The Inheritance of Jaws - ON HOLD

Chapter 4: The Trainee Corps

Paradis, Wall Rose, 850

"As everyone knows, one hundred and seven years ago, the entire human race: save for us, was devoured by the Titans. Following that, our ancestors constructed a giant "Wall" that the Titans couldn't get over...And thus were successful in ensuring a safe, Titan free domain...That is... until five years ago. I'm sure many of you were present there. Five years ago when tragedy struck again... We have paid the price for one hundred years of peace with tragedy. Given our sense of danger at the time, we were ill-prepared to cope with the sudden appearance of a 'Colossal-sized Titan'...It wouldn't be a surprise if that Colossal Titan showed up to destroy this Wall right at this moment. Whenever that time may come, your duty will be to relieve the 'Manufacturers'... and give your lives to stand against the Titan menace."

"Dedicate your Hearts!"

"From today, you have completed your Military training. I will now announce ten among you who have obtained the top training results. Come forward if your name is called! At the head of the Class, Mikasa Ackerman. Second, Reiner Braun. Number three, Bertolt Hoover. Number Four, Sophia Zeimer. Number Five, Annie Leonhart. Number Six, Eren Yeager-"

The Instructor continues to call out the names of the top cadets. The night passes with food and drink for all. As curfew approaches, the Trainees head to their cabins, the good mood tangible in the chilly night air. 

-------------------------

The moon rises in the pitch sky, illuminating the jacket of one fleeting soldier, hiding from the prying eyes of the stars as they race from the camp and into the wilderness. 

Their eyes meet three other pairs, confirming who they belong to, the figure steps into the firelight. 

Annie scowls " What took you so long? "

The figure now identified as Sophia holds up her hands in a submissive gesture.

 " Ah, sorry, Sasha and Krista wanted to keep talking... You know how they are..." Sophia says softly. 

 Annie harrumphs.
"Well, why you three" She points to Reiner, Bertolt and Sophia, who had taken a seat next to the male duo. 
"Were playing soldier with your 'friends', I was digging around in the Capitals' Sewer. That man wearing black, he was different, he was the real deal. He almost caught me. He might have even seen my face...If I join the Interior MPs and he's there... I'll be done."
Silence fills the makeshift camp, breached only by the crackling of the wood in the campfire. 

"Let's breach Wall Rose," Sophia suggests suddenly. "It's the only way to smoke out the King."

Bertolt's face remains emotionless, but his eyes portray fear. Would he have to do it again? Commit mass murder? It was his duty, but-

Reiner speaks up as well. " Let's go back to Marley. It's been five years since that day, they'll be happy to hear anything at all... "

Bertolt lifts his head. " Do you really think that? I'm sure Marley will be disappointed if these five years have brought only these results." 

"Sophia's right, let's breach Wall Rose. We'll do it tomorrow, around eight in the morning." 
Turning towards Sophia, Annie waits for the approval of their makeshift captain. 
All their Captain does is nod.
"Then that's set. Go get some sleep." 

---------------------------

The sun peeks over the horizon, illuminating the early risers that are the 104th Trainee squad. Breakfast was a noisy affair, with Eren and Jean arguing as they always do. Sophia and Bertolt head to the gear shed to suit up, checking their buckles multiple times, as they were rostered on the wall this fine morning. Sophia could see the fear that Bertolt had in his eyes. He never wanted to be a murderer, but these people were devils, and they had to be exterminated. So he had killed them. Simple as that. 

Sophia embraces Bertolt with tender arms. 

"You can do it," She whispers. " I believe in you."

Bertolt blushes and nods his head subtly. The pair walk out of the shed and join up with the rest of the squad before they all head out to Wall Rose to clean the cannons. While the other trainees are occupied with Sasha, Sophia gives a subtle nod to Bertolt, who leaps off the Wall when all eyes were on the 'Potato Girl'.

Lightning falls from the sky, the invisible paths creating the body of the Colossal Titan. Sophia's face shows shock, just like the others, before a gush of steam blows everyone off the wall. Sophia hears Eren shouting below her before he rockets up back towards Bertolt's Titan. 

And just like that, Wall Rose is breached. Sophia can tell that Bertolt has flown away using is 3DMG gear, probably going somewhere to hide until his Shifter Markings have faded. She follows him, not knowing how shaken the other Shifter was. 

And so the Battle for Trost begins.