Two years later…

It was an early morning at the Cadet training grounds. With rows of soldiers lined up, Keith Sadies, the Cadet officer is seen scanning the trainees. 

He suddenly stopped in front of Armin.

Keith: You there! 

Armin freezes up, before quickly saluting his superior officer.

Armin: Yes sir!

Keith: What's your name?

Armin: Armin Arlert from Shiganshina District, sir!

Sadies gets closer, practically face to face to the young man.

Keith: Oh yeah? Sounds like a name for a fool! Who picked it? Your parents?

Armin: My grandfather named me, sir!

Keith: Arlert, what're you doing here? 

Armin:To help humanity win, sir!

Keith: Well, good for you! You'll make great fodder for the titans! 

Sadies grabs the blonde's head before forcefully turning him around.
 
Keith: Row three! Turn around!

Armin rushes to his spot as Keith moves on to another blonde guy. His hair was short and had short sideburns.

Keith: What is your name? 

Thomas: I'm Thomas Wagner from Trost District! 

Keith: Speak up! 

Two higher ups are seen walking past the lines of cadets and the commander.

???: He's at it again. You went through that, didn't you?

???2: Brings back memories.

Keith is now seen yelling at a shorter girl with long black pigtails, and no bangs.

Keith: -No, you're from the pig pen! And you're lower than livestock!

Girl: Yes, sir! I'm lower than livestock!

Keith: No! You're a dung beetle!

???2: What's the point in intimidating them?

???: It's a rite of passage. He peels away every insecurity you have, then builds you up from scratch into a soldier. It's a necessary step.

The second man notices that Keith skips over a few of the soldiers.

???2: Oh. He didn't pick on some of them.

???: They have already gone through this rite of passage. They saw hell two years ago. They have a different look. Come on, let's go.

Keith locks eyes with Y/n for a second, before moving on to the next person. Y/n watches as Keith continues to yell at recruits, this recent one, being Jean Kristen. 

Jean: I'm Jean Kristen from Trost District!

Keith: What're you doing here? 

Jean: I want to join the military police and live in the interior.

Y/n raises an eyebrow, he's not surprised someone would make it their goal.. but rather that they would flat out admit it.

Keith: Oh, I see… You want to go to the interior?

Jean: Yes-

Suddenly commandant Keith headbutts Jean, causing him to fall down and hold his forehead in pain. Keith stares down at the young man with his eye practically piercing his soul.

Keith: Who said you could sit down?! Anyone who can’t handle this will never make it into the Military Police!

The commandant began to walk away snarling? Y/n looked away and began to zone out a bit as the commandant began to yell and another cadet named Marco. After a few minutes Keith walked up to another cadet named Connie Springer, and picked him up by his head with ease before dropping him on the ground, all because he did the salute backwards.

Suddenly, a loud crunch is heard, catching everyone's attention. Everyone, including Y/n, is now looking at the source. A brunette is seen eating a potato like it's nothing. Everyone began to fear the worse for the girl. Keith drops the Cadet, and looks at the girl.

Connie: ouch...

Keith: Hey, you. What are you doing?

The girl didn't seem to notice him, as she took another bite. He begins to grow more frustrated and approaches the girl.

Keith: You! I'm talking to you! Who the hell are you?!

The girl finally notices him, then swallows the piece of potato and salutes the man. 

Sasha: I'm Sasha Braus from Dover Village on the south side or Wall Rose! 

Keith: Well, Sasha Braus. Whatcha got in your right hand?

Sasha: A steamed Potato! They had some in the kitchen and couldn't resist!

Keith: You snatched it? Why'd you start eating it here?

Sasha: It doesn't taste good cold. I figured I should eat it now. 

Keith: Y'know, I just don't get it. Why'd you eat a potato? 

The girl tilts her head.

Sasha: Are you asking me why people eat potatoes?

Everyone continues to stare in shock from what this girl is saying. Y/n is simply stunned at the sight, and whispers to himself.

Y/n: Holy shit, she's an idiot.

Sasha then breaks the potato. 

Sasha: Please have half of mine.

Keith grabs the piece and inspects it, before looking back at her.

Keith: Half? 

Sasha then gives an odd smile, believing it's all been solved… Well she was wrong. Because later, Sasha is seen running laps around the entire camp. It's already noon at this point.

Y/n, Armin, Eren and many other people were seen watching the girl run around outside a building. Y/n is seen leaning forward against the railing on the porch. 

Connie: Damn. He's still making that potato girl run.

Marco: It's amazing. She's been running for five hours straight.

Y/n: Why don't I feel surprised she was more devastated about not being able to eat, rather than having to run around and do laps? 

Connie: If I remember correctly, Dauper Village is a tiny hunting village, deep in the mountains.

Y/n: Ah alright, there must not be that much food there.

Eren then notices a carriage filled with people leaving the camp. Eren pokes Y/n's shoulder catching his attention.

Y/n: What is it Eren?

Eren: What's that?

Mina, the black haired girl during the introduction, speaks up.

Mina: The dropouts. They requested a transfer to the frontier.

Armin: Seriously? It's only the first day!

Eren: It was only a matter of time… If you aren’t strong enough, you have to leave. Hard to believe they’d rather go back to weeding and picking up rocks.

Everyone looks at Eren, Y/n sighs at his friend's words.

Y/n: Well, in a way you're right... but it's better they go home and continue to try to provide humanity with food, rather than getting eaten by titans. Not everyone is willing to fight man.

Marco then gets off the railing and stands up straight.

Marco: Say, we didn't ask where you guys are from?

Y/n: Like Armin, Eren and I are from Shiganshina District.

Marco: Is that so? Wow...

Connie: Then you guys were there... on that day.

Marco: H-Hey!

Connie ignores Marco and gets closer to the two guys.

Connie: Then you've seen the colossus titan?!

Eren: Y-Yeah...

Y/n doesn't say anything, but rests his head on his arms.

----

Y/n and Eren are seen in the cafeteria trying to eat some stew while everyone was asking them questions about that day. Y/n begins to grow agitated as every question just reminds him of that day. Is it so much to ask, to forget for one day? Y/n scoops up some stew and Eren continues to talk to the strangers.

Eren: Like I said, I've seen it.

Thomas: You're serious?

???: How big were they?

Eren: Tall enough to look over the wall.

???: Huh?! I heard they climbed over the wall!

???2: Me too!

???3: They said so in my village too!

Y/n raises an eyebrow at that comment.

Y/n: there's no way anything could crawl over… they just broke the gate.

Mina: What did they look like?

Eren: They didn't have much skin and their mouths were huge. 

Eren takes another sip from his stew. Y/n couldn't understand how Eren wasn't bothered by this. Y/n reached into his pocket and began to rub his fingers against his mother's cloth for comfort.

Thomas: Hey, wasn't there like a giant bird or something spotted that day? 

Mina: Oh yeah I heard about that!

???: Nah, that's just bullshit.

???2: Yeah they probably saw a hawk and freaked out!

Thomas: No really I heard of it! 

Y/n puts down his spoon and looks at Thomas. Thomas noticed and leaned towards the boy.

Thomas: Y/n? Have you seen it?

Y/n: Yeah, you could definitely say that. I could tell you for certain, it wasn't just a giant bird.

Mina: Really?

Y/n: The best way I could describe it, was a Golden wyvern. It was like a dragon from those stories you'd hear as a kid.

???: A Dragon? No way, you're lying.

Y/n: I'm not.

A bunch of the cadets look at Y/n with suspicion, and we're quick to dismiss any idea of his words holding truth. Y/n frowns as they turn back to Eren.

???: What about the "Armored Titans" who destroyed Wall Maria? Those are definitely more believable than Winged beast.

Y/n rolls his eyes and continues to eat.

Eren: I guess I have. People called them that... but they seemed like ordinary titans to me.

???2: Then can you describe ordinary titans?

Eren was about to take another sip before he freezes and drops the spoon. He instantly covers his mouth afraid he would throw up. Y/n didn't look so good either, as he remembered running past those people getting eaten by titans... and the ones that chased him… Y/n, however, calms himself down… his mind only to be filled by questions again however, that golden monster… What was it?

Eren: No. It's fine, Titans aren't a big deal. Once we get used to the 3D Maneuvering Device, they'll mean nothing! I'm training to be a soldier at last... I just got choked up earlier. I'm gonna join the Scout Regiment, and get rid of titans from this world! I'll slaughter them!

Y/n sighs at his friend's words… Y/n understands Eren's hatred towards the titans. Hell, Y/n agrees, they need to be destroyed. But he's scared, scared his friend's anger will do nothing but harm him.

Jean: Hey, are you crazy?

On the table next to theirs Jean is seen sitting there, as he was apparently listening to the entire conversation.

Jean: Did you just say Scout Regiment. 

Eren: Yeah, so? You're gonna join the Military Police and take it easy, right?

Jean: Hey, I'm an honest guy. I figure that's more refreshing than faking bravery when you're scared shirtless.

Eren then stands up and stares daggers at Jean, however he seems unaffected by it.

Eren: You referring to me?

Thomas: Guys cut it out.

Marko: Yeah please don't fight guys.

Jean then stands up and slightly towers over Eren. The two look like they're about ready to throw down, when suddenly a bell is then heard ringing.

Jean merely sighs and smiles at Eren, and offers his hand..

Jean: My bad. I wasn't criticizing you or anything.  let's shake on it.

Y/n, who is seen suddenly behind Eren ready to go.

Y/n: Come on Eren. There's no need to have a fight right now. Let's go.

Eren: ... Yeah okay… 

The green eyed boy turns his attention to Jean.

Eren: I was in the wrong too. 

Eren then slaps his hand out of the way, and walks off, which earned a frown from his slightly taller friend.

Y/n: You're first day and you're already getting on people's bad side. You're an idiot, you know that?

Eren: What, he was criticizing my dream! You could at least understand!

Y/n: Everyone is here for a different reason man. Not everyone is gonna agree with you.

Jean gives a smug smile as they are about to leave, then Mikasa walks past him, and time slows for him. Her stunningly beautiful jet back hair flowed with each step

… He was so enchanted by her, he just had to talk to her.

Jean: S-Say

Mikasa turns to him, his face begins to heat up as he begins to crack under pressure.

Jean: Oh... you don't look familiar, so I... S-Sorry you have really pretty black hair.

Mikasa: Thanks.

Mikasa then walks out of the cabin to catch up with Y/n and Eren. Jean remains still for a few seconds, before ultimately running out to try to catch up to her.

While outside. Mikasa is seen walking with Y/n and Eren, as Y/n continues to lecture Eren.

Eren: Come on, leave me alone!

Mikasa: You're always such a hothead.

Y/n: See, even Mikasa agrees.

Eren: Not another lecture. Y/n can you at least lecture her on her hair?

Y/n: hm? Oh I see…

Mikasa tilts her head as Y/n approaches her. He gently touches her hair which began to cause the girl to subconsciously heat up.

Y/n: Mikasa, as much as I love that hair on you, you need to shorten it a bit. Long hair is dangerous in this field, especially with titans, and maybe using the 3D Maneuvering gear. 

As Y/n steps away, Mikasa grabs onto the L et of her hair that he was touching.

Mikasa: Fine, I'll cut it. But how long?

Y/n: How about down to your chin? I think that length would be good enough. Plus I guarantee it'll look great anyway.

Mikasa softly smiles and nods as he turns and walks besides Eren.

Mikasa: Okay, sounds good.

In the distance, Jean looks at them clearly disappointed. As the three continued walking, before Y/n suddenly stopped.

Y/n: Wait... hey, you guys go on ahead without me. I gotta get something from the cafeteria real quick. Is that alright?

Eren: Ah alright, see you at the bunks Y/n!

Mikasa: I'll go with yo-

Y/n: No need, I got it covered. 

Y/n flashes a thumbs up to her, and begins to walk back to the cafeteria. Mikasa stares at where he stood before sighing. The two siblings shake their heads and heads back to their cabins.

----

Over with Sasha, she's seen finally collapsing in front of a cabin.

Sasha: It's finally... over.

She then passed out and began to sleep on the rough ground, before footsteps were heard approaching. Suddenly her nose gets a whiff of food, and her primal instincts kick in as her eyes open wide, and she jumps over a figure carrying a basket, as Sasha now had a loaf of bread in her mouth.

Sasha: It's bread!

A chuckle is heard as the figure puts down the basket in front of her. She gets a clear look at him revealing it to be Y/n.

Y/n: By the walls, I've never seen some be that desperate for food before. Luckily I was able to yank a few of these for you.

Sasha: Wait, you stole these? Why would you do that?

Y/n: We're going to be comrades now, right? Couldn't just let someone suffer like that. Plus…

Y/n squats to her level and places a finger in front of his lip.

Y/n: It's not like I've never stolen a thing or two in the past.

Sasha smiles at the young man and suddenly hugs him. Y/n blinks for a few moments completely unsure what to do in this situation.

Sasha: You're like my hero now! I will forever be in your debt! I was so hungry!

Y/n: No need for all that, and no problem at all.

Y/n lets out a panicked chuckle as he finally manages to push her back. Jesus she was strong, Sasha giggles a bit as she scratches the back of her head.

???: Hey.

Y/n looks behind him to see two girls approaching. One was a tall brunette and a bit darker than the others, and the second one was a much shorter blonde girl with blue eyes. 

Y/n: Hey? Who are you two? I don't remember the commandant asking for your names.

Ymir: I'm Ymir, and the girl next to me is Krista. 

Krista: Hello, that was really nice of you to bring her food.

Y/n: Pleasure to meet you two, I'm Y/n.

Y/n pushes himself up and brushes the dirt off his clothes.

Y/n: It was nothing really.

Sasha finishes her food, and then passes out on Y/n's feet, earning a sigh from him.

Ymir: ...Did you do it just for Potato Girl? And did you get what you wanted in return?

Ymir stares at Y/n with a blank face, who simply didn't like the accusation. All while Krista nervously looks back and forth between the two. The tension she felt between the two was dangerous.

Y/n: Nope, all I want is for us to be in top shape.

Ymir gives Y/n one long look before shaking her head.

Ymir:  Alright, forget I asked anything. Let's just take her to her bunk then.

Y/n picks up Sasha and passes her to Ymir.

Y/n: I appreciate it, probably for the best you guys take her.

Krista smiles at Y/n before turning at Ymir.

Krista: You're going to be nice too?

Ymir: By doing this for her, she's going to owe me... I have high hopes for her stupidity. And you'll owe me too man.

Y/n shrugs.

Y/n: As long as it isn't something out of the question.

Ymir smiles and starts to walk off with Mrs potato head.

Ymir: I'll hold you to it!

Krista shakes her head and quickly follows Ymir, she then turns around and waves goodbye.

Krista: Goodnight Y/n! I hope to talk to you again soon!

Y/n waves back as they head to their bunks. After a few seconds. That's strange…

Y/n turns around and stares into the darkness. Someone… is watching him… Y/n nose begins to go haywire as he catches a strong scent, the smell of iron. Y/n covers his nose and puts his palm against his head. His head felt like it was going to explode from the smell alone. Mixed with the smell of iron, was sweat, it was painful but yet… there was a sweet smell mixed in. The smell of lavender. 

Y/n: God why does this have to happen now…

Y/n muttered, he covers his nose with his arm. He needed to get away from this, now. Y/n begins to head back as an unknown figure watches him from the shadows. The womanly figure looked down at her gray cloak soaked with blood. 

???: He could smell me? And I almost got caught already…

Her cold blue eyes watches as he walks back to his barracks, once the coast was clear, she ran off.

---- 

The next morning at the training grounds, everyone was in line as Keith stood next to an odm gear simulator. It held the ODM gear belt connected to some pillars, with a crack suspending it in the air.

Keith: First, I'm gonna see just what you have in you! If you can't do this, you're not even worth using even as a decoy! And you'll be sent to the reclaimed wasteland! 

Once everyone starts, multiple cadets are seen trying to balance themselves, while some have appeared to fall, and already fail the test. The two higher ups are seen walking around camp again.

???: They've just begun to take baby steps. But you could tell at a glance which ones have a knack for 3D Maneuvers. See?

The two see Mikasa just effortlessly hanging there in her 3D Maneuver gear, all while Y/n is seen next to her struggling a bit, but after a few seconds he sorts himself out, allowing him to pass. He takes a deep breath, turns to Mikasa and smiles, which she quickly returns. 

???: Not a sign of hesitation. She knows instinctively what to do. That's what it means to have talent. This year's crop looks very promising.

He looks over at the other cadets such as Sasha, who is waiting for her test to be done already, while Jean is shaking a bit in his belt. The second higher up noticed Y/n who had finished, and is now talking to Mikasa, who was paying complete attention to his rambles.

Y/n: No like, it's fucked! My nose is getting super sensitive, I could smell the dirt, the sweat emitting from everyone. It's so fucking weird.

Mikasa: What do I smell like?

Y/n stares at her bewildered.

Y/n: … The fuck Mikasa.  

The older officer chuckles as his younger counterpart notices something.

???2: Hey, does that boy look familiar to you?

???: Hm… come to think of it, that should be that L/n woman's kid?

???2: No way, that vigilante?

???: We don't know much about her, but she's caught Kenny the Ripper a few times. She was even Mr. Jaeger's nurse… 

???2: It's strange that those remarkable people just appeared one day. And there's no record of this kid's father?

The older man shakes his head.

???: Supposedly his father died outside of the walls.

???2: Such a shame.

As they continued walking the second man noticed another kid, just a few cadets away.

???2: And him?

???: He's a true genius, he has the spirit, but he's a genius at failing some things everyone could do.

Keith kneels down to Eren, and begins to yell.

Keith: What the hell are you doing, Eren Yeager, pull yourself up! 

Eren is wide eyed, as he is currently filled with fear of having to go home. Y/n looks embarrassed for Eren as he awkwardly looks away from the scene.

----

A little bit before sunset, Eren, Y/n, Mikasa and Armin are all seen standing by one of the 3D Maneuvers simulators. While Eren is latched in, the others try to help him figure out what to do.

Mikasa: Just stick to the basics and you can do it. Don't think about doing well. Just focus on your balance. Shift your weight slowly to your hip belt and ankle strap.

Armin: Just stay calm. Even I could do it.

Eren: A-Alright, I think I could do it.

Y/n: Good luck man. Remember, focus.

Eren nods, Armin begins to raise Eren up. Once raised he loses balance and falls back and his head slams onto the ground. As Armin and Mikasa help Eren up, Y/n puts his hands on his face and groans at the predicament.

----

Later that day, Y/n is seen at the cafeteria, with his arm on the table. He sighed as he picked at his food. Today he needed to sit somewhere else other than with Eren and the others. While Mikasa was against it at first, he made up his mind and decided to learn more about his peers.

Y/n: After we tried a few more times we had to stop cause we didn't wanna risk him getting even more hurt. He's too stubborn to quit. I mean I have a theory why he's failing… but still it's just painful to watch. 

Ymir let out a loud laugh while Krista rubbed his shoulder.

Ymir: So did you know why he can't pass? What is he screwing up that even the great Mikasa can't even see?

Y/n: … Maybe his belt is faulty? I mean it's everyone's first time using these so I can't blame them for not noticing. 

Krista: Maybe? What if he's not cut out for this?

Y/n: Please, I know him. He's too stubborn to stop here. He'll keep going forward no matter what. 

Ymir: You guys seem really close. How did you guys know each other?

Krista gasps and looks at Ymir in anger.

Krista: Ymir! It's none of our business!

Y/n chuckles and raises his hand calming her down.

Y/n: It's fine Krista. I have known Eren since I was a baby basically. My mother and his father were like siblings. So I guess in a way he's like my cousin. Then we met Armin, those two partially clicked and were best friends since… A few years later, I met Mikasa… right now, we're all we have. So I'll do anything to protect those three. So I need to be the best I can, the better we are. The higher chance of survival.

Ymir takes in what he says and nods. 

Ymir: I guess I see what you're going for… but, you can't protect them forever.

Y/n: I know... but as long as I'm there... I won't let them, or anyone die under my watch.

Krista looked inspired by his promise, while Ymir looked at him, clearly impressed.

Ymir: Well, you're definitely serious about it. Well, you're either a badass or an idiot.

Y/n: Maybe a bit of both. Nobody is perfect.

Ymir: Riiiight, and we're just ignoring Krista here.

Y/n: She seems to be the only exception.

Krista goes beat read and covers her face in embarrassment.

Krista: Guys!! 

Y/n and Ymir began to laugh together as her blush glows brighter. Once their laughter dies down, Y/n eats his food and continues to chat with the two girls. His eyes begin to drift to an odd trio on the other side of the cafeteria. 

Y/n: Hey... who are those three? 

Ymir looks over at his direction to see the three loners, and shrugs.

Ymir: Hm? I don't know, I haven't heard a single one of them speak yet. 

Krista: Why do you recognize them Y/n?

Y/n: I saw them at the entrance ceremony, but didn't hear them say a thing.

Krista: To be fair, you didn't say anything.

Ymir: Yeah you looked all serious.

Y/n: Look who's talking.

Ymir: Oh shut up.

Y/n chuckles, causing Ymir to grow a slight smirk.

The bell suddenly rings, signaling the end of lunch. Everyone began to put their trays away as Y/n noticed Armin and Eren had left Mikasa, who was eating her bread because Sasha asked for it. Y/n takes a sip from his pouch of water, before speaking up.

Y/n: So, you guys just gonna sit there or what? 

Mikasa/Sasha: Y/n?!

Y/n: So, why are you guys still here?

Mikasa: I just didn't notice everyone left.

Sasha: I was just waiting for her to finish talking so I could have her bread.

Y/n: Couldn't you just take it when she wasn't paying attention?

Sasha looked at him confused before she began to blush and scream.

Sasha: Eh?! Why didn't I think of that?!

Y/n: By the walls, you are an idiot. 

Sasha: No I'm not! 

Y/n chuckled and rustled her hair.

Y/n: Aye at least it's cute. 

Mikasa: Y/n. Are you still going to join the Survey Corps?

Y/n: If Eren joins, I have to. Did you try to convince him to change?

Mikasa: Yes.

Y/n: And you failed?

Mikasa: …Yes.

Y/n: Well, you know him, he's a tough nut to crack. 

Mikasa: Like you?

Y/n: ...Yeah, I guess so. Come on, we all have to head to our bunks.

Mikasa: Okay Y/n.

Sasha: Alright Goodnight Y/n!

Y/m ruffles Sasha's hair again as they leave the cafeteria. As they head outside and begin to go their separate ways, Y/n halts and looks back at Mikasa. He observes her hair and smiles.

Y/n: Hey Mikasa!

Mikasa turns around and tilts her head.

Mikasa: What is it?

Y/n: I almost forgot! You're hair! Good job on having it cut! It looks amazing.

He takes his leave and heads to his bunk, finally leaving the girls to their own devices. Sasha looks over at a blushing Mikasa, who silently puts the scarf over her nose, and walks away leaving Sasha to catch up.

Sasha: Hey wait, don't leave me alone!  it's too dark out!!

----

Y/n enters the bunks to find everyone sleeping, but Eren, Armin, and two of the guys from that odd trio are gone. The boy sighs in annoyance and heads back outside. He sits outside by the door, and waits for them to return. An hour later, the four come back, to see Y/n still sitting there.

Armin: Y/n?

Y/n: By the walls, where the hell were you two?

Eren: I feel like you've been saying that a lot ever since we visited Trost and saw the priest by the walls. 

Y/n: First off, he was funny, and it got stuck in my head. Secondly where the hell did you two go? Eren I expect this from you, but Armin seriously? We're trying to make sure he doesn't get kicked out. And who the hell are those two?

Armin: I know… sorry…

Eren: And to answer your question, they're Reiner and Bertholdt, they were giving me advice for tomorrow.

Y/n looks up at Bertholdt and back to Reiner.

Reiner: Hey man, sorry we were just trying to get Eren's mind off the test tomorrow and help him relax. We thought it would help him for tomorrow.

Y/n sighs and thinks for a moment.

Y/n: Alright, come on then. We gotta go to bed, don't want Sadis to find us out here.

Reiner: So we're cool?

Y/n: Yeah, thanks for watching over him.

Reiner: It's no problem.

The five head inside, as the night passes on.

----

The next morning, Eren is seen about to do his test again, as everyone stands around him to see whether he'll succeed, or not. 

Keith: Begin. 

Eren began to be raised, as he began to struggle to keep his balance. Everyone was shocked, except for Y/n who seemed more impressed as he was able to remain up while suspended. Everyone began to cheer for him as Eren suddenly did it... before he fell back. 

Eren: No-No I...! 

Keith: Lower him.

They lowered Eren, as he was killing on both knees, clearly scared of being sent back.

Eren: I…

Ymir leans towards Y/n and whispers into his ear slightly catching him off guard.

Ymir: So are you going to tell them? Because he did technically pass.

Y/n: Of course I will…. I just hope I'm right… Permission to speak Commander!

Keith: Permission granted.

Y/n: May I switch Belts with Eren! I have a theory!

Keith: No need. I'm glad to see someone pointed it out. Wagner. Switch belts with Jaeger.

Thomas: Y-Yes, sir!

The two exchanged belts, and sent Eren back up, as now, he was easily remaining in the air.

Keith: Equipment Failure. The metal attachment on your belt is damaged. I never heard of it happening before... We better take note of it in equipment maintenance.

Many recruits began to whisper to each other, shocked by the news.

???: That thing was broken all this time? And yet, just now...

???2: That's amazing!

Eren: S-So, did I pass?

Keith: Without a hitch. Keep training.

Eren raised his fist into the air, proud he made it, he then looked down at Y/n, with his eyes burning with determination. Y/n returned a proud smile, and gave him this up. 

Reiner: Guess things worked up huh?

Armin: He’s looking at us, as if to say, “See!”

Y/n: Yup, let's let him enjoy this little ego boost for now... but I'm glad we're not being separated.

Y/n smiles as he sees people pat Eren's back, he looks at his new allies and friends. He clenches onto his star cloth, and thinks to himself.

Y/n: We're doing it mom… I hope I'm making you proud.