[IC] Attack on Titan: Strengthen Your Faith

[Expllo]

Alannah Abend sat at her desk tapping her fingers on it, she sat up straight as she slid her paperwork out of the way. Adam was standing next to her as he already knew about what Alannah and Levitt had talked about through letters and papers, it was about the new recruits. Once specific soldiers came in, Ryan, Ray, and Otto, she looked them dead in the eye and began speaking with a clear and loud tone, "As you four may know, the Recon Corps have been going through struggles lately, even more so that we've been gradually losing members to the point Levitt has had to back us up with his own men. Despite having the largest amount of members currently, as Garrison always has, even they can't afford to lose anymore members. So due to that we've devised a plan, we can't force trainees to join us, but the little we will get you'll each take a certain amount and train them. I'm thinking three for each of you if we manage to get as much, it'll be enough for you to handle plus it'll make twelve soldiers hopefully as strong as you with your training. Although training methods will be up to you, I will not allow you to let these children die if tactics involve such dangers. Now, unless you have any questions or comments, you're all dismissed...Adam, you stay for a bit, we have to talk." Alannah had taken a breath after she was done talking as she didn't stop talking for a second, she glanced up at Adam then back to the soldiers to see if they'd leave or stay.

[rusty4297]

Ryan had been called into Alannah's office, along with a few of the other veteran scouting legion members, and one garrison veteran. It seemed somewhat odd, but there were supposed to be some new recruits that would be choosing their branches soon. He entered the room with the others, waiting to hear what all of this was about. As she said what generally was going on, he frowned, I have to train three to be as good as me...? He sighed quietly to himself before shrugging and standing there. "Just one, of course it'll be after they choose which branch they'll be in, but when will we be told who's going to be weighing us dow- I mean, holding us ba- I mean training under us?" He half-smirked to himself, having intentionally said each word. He wasn't serious of course, training them would only be good in the end, but for now, they were going to be weak, and so he would make that weakness a bit of a joke.

---

Alison sat near the posts that had the stationary 3d maneuver gear (the ones where you practice balance and if you can't stay up on them, you're sent back). After that initial test of balance, this seemed to be her favorite place in the camp, because of the nostalgic feel she got every time she came back. She smiled as she looked at the balance tests, remembering back to their first few days there. "I guess I won't be seeing this place again, no matter how harsh it was, it was fun, in a way." She stood up, walking towards one of them and looking at it. "I guess it sounds kind of mean, but I hope that people forget about this place soon..." She knew what she meant of course, it wasn't her trying to say that she hoped humanity died off, or that they made a new training ground... She hoped that this war with titans ended, so that people wouldn't have to die, or get hurt anymore. She beamed at the thought of a peaceful life. Graduation is today... Trying to join the Military Police won't help anyone... The Garrison seems a bit too protected as well... The Scouting Legion is where I belong... I wonder where Dante and Kevin plan on going? I hope it's somewhere safer than where I'm going... She looked to the ground as she thought over what might happen. What could very well happen... If we all join the Scouting Legion, we'll probably all die... At least it's not someone else instead of me. I really hope they live through this at least. She smiled to herself as she thought, continuing to look at the ground.

[Kurisa]

Otto entered the with the others once he was called in and stood next to Ryan, he listened as Alannah spoke and this was only really half interesting to him but it seemed he would be getting his own Squad...this almost made Otto sigh but he held his composure and expression as he further listened, he did find it odd though that he would be getting a Squad...Sure he was a smart guy an all and knew how to fight Titans damn well but he usually did that alone, he hated it when others got in the way...it seemed he'd be simply saving kids that didn't have a clue how serious this shit was and he wasn't allowed to let them die? great....so his fucking chance of dying just doubled...no doubt he'd have to throw himself infront of a damn Titan to save some of these brats. Otto then heard Ryan speak and a small smirk formed on his face which he wiped off seemingly rather quickly, he was trying to take this seriously...however once Ryan had asked his Question Otto decided to ask on "Yeah...I have one small request if that isn't to much trouble. I'd at the least prefer it that the people who end up in my Squad if any do that they have the heart to do this job and wont turn to coward once reality kicks in...I can't be trying to do my own job and keep my own ass alive and then do their job and keep their ass alive...I'm still only one man despite how experienced I am" Otto knew his request would likely get shot down but he didn't want jokers, he wanted people who were serious about this...really serious...he couldn't be dealing with cowards because he'd have no pity for them...not one bit. If they want to stand there scared and not even run then as far as he is concerned they can become Titan food...

[Lucius Cypher]

Xia sipped her coffee. It was quiet in her home, or rather, her mother's home. If she remembered correctly, she'd be given a new home once or around the same time she graduates. Which was today. Just a few days ago she and her mother had talked some about her future. Her mother made it quite clear to her that she could die, and that she was not about to let the grief stop her from what she's already accomplish. Xia retorted that she's made more enemies among the other humans than she has any titans. They both saw each others remarks as a sort of joke. Still, after a few cups of coffee with a shot of brandy, the two began to become a bit more honest about their feelings. Xia's mother did not want her daughter to be part of the Scouting Legion, knowing that death is merely seconds behind her. But she would not stop her, because ever since she was a young girl Xia had a fire in her eyes that her mother knew she couldn't stop. So she'll just have to let it burn, until there's nothing left. "Take care of yourself my dear. I love you."

That was three days ago. After washing her dishes Xia returned to her room and put on her uniform. Clean, ironed, and stitched as though it was brand new. In front of her mirror she went through some stretches and motions, salutes, so on and so forth. Today was the big day, and despite her stone-faced expression, she was giddy inside. She knew she had passed and she knew she was ready to face any titan. She was just trying to be serious about it unlike some of the other initiates, who treat the whole idea like some sort of game. Xia has seen a titan before (Granted, from a distance through a telescope) and they were nothing to joke about. "Right, let's hurry this up than." Putting aside those thoughts Xia put on her uniform. Once she was finished with that she left and locked her home behind, walking briskly towards the training grounds, near where the graduation ceremony would be held.

[Axel]

Today was the day, the day where Teran's fate would be decided. He didn't really seemed too concerned about whether he graduated or not because in his head, he was going to getting over those walls either way. Those things took his sister away from him and most likely did the same with his parents as well. Walking to the training grounds where he suspected the graduation ceremony would be held, one could a see couple other trainees from afar. Looks like this must be the place if they're here but I might want to keep my distance. Can't have them bringing me down with them just because the life they chose turn out to be not not what they expected. Teran thought as he found a place to sit while waiting for the graduation to begin.

[Expllo]

After hearing their comments Alannah nodded, clasping her hands she looked between the two. She glared at what Ryan said about the trainees holding them back but decided to let up, her eyes softening and her lips tugging into a soft smile. It was just a joke, she wouldn't get mad over it. "I understand what you two are saying, but we do need good soldiers and fast, atleast with the small amount we have. Ryan, if you're worried about trainees holding you back then look for those proficient in teamwork. In that case, they'll work together and won't be so...Dependent on you saving their asses all the time. As for you Otto, you can look for the trainees that are good at fighting and seem to take this seriously....More seriously than the others atleast. That way you have a stronger team and those that don't joke around. We'll be taking them out to clear Titans first thing in the morning, that way we can study the trainees and see what they're like aside from their reports from training. I hope that suits you two well?" Alannah raised a single eyebrow at the two.

---

Alexandria sat in the cafeteria in the training camp alone. Swallowing her bread she then took a sip of her drink to wash it down, she wasn't at all nervous about the graduation soon. She was confident in her skills, and her intelligence, surely she'd make it to the top ten. She was thinking of joining the Military Police but decided to Survey Corps because of....him, but she wouldn't think of him right now. Alexandria finished her meal and wiped her mouth with a napkin before standing up and going outside. She walked past Dante in which they glanced at each other, no use glaring or arguing, big day was today and they didn't need to cause a scene just before.

Dante took a sigh and ran his hand through his hair, shaking through it a bit. He really didn't want to do this, but he had no choice but to join the Scouting Legion. Tradition, it was some tradition alright. He saw Alison up ahead and stopped putting his hands in his pockets, what he beauty. He scanned her body causing his cheeks to become red, he looked away as he ran his hand through his hair again giving a sigh as the color escaped his cheeks bringing back his light brown complexion. He wondered where she would go, he hopped somewhere safe like Garrison or the Military Police if she was high enough, which he had no doubt about. But knowing her, he knew she would join the Scouting Legion just like him, atleast he had more of a reason to join the Scouting Legion, because he wanted to protect her. Walking up behind her he cleared his throat to get her attention, "Hey, Alison.....Nervous about today?" he asked as he tried to spark a conversation.

[Phobos]

Ray had entered the room along with the other veterans of the Scouting Legion. He waited patiently, waiting and listening to everyone speak. He couldn't help but chuckle when Otto talked about having extra baggage in the battlefield. Ray wasn't one to take lead, so he was not looking forward to having to train three new trainees. Ray raised his hand "Could I do the same thing as Otto? I'd rather get some trainees that can teach themselves rather than having me teach them. But I'm fine with whatever I get" He said, shrugging "As long as they take their job seriously" He nodded to his commander "I'll see you all in the initiation" He said, walking out of the room with his hands in his pockets.

[TheyMostlyComeAtNight]

Kaiz's loud obnoxious voice brought Tilt's attention back to the conversation.
"I think we should join the Military Police!"
He looked up to find the group looking at him, waiting for his response, he sighed and shook his head theatrically
"Comeon Kaiz, You don't think all four of us made it into the top ten do you?"
He glanced pointedly at Kaiz, who's cheeks flushed a sudden rosey colour, Anya choked down a laugh and raised an eyebrow
"Don't be unfair Tilt, he was just showing us what not to do... right sis?" she glanced at Arya who had done the best in the manoeuvre gear.
"I'm sure that without watching you plough head first into the ground, I never would have managed to stay upright cus."
Kaiz looked from Anya to Arya then burst out laughing, his infectious laughter had them all laughing along in moments.

After they'd all calmed down Arya spoke up.
"We should join the Survey Cor-"
She was interrupted as Anya's elbow met her side, Anya spoke over the muffled coughing.
"The Garrison!"
Tilt considered a moment, he knew where he wanted to go, but would they come with him?
"All the garrison does is guard the wall, where's the excitement? we might get to fire a cannon once every year, if that even, in the garrison. I say we should join the Survey Corps"

Kaiz looked agreeable, Arya was beaming but Anya looked just a bit nervous.
"What d'you guys think?"
They all motioned their agreement, Anya just a bit slower than the others.

There was a moments silence as they all accepted their decision, then Arya tripped Anya and the conversation moved onwards...

[rusty4297]

Expllo said
After hearing their comments Alannah nodded, clasping her hands she looked between the two. She glared at what Ryan said about the trainees holding them back but decided to let up, her eyes softening and her lips tugging into a soft smile. It was just a joke, she wouldn't get mad over it. "I understand what you two are saying, but we do need good soldiers and fast, atleast with the small amount we have. Ryan, if you're worried about trainees holding you back then look for those proficient in teamwork. In that case, they'll work together and won't be so...Dependent on you saving their asses all the time. As for you Otto, you can look for the trainees that are good at fighting and seem to take this seriously....More seriously than the others atleast. That way you have a stronger team and those that don't joke around. We'll be taking them out to clear Titans first thing in the morning, that way we can study the trainees and see what they're like aside from their reports from training. I hope that suits you two well?" Alannah raised a single eyebrow at the two.Alexandria sat in the cafeteria in the training camp alone. Swallowing her bread she then took a sip of her drink to wash it down, she wasn't at all nervous about the graduation soon. She was confident in her skills, and her intelligence, surely she'd make it to the top ten. She was thinking of joining the Military Police but decided to Survey Corps because of...., but she wouldn't think of him right now. Alexandria finished her meal and wiped her mouth with a napkin before standing up and going outside. She walked past Dante in which they glanced at each other, no use glaring or arguing, big day was today and they didn't need to cause a scene just before.Dante took a sigh and ran his hand through his hair, shaking through it a bit. He really didn't want to do this, but he had no choice but to join the Scouting Legion. Tradition, it was some tradition alright. He saw Alison up ahead and stopped putting his hands in his pockets, what he beauty. He scanned her body causing his cheeks to become red, he looked away as he ran his hand through his hair again giving a sigh as the color escaped his cheeks bringing back his light brown complexion. He wondered where she would go, he hopped somewhere safe like Garrison or the Military Police if she was high enough, which he had no doubt about. But knowing her, he knew she would join the Scouting Legion just like him, atleast he had more of a reason to join the Scouting Legion, because he wanted to protect her. Walking up behind her he cleared his throat to get her attention, "Hey, Alison.....Nervous about today?" he asked as he tried to spark a conversation.

Ryan nodded, taking that to mean that he would be choosing his team from the recruits. I'll have to break their habit of teamwork as they get better, I guess... Unless they want to die if one or two of their allies die... He sighed, closing his eyes slightly "Alright... I'm going to head down there I guess so I don't have to get the heaviest dead weights for being late..." He turned, putting up a hand in a slight wave as he walked out through the door. After leaving, he debated practicing with his maneuver gear a little before heading to the place where trainees graduated, but decided against it, since he might need extra gas to provide... one or two examples of how to use it.

---

Alison had still been thinking about everything when a familiar voice had interrupted her thoughts. She turned, smiling at Dante, "Oh, hey Dante. No, I'm not nervous, actually, I'm pretty excited. I mean, we're all going to be allowed to choose where we go, so I can't let myself be nervous and make a decision I won't be happy with... What about you?" She asked this partially as a question of whether he knew where he was going or not, as well as a continuation to their conversation. She figured they should probably start heading to the place they need to be soon or they'd be late, so she decided that if he didn't suggest they start walking over, she would as soon as he was done talking. She didn't want to be late to help humanity, did she?

[Zane620]

Henry was walking around the camp with a smile on his face, he thought for sure that with his skills he would easily be able to get in the top ten to choose were he wanted to go. Of course he would choose Survey Corps to join. He knew for a fact that he would never get killed by any of the Titans as he found his skills with the 3d maneuver gear to be one of the best out of most of the recruits, truly his skills were one of the best, it was far above that annoying man Kevin who irked him to no end, and purposely saying his last name wrong. It was due to this that he adopted the nickname Air as it was close enough to Aran.

[Lucius Cypher]

Xia watched from the top of one of the obstacle courses as more and more trainees came in. Well, she guessed that after today, they won't be trainees anymore. She knew a few where going to join her in the Survey Corps, others with the Garrison. She also knew that none of them, not even the best, were going to be part of the Military Police. It was both amicable and foolish; she liked that they wanted to serve as an active part of humanity's survival, it's a shame it's only because many of them wanted to fight titans like they were just going to be chasing after wild animals. Titans in general may not be "Smart" but to dismissed them as stupid, unthinking beast would likely make you end up in their stomachs. Xia felt they were all way to easy-going with what they were getting themselves into; they acted less like soldiers and more like boisterous hunters. She supposed that deep inside many of them still fear the titans, she just wished that they would show it more than their usual cocky attitudes.

More and more people began to show up, oddly putting Xia at ease. It was because of her optimism telling her that surely, with so many graduating, the chance that all of them dying would be much lower than last year. Not that she knew what those numbers were, but that would make things easier. She smiled to herself, even though she sat far away from where most of the others were grouped at. Her isolation went unnoticed, both by the graduates at large and Xia herself.

[Phobos]

Lucius Cypher said
Xia watched from the top of one of the obstacle as more and more trainees came in. Well, she guessed that after today, they won't be trainees anymore. She knew a few where going to join her in the Survey Corps, others with the Garrison. She also knew that none of them, not even the best, were going to be part of the Military Police. It was both amicable and foolish; she liked that they wanted to serve as an active part of humanity's survival, it's a shame it's only because many of them wanted to fight titans like they were just going to be chasing after wild animals. Titans in general may not be "Smart" but to dismissed them as stupid, unthinking beast would likely make you end up in their stomachs. Xia felt they were all way to easy-going with what they were getting themselves into; they acted less like soldiers and more like boisterous hunters. She supposed that deep inside many of them still fear the titans, she just wished that they would show it more than their usual cocky attitudes.More and more people began to show up, oddly putting Xia at ease. It was because of her optimism telling her that surely, with so many graduating, the chance that all of them dying would be much lower than last year. Not that she knew what those numbers were, but that would make things easier. She smiled to herself, even though she sat far away from where most of the others were grouped at. Her isolation went unnoticed, both by the graduates at large and Xia herself.

Kevin walked up next to Xia, a smirk on his face "Well, today is the day of graduation" He said, filled with excitement unlike some of the other trainees. He turned to Xia "You know this may be the last time we see each other, so if you want to confess your love, now is the time" He let out a laugh at the end, knowing damn well that nothing of the sort will happen in this century or the next. He took a look around, people contemplating on a decision that will influence the rest of their life. He turned back to Xia, for once with a serious expression on his face "So what Regime do you plan onto joining?" Inside, he hoped she said Scouting Legion so they could be close. But he also wanted her to join the Garrison so she wouldn't be put in danger everyday. On the outside, he looked nonchalant and as if he didn't really care.

[Kurisa]

Otto listened to Alannah then nodded "Right well I'll be on my way. Just beware that if they don't look the part or show enough confidence and determination I am not accepting them...I will not take responsibility for someone who cannot even make the attempt to fight." Otto then left the office after that and made his way to where the trainee's would be graduating from, he wanted at least some good fighters...he didn't want dead weight of any kind, he would not carry some weakling with no hope. He'd soon rather spare them their life and send them back as he needed serious people...not jokes

[rusty4297]

U stood at the graduation ceremony, looking about at anyone else who had gotten there early. Her arms were crossed as she stood there, glancing around. Where's Alexandria at...? She lowered her head slightly, attempting to become almost invisible in the crowd, despite trying to find her one and only friend. She opened her mouth partially to call for her, but instantly shut it, today was not the day she would overcome the inability to talk to other people, especially not with more than one person being able to hear her. One or two people glanced at her, as they passed, and she tightened her crossed arms slightly lowering her head more as she continued searching for her friend.

[Expllo]

Dante nodded as he listened to her speak, once she asked him a question he answered, "I'm not nervous, I....Actually, let's start walking while we talk. We don't want to be late," he said as he began walking towards the place the graduation ceremony would be held. Rubbing the back of hair as they walked, he began speaking again, "But like I was saying, I'm not nervous, not really excited either.....I guess because I'm forced to do this. I think if I had motivation I would be more excited.....But I guess I'd be more excited if I knew where you would go, because my motivation comes from wanting to keep you safe......Kevin too of course!" he quickly saved himself as he looked away taking a breath, he shouldn't worry about things like that.

---

Alexandria spotted U and began walking towards her, seeing the people glance at her she glared at them causing them to walk away. She then walked up beside U and gently grabbed her hand looking down at her. Alexandria was five inches taller than her, but it was fine for her, and knew U was fine with it too....She thought....She hopped. There was a small tug to her lips which only lasted a few seconds, a few seconds longer than she ever had in public. That was the effect her friend had on her, her only friend, the first type of friend she ever had. "Have any idea where you want to go?" she asked softly, "Wherever you go, I'm going with you. And wherever you go, Levitt is supporting us." She gave U's hand a light squeeze.

[Lucius Cypher]

Xia's own silly grin was gone the moment she heard him. That cocky bastard who thinks he's better than her (At least in her head) coming over to toy with her. He started his remarks as they usually do, boasting about himself in some way or another. Like she needed to be told how great he was. At least he didn't go on a long tirade, as he simply went strait to asking her what Regime she was going to join. "Just polite conversation" her mother would think, but Xia knew better. She also knew that Kevin was going to join the Scouting Legion, the same one that Xia planned to join. Not for him, but for herself, in the memory of her father. Not that she'd believe that Kevin would think that, so full of himself, thinking that everyone had him on his mind... Which was exactly what Xia was doing. "Scouting Legion. Like my father before me." Xia sat up strait and continued to stare intently at the others gathering, not even glancing at Kevin's direction.

[TheyMostlyComeAtNight]

Anya was a bit worried about joining the Survey Corps, I mean sure the Garrison didn't roam out beyond the wall, but the Garrison didn't lose so many people either, still she had to admit to a bit of excitement, imagine her out beyond the wall where even brave men dared tread, green cloak billowing out her as she rode!
Thinking about it though it was probably about time they started making their way to the Graduation Ceremony, Tilt and Kaiz were discussing something under hushed breaths, probably some new strategy or something just as boorish that they had come up with and Arya was sprawled out on the ground watching the clouds drift by.
She flicked Arya's ear to get her attention and spoke loud enough to be heard by Tilt and Kaiz.
"We should probably go to the Graduation Ceremony about now"
Tilt and Kaiz glanced over, mumbled a few more things and wandered over, Kaiz reached down to yank a slow moving Arya to her feet and was met by several colourful curses.
Tilt, forever taking charge nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it wouldn't do to miss it after all this time"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

A large group of people, the other trainees, had gathered at the ceremony, Kaiz had given the crowd a cursory glance but hadn't seen anyone he'd known, The Twins had ran off saying something about looking for that Henry guy, Kaiz couldn't say he envied Arya, even Kaiz had managed to get on Henry's bad side with a bit of gentle mocking, Arya must be anathema for him, he chuckled under his breath earning a questioning look from Tilt.
They'd moved slowly into the crowd content to just sit-back and watch as events unfolded.

[Zane620]

Henry was more than ready for graduation, and so far his day was going great, he had yet to run into any of the people that disliked him, simply for who he was. He did see Kevin Xia talking although it didn't look like she was interested at all, and who could blame the girl, with Kevin talking anyone would rather gouge out their eyes than listen to him. He then heard two familiar voices one that pleased him and one that annoyed him. As he turned his head his hunch was correct as he saw the twins coming up towards him. It's okay Henry, you just gotta put up with Arya's crap for today, and then you might never see her again. Henry thought as he turned around and smiled as he waved at them. "Why hello Anya, Arya. You two feeling lucky to get in the top ten today?"

[TheyMostlyComeAtNight]

Arya smiled as they spotted Henry, getting a rise out of him was just so easy! She nudged Anya and pointed over towards him. "Over there"
Anya started babbling things like 'don't be a heinous bitch' and 'you should try being nice for a change' as they approached.
Hearing Anya's babbling he turned to greet them.
"Why hello Anya, Arya. You two feeling lucky to get in the top ten today?"
Arya's smiled her usual sweet and innocent smile that hid the malevolent entity behind it, or that's how some people liked to put it anyway, Arya's smiled faltered a bit at that thought, but only for a second.
"We're pretty confident, not sure about Kaiz though, you remember the manoeuvre incident? I guess he's pretty much in the same boat as you."
Anya's elbow swung towards her side but this time Arya was ready and sidestepped it, laughing as she dodged.
Anya, trying to express an apology for her sister's behaviour through facial expressions alone (no easy task) tried to gloss over Arya's sally.
"So where do you plan on going? We were planning on the Survey Corps"

[Zane620]

Henry had a bad feeling when he saw Arya smile, it was never a good thing to witness, for him anyway, yet he simply kept his smile until she started speaking. "We're pretty confident, not sure about Kaiz though, you remember the maneuver incident? I guess he's pretty much in the same boat as you." Hearing this irked him, enough to the point a vein popped out of his head a little but he kept his smile. "Funny Arya, I remember acing mine on the first try, did you by any chance hit your head as well?" Henry said following up with his own mocking remark. He saw Anys do some weird facial expressions, probably to apologize for her sisters which is what Anya usually did for Arya. So Henry simply smiled at her and nodded, and then beamed with excitement at her question. "Why the same thing, guarding a wall all day would be a waste, and the Police just doesn't suit me so Survey Corps is where I'm heading towards. Yet I can see you two working well together.... Well for the most part." Henry said his last sentence obviously aimed towards Arya.