approaching while slowing down she pants lightly, before she stood up making me slightly tilt my head up to meet her eyes. "Is everything alright?"

She looks a little hesitant for a moment, before I softly smile nudging my head to follow.

"Come, let's talk at the river?" I suggest, as she nods following along.

By the time we got there I sat down upon a large boulder, with her following my movements. She soon sat down, before swinging her legs on the side. We both soon sat in silence, hearing the sound of the river rushing down, with peace and tranquility. My eyes lift side-glancing Sasha's way, seeing her looking far more nervous than before. Fingers pulling at the hem of her jacket, and her eyes kept blinking a few times.

"You're nervous......aren't you?"

She gasps a little loudly noting my assumption was correct, before I place a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Was it that obvious,"

Chuckling in response I close my eyes for a moment, while she was confused and curious.

Fluttering my eyes open I turn to her, "Yes, I know you too well that something is bothering you,"

She soon lowers her head, gnawing at her bottom lip.

"I know that being on the top ten you choose your path, having all options," She began, before lifting her eyes to trail along the river. "Soon it will be announced, but all I want is to join the Military Police......"

"Military, huh?" I question, having already a past with those military police. "What's your reason, hmm?"

She swallows thickly, more nervously like she was gonna be scolded.

"To be honest, I don't really know, myself," She admits honestly, making hum with curiosity. "Eren definitely has his heart set on the Scouts, Jean is definitely set on the Military along with Marco......I want to go to the Military, but I don't understand my reason.....only it's resentment I guess."

"Resentment?"

She sighs, "It's our home, we might not be hunters no more," She began. "Things have been out of hand, and my father wanted me to join to see a different view on things. I just.......is my choices selfish, or am I proving something that wasn't really there?"

Squeezing her shoulder gently, I share her a soft tender smile.

"Life becomes your own, if you choose yourself," my eyes wander to the river. "Choices you might regret, choices that will change your life forever......but remember that even you are the one who will become that person through those decisions, because of your deepest intuitions."

Her eyes slightly widen, before looking more in deep thought.

"Think upon it, in a month you will be choosing a path that will become your new chapter," I add, jumping off the rock facing her. The moonlight shone down, basking in the silver light. "A fresh start, and prove to your father that you can reflect on everything and fix what you resent."

She falls silent, seeing regret flickering behind her eyes.

Turning around I walk over to the river side slipping off my boots, before sinking my feet at the edge before sitting on the water's edge. The cool water flows around my ankles, feeling already refreshed after a hard day of training.

"How do you talk like you understand?" She spoke up, making me turn half way around. "I mean, you seem to know what I'm going through. You know what to say, but then you know full well some choices we make will retaliate......."

Lifting my hand I usher her over, seeing her get the hint before coming over and sat beside me slipping her boots off, doing the same as me.

"Between you and me, my own father.........was a drunk," I spoke up, knowing full well I can trust her. "He wanted a son instead of a daughter, and expected more from me. The abuse he brought upon me, was neglect and anger. He never wanted me, and said I was a mistake......because of my birth, my clan died."

"Clan?"

"I know right, I've never met any other family, beside my parents and siblings," I chuckle drly, feeling the corners of my eyes sting. Blinking them away, "He keeps blaming me for small things, and always wasted our money on booze......so I enlisted to prove him wrong. To show him that I'm stronger, that i can become someone important...."

She tilts her head, "Did you?"

"Well after three years of training in the 101st, my goal changed......" I smile, turning to her who looked more interested. "......I wanted to protect humanity, already having strength and far experienced skills.......I hated to waste it on my father's approval. Now I'm Corporal....."

"Wish I had your confidence," 

Shaking my head, "You have confidence, you just need to know when to stand firm,"

"Thank you, Corporal,"

Patting her back, "Anything, and if you need me.....remember...I'm not far away,"

*

YEAR 850 - A MONTH LATER  - WITHIN TROST

Standing before all the cadets with the rest of the officers, we will be announcing the top graduates of the 104th. Knowing all ten of those cadets, I held high hopes for those kids. Whether they choose differents paths, I will respect them.

"Do you have heart?!" Commander Werner questions. He's a Commanding officer in the cadet corps, being one of the officers behind the training program.

"Sir!"

"As of this moment, you have three options open to you. Choose wisely!" He announces, gathering all their attention. "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!"

I stood beside Shadis, hands resting against my lower back.

"Those cadets eligible for the MP have already been named, and personally been chosen by Corporal Akira Yamasaki herself!" he continues. "The rest of you, take a look. These are the top of your class!"

All ten of them stepped out, in order.

"Mikasa Ackerman...."

"Reiner Braun...."

"Bertholdt Hoover...."

"Annie Leonhardt..."

"Eren Yeager....."

"Jean Kirschtein...."

"Marco Bodt...."

"Connie Springer....."

"Sasha Blouse....."

"and......Christa Lenz"

*

LATER THAT NIGHT - TROST DISTRICT

"Why don't you go have a drink, you deserve it," Shadis spoke up, while I stood outside hearing the laughter inside. It echoes down the streets, allowing me to feel content of the achievement of my soldiers. 

"I don't drink,"

He lightly chuckles before following me, leaning against the railing beside me.

"Sometimes I understand you, and sometimes it's hard to know what you're thinking," He admits profoundly, while glancing over the streets of Trost. "Anyway, what's your plans once these soldier pick their regiments?"

Lifting my eyes from glancing down, "I hope to at least become a Corporal, but with a team of my own,"

"Yeah, I remember, you lost most of your squad," he recalls, as the painful memories seeing my comrades in the back of my mind. They were still there, only because every few nights I would look back on the portraits I've drawn. "I hope you get what you want, because if I was still the Commander I would've raised you a better rank."

Shaking my head, he glances my way in confusion.

"I just want a squad to lead, to raise the new generation," I reply, seeing him taken back. "I may have a short life, but......I don't want to waste what I've got now. All we need is more time, before these soldier's become leaders."

He smirks, "Guess I don't need to teach you anymore, you're already overcoming the teacher,"

"I've still got a lot to learn, especially in helping to stop this constant carnage," propping myself up, straightening my back. I run my fingers through my locks, glancing his way, "We all still learn, whether we're old or young.........we are still researching life."

*

NEXT DAY - TROST DISTRICT

"Come on, the main unit of the scout Regiment is back!" Eren exclaims, seeing excitement in his eyes. "We gotta go see!!!!"

"Um....." Armin trails off, but Eren wasted no time before tugging Armin along, with Mikasa following behind. "Eren!"

Chuckling to myself seeing how childish they are, I just smiled.

Supervising the cadets within the streets for the time being, I was currently adjusting my straps and ODM gear onto my hips. They were just about to prepare cleaning the artillery up upon Wall Rose, being only a day before they all disperse to different regiments from the cadet corps. My time would end here, after they pick their regiments so I needed to order them chores and jobs for the time being. 

Not long I see most of the cadets gathering towards the crowded streets, only leaving a large opening path for the scout regiment. It must their 56th Exterior scouting mission today, I'm assuming. It's been so long, I wonder Levi is gonna be out in this expedition?

Making my way towards the crowd I managed to get close to the front, as my eyes wander down to see them just coming down the road.

"Heads up! The main unit of the Scout Regiment is back!" One of the commoners calls out.

"That's right, Commander Erwin! Did ya give those ugly bastards a thrashing?!"

"Look! It's Captain Levi!" Someone exclaims. "They say he's like an entire brigade unto himself! Even Captain Akira is as strong as him, but where is she?"

My cheeks burn a little while my eyes rest upon Levi, as he looks so nonchalant as always. 

Just when Erwin's horse passes by, I notice Erwin glancing my way. Averting my eyes from his, they soon lock with his. Levi's eyes meet mine, but with a mix some surprise and yet longing. As he passes by me, he continues to side-glance before trotting forward. 

"Akira!" Hanji exclaims, waving my way. "See ya later, we gotta catch up!"

"Did she say Akira? She's here?!" One of the commoners exclaims, while I timidly wave Hanji's way before they all leave the district to their expedition.

Sinking slowly away from the crowd. Hearing people cheering and encouraging the Scout Regiment, gave me somewhat hope. Ther happy cries, and laughter made my shoulders more lighter. It was like a good omen, but.....for some reason I felt something was terribly off. That unsettling and discomforting feeling was churning my stomach, but I couldn't understand what it was. 

Looking for some of the 104th, I soon ordered them to head up onto the wall to clean the cannons and weaponry. Once I got them working, I went to head back to headquarters when suddenly a large explosion occurs. Angrily I turn in the direction to scold the soldiers, before I noticed how thick the steam was above the wall.

"Wait.........." my eyes slowly widen, trying to process what had just happened.

This smoke isn't any normal smoke like a cannon would, which brought me haunting memories to my mind again. My teeth clench together, while feeling my heart hammering out of sync. Hearing the gust of wind not far from where I was standing, blew my hair violently seeing houses being torn from the heavy impact. 

"T-The gates," my voice wavers, before realising our situation.

The large hand grips the top wall like it was nothing, seeing my soldiers being blow back with full force of the steam. My eyes widen seeing one of them being knocked down, "SAMUEL!!!!!" 

My head snaps in the direction where I heard their voices calling out, when I notice Sasha running down to help one of the cadets, using her grappling hook, before he could hit the ground. Knowing I had to get those cadets out of there, I activate my ODM gear flying from roof to roof. 

Leaning forward I allowed my body to go faster, holding the sword grips before activating again hooking onto the wall. About to go help out the knocked out cadet,