Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Training
"You brats think you can join the Survey Corps just like this?" Levi snapped his fingers, glaring at the users standing before him. "It's true, we need soldiers, but the lot of you have had absolutely no training and that will only slow us down." His stare only seemed to intensify. "Today I'll decide who's strong enough to stay...and who isn't."

The group stood in the spacious backyard of the castle, anxiously awaiting whatever sort of test Levi had invented. The morning sun shone brightly down on them, but none of the teens looked happy. Bgirlabby and Satoshi looked depressed. Madkat and Niko looked like they hadn't slept at all the previous night. Batgirl and Von looked nervous, and Aravis was unreadable.

"You, come here," Levi commanded, beckoning to Madkat. Mad cautiously stepped forward. He towered over the corporal by at least a foot, but that didn't make him feel any less intimidated. Without warning Levi's fist whipped forward and struck him directly in the chest. He stumbled backwards, coughing and swearing. levi let out a hiss of disapproval. "If you can't block me, do you think you could take on a titan?"

Mad scowled. "Titans tend to have a more accessible weak spot than tiny midgets like-" He was cut off as a boot met his shin with frightening strength. "Watch your mouth," Levi snarled as Mad limped back to the group. Only Niko noticed the way his jaw clenched and his eyes glimmered with anger. She shook her head as if warning him.

One by one Levi called the users forward, questioned them, and struck them. By the time Aravis came up, he appeared tired of the routine. But her own bored expression seemed to spark his interest. You're different, aren't you?" he asked, circling her slowly. She only glared at him. He threw a quick punch, but she caught his wrist before he came close to making contact.

Levi smirked. "I'll train you myself," he said decidedly. Batty began clapping proudly, and soon the rest of the group joined in. Abby was the only exception; she stalked off angrily.

Next time: Decisions