Chapter VIII: Sacrifice
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In the years that followed, I dedicated myself to my training with a fierce, unwavering focus.
Pushed myself to my limits and beyond, seeking out every opportunity to learn and grow.
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Mikasa and Anja stood facing each other, wooden swords at the ready. They had been sparring for hours, the sun beating down on them mercilessly, but neither of them showed any signs of fatigue.
Mikasa struck first, her blade a blur of motion. Anja parried, the impact sending shockwaves up her arm. They traded blows back and forth, the clack of wood against wood ringing out across the training grounds.
"Your footwork is more solid, and you're anticipating my moves better." Mikasa said, her voice even.
Anja nodded, adjusting her grip on her sword. "I want to be ready, for whatever comes."
Mikasa's eyes softened, a hint of understanding in their dark depths. “We all do. But don't forget to take care of yourself, Anja. You're no good to anyone if you burn out."
Her words gave Anja pause. She was right, of course. Anja had been pushing herself hard, maybe too hard. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, offering Mikasa a grateful smile.
"Thanks, Mikasa. You know, you're amazing at this. At everything, really. Even the instructors say it."
Mikasa shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable with the praise. "I don't really pay attention to that. I just do what needs to be done."
They went again, trading blows with increasing speed and intensity. Thinking about it, Mikasa was simply a level above everyone else, she found herself thinking about Annie, in her mind she seemed to be the only one who stood a chance to challenge Mikasa.
"You and Annie," Anja said, ducking under a swing of Mikasa's blade, "you're going to be the top of the class, no doubt. The way you two move, it's like you were born for this."
Mikasa's expression darkened slightly, her strikes coming a little harder, a little faster. "Annie is skilled, yes. But there's something that doesn’t click. I don’t trust her."
Anja frowned, surprised by the vehemence in Mikasa's tone. "Huh? She's one of us, isn't she?"
"She just doesn’t seem interested to be a part, she isn’t someone I’d like to have on my corner. You should be wary about her. " Mikasa muttered, but she didn't elaborate further.
They fell back into the rhythm of the spar, but Anja couldn't shake the feeling of unease, Mikasa was slowly gaining on her, Anja knew she couldn’t keep fighting at her pace much longer.
Anja saw an opening and lunged, trying to slip past Mikasa's guard. But at the last second, Mikasa twisted, her blade coming up in a lightning-fast parry. With a flick of her wrist, she sent Anja's sword flying from her hand, the tip hitting her fingers with a sharp thump, then swept her off the ground with a kick.
Anja laid there holding her hand with gritted teeth, panting, as Mikasa leveled her wooden blade at her throat. "And just like that, you're dead," Mikasa said, her voice calm and controlled.
Anja raised her hands in surrender, a rueful grin tugging at her lips. "No, please take me alive."
Mikasa lowered her sword, a small smile softening her features. "That was a good attempt. But you need to watch your grip. The way you're holding your sword, in a real fight, you'd be at risk of losing fingers."
Anja glanced down at her hand, noting the way her fingers were positioned on the hilt, a bad habit she had formed. "I see what you mean. Guess I still have a lot to learn, huh?"
Mikasa offered Anja a hand up. "But you're learning fast. Keep this up, and one day, you might even beat me."
Anja laughed loudly, clasping Mikasa's forearm and allowing herself to be pulled to her feet. "I seriously doubt that, but thanks for the vote of confidence," she agreed, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Hah, I’d pity the titan that would have to face you, glad we’re on the same side."
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It wasn’t easy, I had to regain the trust of most of my comrades once more, even the instructors, but there were always those ready to help.
I studied my fellow cadets intently, learning from the best of what each had to offer. I spent long hours training my body, pushing myself to be stronger, faster, better.
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Anja gritted her teeth, her arms trembling as she strained to complete her set of pull-ups. Beside her, Reiner watched, his expression a mix of encouragement and scrutiny.
"Come on, Anja! Just three more!" he barked, his voice cutting through the haze of exhaustion.
Anja's muscles screamed in protest, but she pushed through the pain, determined to finish. One, two...
With a final, guttural cry, she pulled herself up one last time, her chin clearing the bar. She hung there for a moment, savoring the burn, before dropping to the ground.
Reiner grinned, tossing her a waterskin. "Nice work. You've really improved from when you first started."
Anja caught the waterskin, taking a long, grateful gulp. She was about to thank him when she noticed a group of instructors nearby, their gazes fixed on her. One of them, a grizzled veteran with a scar across his cheek, leaned over to whisper something to his companion, his eyes never leaving Anja.
Anja's stomach clenched, a wave of unease washing over her. Were they talking about her? The forest-
"Hey, hey, hey! Eyes on me, don't let them distract you." Reiner's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, firmly.
Anja dragged her gaze back to him, trying to shake off the sense of foreboding. "Sorry, I just...do you think they're talking about me? About...what I did?"
Reiner's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Don't worry about them. Focus on your training, on getting stronger. That's all that matters."
Anja nodded, taking a deep breath to center herself. "You're right. I can't let it get to me."
"That's the spirit," Reiner said, his tone taking on a slightly more formal, almost military cadence. "A soldier's duty is to push past their limits, to be ready for anything."
Bertholdt, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Reiner," he said softly, "don't you think you're being a bit...intense?"
Reiner blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. He shook his head, his usual easy grin sliding back into place. "Ah, you're right. Sorry about that, Anja. Guess I got a little carried away."
Anja waved off his apology, offering him a small smile. "It's okay. I appreciate the push. It helps me stay focused."
Reiner's grin widened, and he draped an arm around Bertholdt's shoulders, pulling the taller boy in close. "See, Bert? Anja gets it. Maybe you could learn a thing or two from her."
Bertholdt ducked his head, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I-I'm just trying to look out for her, that's all."
"Sure, sure," Reiner said, a sly edge creeping into his voice. "But maybe there's another reason you're so invested in Anja's well-being, hmm? A certain blonde, perhaps?"
Bertholdt's blush deepened, and he shrugged out of Reiner's hold, sputtering. "W-what? No, I...it's not like that!"
Anja couldn't help but chuckle at the tall boy's flustered reaction. It was nice, seeing this softer, more human side of her usually stoic comrades.
"Relax, Bertholdt," she said, her tone light and teasing. "I'm pretty sure Annie only has eyes for the training dummy she beats to a pulp every day."
Reiner barked out a laugh, clapping Bertholdt on the back hard enough to make him stumble. "See? Nothing to worry about. Anja's one of us, right?"
Bertholdt nodded, offering Anja a shy, grateful smile. "Right. Sorry, Anja. I didn't mean to imply..."
Anja waved him off, still grinning. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to have you guys looking out for me. It...it means a lot."
For a moment, the three of them just stood there, basking in the easy camaraderie. But then the moment passed, and Reiner clapped his hands, his expression turning businesslike once more.
"Alright, enough. Those pull-ups aren't going to do themselves!"
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As my skills grew, so too did my reputation. My spars with Annie, once private affairs, now drew crowds of onlookers eager to witness our intense matches.
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"Five coppers on Anja!" Connie shouted, grinning widely.
"You can do it!" Eren chimed in, pumping his fist in the air.
Ymir smirked, shaking her head. "Easy money. Leonhart’s going to wipe the floor with her, as usual."
Jean nodded in agreement. "No way Wolf’s taking this one. Annie's just too good."
Connie smirked. "I don't know, Jean. Anja’s been improving. She might surprise you."
Beside him, Christa bit her lip, her wide blue eyes filled with concern. "Just be careful, both of you," she called out.
Anja ignored the chatter, her focus solely on the girl in front of her. Annie was as inscrutable as ever, her blonde hair pulled back in her usual severe bun, her stance relaxed but ready.
They circled each other warily, looking for an opening. Anja darted in, feinting left and right, trying to throw Annie off balance. But the blonde was too quick, dodging and weaving with effortless grace.
Annie retaliated with a series of rapid-fire jabs and kicks, forcing Anja on the defensive. Anja blocked and parried, but she could feel herself tiring, the relentless pace taking its toll.
Frustration mounting, Anja launched a desperate flurry of attacks herself, trying to break through Annie's guard. For a moment, it seemed to work - Annie's eyes widened slightly as she was forced to give ground.
Seeing her chance, Anja lunged forward, putting all her strength into a vicious haymaker. Her fist connected with Annie's jaw with a satisfying crack, snapping the blonde's head back. Annie's hair came loose from its bun, falling around her face in a pale curtain.
Annie staggered, and the crowd roared. As she recovered, for a split second, Annie's icy blue eyes locked with Anja's, a chilling intensity in their depths. It was as if a switch had been flipped - the cool, calculating warrior replaced by something far more dangerous.
She came at Anja with renewed intensity, her movements a blur. Anja tried to keep up, but she was outmatched. A punch slipped through her guard, then another, and another.
Annie's hand shot out, grasping Anja's long ponytail firmly. With a sharp tug, she pulled Anja in close, driving her knee into Anja's chest with brutal force. The impact lifted Anja off her feet, sending her crashing to the dirt.
Anja lay there, gasping for breath and clutching her chest. Dimly, she was aware of the crowd's reaction - Ymir's triumphant whoop, Connie and Eren's groans, Christa's gasp.
A shadow fell over her, and she looked up to see Annie standing over her, one hand outstretched.
Anja took her hand, allowing Annie to pull her to her feet. "Damn," she said ruefully, holding her chest with her other hand.. "Best two out of three?"
Annie's lips twitched, the barest hint of a smile. "I think you've had enough for the day. You’re still too impatient. You telegraph your moves." She reached up, deftly wrapping her own hair back into its usual bun, then gave Anja's disheveled locks a pointed look. "And, you should do something about that hair."
Anja nodded, taking the criticism in stride. She reached up to push her sweaty hair out of her face, wincing as her fingers tangled in her long ponytail. "Yeah, maybe it's time for a change."
As they left the ring, everyone swarmed around them. Christa fussed over their bruises, while Ymir laughed uproariously.
"Oh man, that was great!" The tall girl barely made any stride to contain her laughter. "The look on your face when Leonhart hit you with that knee, priceless!"
Connie, meanwhile, was rummaging through his pockets with a mournful expression. "I can't believe I lost again. I was so sure this time!"
Eren clapped Anja on the shoulder, his eyes shining. "Don’t give up yet, you’re close.”
Anja grinned, warmed by her friend's support. "Thanks, Eren."
"Hey, guys!" Connie piped up, his earlier disappointment forgotten. "Let's go down to the lake, cool off a bit. What do you say?"
There was a chorus of enthusiastic agreement, and the group began to move off, chattering and laughing. Anja hung back a moment, turning to Annie.
"You coming?" she asked, jerking her head towards the others.
But Annie was already walking away, heading back towards the training dummies. "I'll pass," she said over her shoulder.
Anja shrugged, unsurprised. "Suit yourself. But you know, all work and no play..."
Annie didn't respond, already lost in her own world.
Anja turned to follow her friends, shaking her head. "Right…" she muttered under her breath, a pang of sadness rising in her chest.
She sighed, shaking her head ruefully.
"Hey, Anja! Let's go!" Eren called out, pausing to look back at her.
Anja glanced once more at Annie's retreating form, then turned to face her friends, a smile slipping into place. "I'm coming!" she yelled back, jogging to catch up.
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While my body grew stronger, my mind often felt like it was lagging behind. Armin, with his patient guidance and keen intellect, was always there to help me bridge the gap.
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Anja stared at the map spread out on the table before her, her brow furrowed in concentration. Lines and symbols seemed to swim before her eyes, a tangled web she couldn't make any sense out of.
"I don't get it," she said at last, leaning back in her chair with a frustrated sigh. "How do you keep all of this straight in your head?"
"Takes some practice. But, hey, it's alright, we can go over it again," Armin reassured her, his tone patient and understanding.
Anja groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Do we really have to? How is any of this useful? I mean, you just slice their napes and they're dead, period. Why memorize all this stuff?"
Armin looked up from his own studying, a thoughtful expression on his face. "In theory, yes, but getting there isn't always that simple," he said, tapping his finger on the map. "This is about understanding your enemy. Anticipating their moves based on what we know about them."
Anja frowned, considering his words. "What's there to know? They're just mindless monsters that want to eat us."
"Are they?" Armin countered, a glint of something sharp in his eyes. "For a century, perhaps that's what they were. Four years ago, the Colossal and Armored appeared, everything we knew about Titans was upturned in a day. Think about it, Anja. They didn’t even struggle to breach the wall that day… Why haven't they wiped us out completely?"
Anja shrugged, unsure where he was going with this. "I don't know, maybe they ate their fill and decided not to attack again..."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
But Armin seemed lost in his own thoughts, his voice taking on an intense, distant quality as he continued, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "No, there must be something else at play here. Those two seemed intelligent, they must have had some sort of goal. Maybe they evolved? What if there are more of them? I know there must be some reason why the Titans haven't overrun us entirely."
His hand came up to his chin, his eyes focused on something far away. "But there’s an even more important question: What if they have a weakness? A pattern to their behavior that we can exploit?"
Anja watched him, fascinated and a little unnerved by the intensity of his focus. She could practically see the gears turning in his head.
"You see, Anja? This is how it works," Armin continued, his voice low and fervent. "You observe, gather information, think of all you know... If you can understand your opponent, their motivations, their desires... you can use that against them. Set traps that play on their weaknesses, lure them, trick them into making mistakes."
Anja nodded slowly, trying to follow his train of thought. It made sense, in a way, but she had trouble assimilating it all. In her mind, it was always better to hit first and ask questions later but each to their own.
Armin sat back, a satisfied gleam in his eye, seeming to come back to himself. "That's the power of strategy, Anja. Outthinking your opponent, using their own nature against them. It doesn't take brute force, it's about understanding. And a little patience."
Anja huffed a laugh, shaking her head ruefully. "You're kind of terrifying, you know that?" she said, only half-joking. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
Armin laughed, the sound warm and bright in the quiet of the classroom. "Don't worry. I only use my powers for good."
"Thanks for the help, I'd have surely failed all the tests if it wasn't for you."
Armin ducked his head, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. "Don't mention it, I'm just glad I could be the one to help for once. It's the only thing I'm good at..."
"Hey, don't say that," Anja chided gently. "You're the smartest guy I know. That's got to count for something."
Armin shrugged, a self-deprecating smile on his face. "I don’t know... Certainly not to be a soldier… I could barely make it past training, not like you guys."
She reached out, giving Armin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Don't sell yourself short. Your mind is your greatest strength. If I ever find myself in a tight spot, you're one of the first people I turn to. I know I can always count on you."
Armin looked up, surprise and warmth in his eyes. "Thanks, Anja. That... that means a lot."
They shared a smile, the moment stretching between them, warm and comfortable. Then Armin straightened, tapping the map with renewed energy.
"Alright, let's try going over this one more time. I know you can get it.”
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I did everything I could to prepare, I was ready…
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Eren and Anja were perched high in the treetops, taking a brief respite from their intensive ODM training. The sun dappled through the leaves, casting a mottled pattern across their sweat-streaked faces.
Everyone who cared had been pushing themselves to their limits, it was one thing to become a soldier, a very different one to be able to make it to the top ten. For now, there was nothing to be done but wait and prepare, those with the highest scores would be allowed one final test.
Below them, Jean could be seen practicing his own maneuvers, his face set in a mask of grim determination. Eren scowled, muttering something under his breath as he watched him execute a particularly impressive spin.
"He knows I am watching, asshole," Eren grumbled, his green eyes flashing with irritation.
She nudged him with her elbow, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Hey, don't let him get to you.”
Eren huffed, turning his attention back to the dense forest ahead. They launched themselves forward, the wind whipping through their hair as they darted between the trees. Anja moved with grace, she effortlessly navigated the complex terrain. Even Eren, who was no slouch himself, had to work to keep up with her, her training seemed to be finally paying off.
Eventually, they came to rest on a wide bough that overlooked the camp, chests heaving with exertion. Eren grinned, his earlier annoyance forgotten.
"I can't believe it, we're almost there," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Anja nodded, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "It's been a long road."
"Soon we'll be taking the fight to them," His eyes gleaming with determination. "We'll make them pay for everything they've taken from us."
But Anja's attention had drifted. From their vantage point, she could see the other recruits going about their day. Sasha’s and Connie’s laughter floated up through the leaves. Armin was nose-deep in a book, Mikasa a silent sentinel at his side. And there, off in a quiet corner, was Annie, her posture relaxed against a tree her eyes ever sharp and observant.
It was peaceful, quiet, it almost lulled her, like one of those dreams you never want to wake up from.
The sound of thunder broke the tranquility, dark clouds seemed to be slowly advancing in the horizon.
She had ignored it, deluded herself. What would come next? It was senseless to try to forget that fateful day, the pain, the horror of living through that hell all over again, of losing her family. She thought she had nothing left to lose but now…
She brought her hand to her chest, gripping her brother’s necklace strongly.
"Everything alright?" Eren asked, noticing her distraction.
She sighed, running a hand through her sweat-dampened hair, the short strands of her recently cut ponytail brushing against her fingers. "...What if it happens again?"
Eren's brows furrowed. "Come on, Anja! What are you saying? It won’t. We're more than ready, we've worked hard for this. We're strong, we're prepared."
"My brother was also ready," Anja said quietly, her eyes distant. "Many of our friends will die, maybe... maybe we will die too."
"I think hanging out with Annie has made you gloomy," Eren snapped, his temper flaring. "Where's the Anja I know? The one who's not scared of anything?"
Anja shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "I’m ready to lay down my life if it comes to it... But... I’m scared to lose anyone again..."
Eren's expression softened slightly, but his voice was still firm as he spoke. "You need to get your head straight, take some perspective. The survival of humanity is what's at stake here, not just our lives.”
As Eren continued to speak, Anja's gaze drifted to the instructors she could see in the distance, already drilling new recruits with their usual unrelenting harshness.
“Whether we like it or not, there's bound to be sacrifices for that. We just have to keep moving forward, there’s no other choice if we want to have a future. “
"But you know that as well as I do. You've sacrificed and struggled just as much..." His green eyes bored into hers. "So why else then? Why else would you push yourself so hard?"
“For them…”
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The forest was still and silent, the early morning mist curling between the towering trunks like ghostly fingers. The only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, the occasional chirp of a waking bird.
Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the hiss of gas and the zip of wires as figures came hurtling through the trees at breakneck speed. Startled birds took flight in a rush of flapping wings, their alarmed cries swallowed by the whoosh of air and the clank of metal.
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"Today, those worthy will face your final evaluation. This is the culmination of your training, the ultimate test of your skills and your mettle. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond. Some of you may break. But those who emerge victorious will have earned the right to be amongst the elite of the elite."
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Anja burst through the treeline, banners had been neatly arranged across the paths they were to take, instructors flanking them, watching their every move. The familiar training grounds ahead had been transformed into an urban labyrinth, wooden prop buildings and platforms stretching out.
She launched into the air, ODM gear hissing to life. She soared over the narrow streets, scanning for the quickest path.
Mikasa moved with fluid grace just ahead her, dispatching Titan dummies with ease. Anja gritted her teeth, pushing to keep pace.
A gap between buildings. Anja angled towards it, gas propelling her forward. A wall buckled and collapsed, debris tumbling into her path. Instinct kicked in. Anchor fired, momentum swinging her through, twisting to avoid the wreckage.
Sasha yelped behind her, narrowly avoiding a collapse. Connie whooped with glee, bounding from rooftop to rooftop. Marco scrambled for footholds.
Eren roared, she could hear the blades tearing through the Titan dummies. Jean wove through the alleys below, grim determination etched on his face.
Annie rocketed past, form perfect, flipping and spinning. Their eyes met, a jolt of something unnameable. Then gone, disappearing around a corner.
Anja refocused, spotting another dummy. Heartbeat pounding, she closed the distance. Twist, blades biting deep. Damn it! She missed the mark, biting through the wood almost losing her grip in the process.
Focus. Scan, leap, swing back into the fray.
Reiner battered through a collapsing wall. Bertholdt following close behind him, swung around a chimney, agile despite his lankiness.
Anja lost herself in the flow. Mind empty, focused on the next anchor, the next target, the next breath. This was what she trained for, bled for, sacrificed for.
She would not fail.
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"Each zone will test your skills, adaptability, and resolve. Only those who exceed expectations will have a chance at securing a spot in the top 10. Your performance here will determine your future within the military."
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They were circled back to the forest, ancient trees looming before them. Anja took a deep breath.
The forest was a different beast from the urban landscape. Branches whipped at her face, threatened to snag her feet. The very air seemed thicker, weighted with the scent of moss and loam.
Launching into the trees, ODM gear hissing, she navigated the dense foliage. Mikasa and Annie moved like wraiths, twisting through narrow gaps. Sasha, in her element, her keen senses guiding her around hidden pitfalls and through dense thickets.
Eren and Jean, neck and neck as always, bulled their way through the undergrowth. Reiner and Bertholdt followed close behind, their larger frames making the going tougher but no less determined.
A flash of movement in the corner of her eye. Anja reacted on instinct, diving to the side, cursing as she broke through branches, a massive wooden arm swept through the space she'd just occupied.
Pulleys springing the trap once more. Moving dummies, great.
She heard a yelp of fear and turned to see a cadet – Mina- frozen in the path of another dummy's grasping hand. Without thinking, Anja launched herself towards her, tackling her out of the way just as the arm chopped empty air.
They tumbled to the forest floor. Anja twisting to take the brunt of the impact. She felt her breath leave her lungs in a rush.
"T-thanks," Mina gasped, her face white with shock.
Anja just nodded, already struggling back to her feet. "Stay sharp," she said, her voice rough. "It's not over yet."
She fired her anchors, gas propelling her back into the fray. She could make out the figures of, Mikasa, dancing around the puppet dummies, her blades flashing silver as they struck with surgical precision at their ropes.
Anja pushed harder, another puppet looming before her. She wouldn’t miss now. Blades drawn, she retracted her anchors, letting momentum carry her.
The world slowed. As its arms fell on her, but she was too fast. Blades hit home, tearing through the padded neck. Stuffing exploded as Anja swung away, the dummy left limp.
She felt a rush rising in her chest. No rest. Dodging, weaving. Muscles burning, sweat stinging, blood from a bitten lip. She felt in her element.
The forest's end came into view. Anja burst through the treeline, having caught up to the fore runners once more.
"Zone 2 clear! Proceed to the next stage!"
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"You will be scored both individually and as teams. Failure is not an option. If you do not meet the minimum score required to pass or fail to make it through the course, you won’t be taken into consideration.”
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Teams rushed into the clearing, Anja's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Each placed adjacent to each other separated by thin walls, some platforms jutting out in between. Towering Titan dummies loomed before them, their arms swinging in unpredictable arcs, controlled by an intricate network of pulleys and cables manned by the instructors.
Anja found herself grouped with Marco, Jean, Sasha, and Nac. As they sprinted towards their starting point, the sun beating down on their backs, she glanced at the other teams, her stomach dropping as she saw them already preparing to engage the dummies.
"Come on, come on," she muttered under her breath, urging her team to move faster, the taste of dust, copper and sweat on her tongue.
As the designated area they scrambled to refill their gas tanks. Anja's fingers fumbled with the canisters, her eyes darting to the team next to them. They were already grappling with the dummies.
"Forster, you're out!" Shadis's bark snapped Anja's attention. Floch was on the ground, his gear malfunctioning, the gas canisters were improperly secured. She checked hers once more for good measure, the metal hot under her fingertips.
"Alright, what's the plan?" Jean asked, his usually cocky demeanor replaced by a grim focus, his brow gleaming with perspiration.
Marco gathered the team around him, his eyes scanning the layout before them. "Listen up," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "The dummies are on fixed routes. If we time our attacks right, we can use their predictable movements to our advantage."
He pointed to the nearest one, its arm swinging in a wide, lazy arc, the cables creaking with each movement. "Sasha, you take position on that platform. When the dummy's arm is at its highest point, you'll act as a distraction the instructors will pull it toward you. Jean, you and I will flank it from either side, striking when its arm is lowest. Nac and Anja, you two-"
But Anja was barely listening, her gaze locked on the dummy, its painted smile seeming to mock her. She could feel the seconds ticking by, the pressure mounting, her heart pounding in her ears. They needed to move, now.
"I've got this!" She burst out, launching herself forward before Marco could finish. She heard his shout of protest behind her, but she was already in motion, gas propelling her towards her target, the wind whipping through her hair.
She ducked under its swinging arms, blades poised to strike. But in her haste, she misjudged the timing. The dummy's other arm came around, faster than she anticipated. She twisted mid-air, trying to evade, but her shoulder slammed into Jean, sending them both spinning, the impact jarring her teeth.
"Anja, what the hell?" Jean snapped, barely regaining his balance, his face flushed with anger.
Anja gritted her teeth, pushing forward, the taste of blood in her mouth. She saw an opening to jump on the next target and took it. But her reckless move put her directly in Nac's path.
Get out of the way Wolf!" Nac shouted as he barreled towards her.
Anja tried to evade, but it was too late. They collided hard, Nac's gear tangling with hers. He cried out as he lost his grip, plummeting towards the ground, the wind snatching away his scream.
"Tius, you're out!"
Anja's cheeks burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment as Nac cursed her, she bit her tongue. They didn’t have the time for this now.
Anja managed to right herself, her heart pounding, breath coming in ragged gasps. She looked back to see Marco, Jean, and Sasha staring at her, frustration evident on their sweat-streaked faces.
"Anja, fall back!" Marco commanded, his voice strained. "Stick to the plan!"
Anja swallowed hard, her throat dry and tight, reluctantly retreating. She watched as her team regrouped, Marco directing them with calm precision, exploiting the dummies' predictable paths.
One by one, they fell, the team progressing through the challenge, the sound of splintering wood and tearing fabric filling the air. But the victory felt hollow to Anja. Her impulsiveness had nearly cost them everything.
Anja took a shuddering breath, the hot air searing her lungs, trying to shake off the weight of her mistake. Was this it? No, she hadn't come this far to quit, the grit of determination grinding between her teeth. There was still one more challenge, a final chance to prove herself and make things right.
She turned to her teammates, a new determination burning in her eyes, bright against the dirt and sweat on her face. "I messed up. But we still have one more shot. We can still do this."
Jean scoffed, his face twisted in a scowl, his gear clanking as he shifted. "Oh, now you want to be a team player? After nearly getting us all disqualified?"
Sasha laid a hand on his arm, her expression more sympathetic, her chest still heaving from the exertion. "Jean, come on. We all make mistakes."
Marco nodded, his gaze steady on Anja, his face streaked with dust and sweat. "Sasha's right. Besides, we're a team. We win together, we lose together. We still have a chance."
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"We will challenge not only your physical abilities but also your mental fortitude and your ability to work as a cohesive unit. The Titans beyond the walls will not discriminate; they will not show mercy. Neither will this course."
Shadis's voice boomed across the training grounds, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the assembled cadets.
“Stand tall, cadets! Show me your strength, your courage, your unbreakable spirit! Be worthy of becoming the swords and shields of humanity!
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As the cadets entered the southern part of the training grounds, they were greeted by a daunting sight. The instructors had transformed the area into a gauntlet of environmental hazards.
A network of pipes and sprinklers, installed high in the trees, unleashed a relentless deluge upon the cadets. The ground beneath their feet quickly turned to mud, slick and treacherous. Visibility plummeted as sheets of water obscured their vision.
Anja pushed through the rain, her gear straining as she fought to maintain her speed. She could feel the cables vibrating with tension as she pushed them to their limits, trying to make up for the lost time. Her uniform clung to her skin, heavy and sodden, but she refused to let it slow her down
Ahead, she caught a glimpse of Annie, her form blurred by the sheets of rain. She moved effortlessly through the conditions, her movements precise, behind her like a blur followed what she taught was Reiner and Bertholdt. Anja pushed on, willing herself to move faster.
As they seemed to finally emerge from the rain, a sudden shout rang out from the sidelines.
"Fire!"
A barrage of explosions split the air, signal flares spiraling in all directions. They left thick, smoky trails in their wake, and within moments, the forest was enveloped by an impenetrable fog that swallowed the cadets whole.
"Stick close!" Marco's voice cut through the haze, urgent and commanding, just before they all lost sight of each other in the swirling green smoke.
Anja soon found herself engulfed in a disorienting haze. The thick fog seemed to swallow all sound, leaving her in an eerie, muffled silence. She strained her senses, trying to locate her teammates amidst the swirling green smoke.
Sight became useless. She had to rely on her other senses - the feel of the wind against her skin, the sound of her comrades' movements, the spatial awareness drilled into them through countless hours of training.
Somewhere in the smoke, Titan dummies lurked - hidden threats waiting to ambush the unwary.
Anja's heart pounded as she navigated the blinding haze. Her ears strained for the telltale creak of wood and canvas that would give away a dummy's position. Sweat mingled with the dampness of the rain on her skin as she pushed herself forward, faster and faster, trusting that her teammates were beside her.
Suddenly, a cry rang out to her left – Jean.
She pivoted towards the sound, her heart pounding. Through a break in the smoke, she saw him - his ODM gear tangled around the arm of a Titan dummy, the cables pulled taut as he struggled to break free.
Anja reacted instinctively. She launched herself towards the sound, blades drawn. She burst through the smoke just in time to see Sasha struggling in the dummy's grasp, her feet kicking frantically.
Anja didn't hesitate. She launched herself towards Jean, her blades drawn. As she closed in, she could see the dummy's arm creaking under the strain of Jean's thrashing, threatening to rip free and send him careening out of control.
With a roar of effort, Anja brought her blades down on the dummy's arm, severing it cleanly. Jean dropped free, gasping. He shot her a look of startled gratitude before regaining his composure.
"I had it under control," he muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.
Anja just shook her head, already scanning for the rest of their team. Through the thinning smoke, she spotted Marco and Sasha, their forms slowly coming into focus.
"Come on," She shouted, pointing with a blade. "We need to regroup and push for the finish."
As they raced to join their teammates, Anja felt a sudden, sickening lurch. Her ODM gear, already strained from the grueling course, let out a groan of protesting metal.
For a heart-stopping moment, she thought the cables would give way entirely. But they held, and she pushed on.
With a final, desperate burst of speed, they caught up to Marco and Sasha, the four of them bursting from the dissipating smoke together. They blinked in the sudden brightness, the world around them snapping back into focus with startling clarity.
Through breaks in the quickly thinning smoke, Anja caught sight of the finish line, a red flag fluttering in the breeze like a beacon, tantalizingly close. Her heart leapt, a fierce joy surging through her veins.
"We're going to make it!" she exclaimed, her voice bright with elation and relief, barely audible over the rushing wind and the pounding of her heart in her ears.
Anja could only see a handfulof the cadets converging on it, their forms blurred by speed and distance.
Anja pushed herself harder, pouring everything she had left. She burst forward at full throttle, the wind tearing at her hair and clothes, ignoring the burning in her lungs and the increasingly erratic vibrations of her gear, the straps digging into her flesh like claws.
Victory was within their grasp. Just a few more meters, and -
SNAP!
The cable gave way with a sound like a gunshot, the crack of overstressed metal shattering the air. It was lost in the rush of wind and the thundering of Anja's pulse, drowned out by the roar of her own blood in her ears.
She had just enough time to register the sudden slack, the sickening lurch in her stomach, the world tilting crazily around her—and then she was falling, plummeting towards the earth like a stone.
She hit hard, the impact driving the air from her lungs and sending her rolling across the muddied earth.
Dazed and winded, Anja could only watch as her teammates and the other cadets rocketed overhead, crossing the finish line in a blur of flashing blades and billowing cloaks, the sun glinting off their equipment like angelic wings.
For a brief, agonizing moment, she caught a glimpse of some of her teammates glancing down at her, their expressions a mix of shock and dismay and heart-wrenching concern.
They had made it. But Anja, lying stunned and battered in the mud… She had failed, her gear lying in broken pieces around her.
Gritting her teeth against the pain that lanced through her battered body, Anja reached out with shaking fingers, grasping one of her blades where it had fallen.
With a grunt of effort, she dragged herself to her feet, leaning heavily on the sword.
Tears streamed down her face as she began to limp towards the finish line, mingling with the grime and the sweat on her cheeks. All Anja could perceive was the sight of that red flag, fluttering tauntingly in the distance.
With a guttural cry that tore from the depths of her soul, Anja pitched forward. Her outstretched hand grasped futilely at the air as the ground rushed up to meet her. Then blackness.