•03•

                                    

                                          
"Hey mop top!" Keith yells at Armin. 
"Sir!" He crosses his arm to his heart with a closed fist.
"What do they call you, maggot?" 
"Armin Artlet from Shinganshina, Sir!" Armin replies back in a bold tone of voice which is off to best coming from him since he's usually soft spoken. 
I have my hands crossed behind my butt and legs spread apart. This is the stance we're all in, facing one another in rows. 
"Wow, seriously? Why would your parents curse you with such a dumb name?" 
My instincts tell me to punch this guy in the face, but my voice of reason tells me to remain still and focused. It would be stupid to even try. He's at least 6'5" and way stronger than me. 
"It was my grandfathers, sir." 
"Cadet Arlelt! Why is a runt like you here?" 
" To help humanity overcome the Titans!" Armin closes his eyes and states loudly. 
"That is delightful to hear!" Keith stands back up and away from Armins face. "You're going to be a great light snack for him! Row three, about face, runt!"  
Keith turns Armin and then walks to a blonde guy. 
"Sir. My name is Thomas Wagner, I'm from the Trost district!" 
"I can't hear you!" Keith yells in the boys face. 
Keith continues yelling at the group of teenagers at his disposal. I guess he's trying to pick out the good from the bad. Who should stay and who should go. 
I stay staring forward and watch as Keith passes us. He doesn't say anything to anyone near me. It's Mikasa, Eren, and I. Along with a few others. You can tell we were all witness to the Titan attack on wall Maria. Our eyes show darkness and pain. 
Maybe he just asked Armin because he doesn't look like a fighter. Keith wanted to see if he had some strong bones. 
"What do we have here?" Keith approaches a tall boy with an undercut. I can clearly see him from where I stand. He's attractive, anyone can see that. But he looks smug. 
"Jean Kirschtein, sir. From the Trost district!" 
"And why are you here, cadet?" 
The boy pauses for a second and then confidently answers; " To join the military police, sir. The best of the best." 
I keep a straight face, but I can't help and pity the guy. He's just afraid. No one wants to join the survey corps, unless you're crazy or have a brother who somehow convinced you to join without actually asking. 
The military police is the easy way out. You get paid good, have food, and can stay in the most inner wall. The last place a Titan will reach. 
"That's nice. You want to live in the interior, do you?" 
"Yes," Jean states. 
Keith brings his fist into Jeans chest. Jean collapses to his knees with a grunt. I keep watching, maintaining a expressionless face. 
"No one said to sit! If you can't handle this, Kirschtein, then forget about joining the military police!" Keith walks down a few more people and faces another boy. "What The hell is wrong with you your face, you smiling idiot?" 
"Marco Bodt at your service, sir, from Jinae. South side of Wall Rose. I am to join the Military Police and give life and limb and service to the king." 
The dark haired boy looked sweet. He has freckle spots across his cheeks and nose. There's so much hope in his eyes. That's what mine used to look like. I feel drawn to him for some reason.