First Step

[Kachi]

Dariyn had never had an issue with getting up early in the mornings. He was always awake before the instructor even bothered to call them when he was still in training, and even on nights where he stayed up late and on days he had permission to sleep in, he was awake and ready for the day at dawn after only a yawn and some quick but thorough stretching. However, that morning he had made a point to be awake particularly early, because it was quite an important day for him. The young man was finally being removed of his title of 'newbie' and would soon be inducted into one of the Scout Regiment's many squadrons. He hadn't been told exactly which one yet. So, as the sun started to show itself over the horizon, Dariyn could only wonder while he brushed his teeth and donned his uniform. A lot of people had strong preferences over which squad they were signed up with, but he never really minded. There were a lot of things he didn't much care about, trivial things like being assigned to a certain squad or being trained by a certain figure. He didn't understand why those things were so important to some people, but he never raised any qualms about it, because he found some semblance of contentment in just watching his fellow cadets fathoming who they could possibly end up working with. It was a lesser worry compared to some of the things they could be chatting about, such as who might lose their life first.


Finishing with his preparations, not long later he was escorted by a senior soldier to the place he was to be meeting his new squad leader. If he was excited, it didn't show on his face, which was calm and maybe even a little guarded, as though his thoughts were a precious collection of items he needed to protect. And there he stood, chin high and back straight, waiting in silence.


@Lycan Queen

 

[Lycan Queen]

Feral took her sweet time rising from bed, never really being in a hurry to meet any schedule. Especially not today. She was supposed to be receiving her subordinate team today but she wasn't expecting anything. She had already decided to show up and dismiss them to be placed under someone else's command. She didn't have anyone in her squad yet and there was a reason why. That damned Levi always snatched up the promising recruits and left her with good for nothing scraps, and from what he had said he didn't even choose anyone from this lot so they must've been doubly useless.


She gave a frustrated growl and stood from her bunk in the Captain's quarters, cracking any part of her body that would and giving an obnoxious yawn as she kicked at a folder in the floor. She was purposely messy to get on Levi's nerves, but he would've already been out and about this morning so there was no sense in causing a scene. She tossed away her sleepwear and starting dressing at a leisurely pace. If she tried to hurry then she usually messed up a button or buckle and ended up breaking it in frustration. The time to meet the squad newbies had passed but she didn't much care as she finished putting on her boots and ran a brush through her thick mass of ebony curls that fell to her ribs in front and lower back contrary wise. With a sigh she equipped herself with the daggers she kept in her boots and belt. "Time to meet the greenhorns..."


The walk to the meeting point was secretly pleasing because the newbies that had already been assigned were gaping at her in awe or surprise. Some recognized her and it was obvious, but others just didn't see a woman of her height of 5'4" and her busty figure being at rank of a captain. She smirked. It was amusing when people underestimated her.


She arrived thirty minutes late but she arrived nonetheless and that's what mattered in her opinion. The majority looked frustrated and she found that funny. Stepping before them she put on her best act, hands behind her back and posture straight. She gave a sweet and gentle smile and addressed her lot as so. "My apologies ex cadets. I've been running a bit late this morning. I hope I didn't make you wait long," she says sweetly.

 

[Kachi]

Dariyn quickly noticed that their soon to be leader was running late. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered what was keeping them, but for the most part he just dismissed the realization and continued quietly waiting. As long as whoever they were arrived, he didn't mind the wait. But if they didn't show up at all, well, that would be a different story, and Dariyn would begin to grow a little concerned. However, he didn't even have the chance to begin thinking about worrying, because a few moments later a woman turned the corner and stood in front of them. He recognized her. She was Feral Smith, as he recalled, one of the strongest members of the Corps and a force to behold in battle, but was also known for having rather troubling luck with gathering her squad together, or at least that was what the rumours would say. He never much listened to gossip, he found something strange about discussing people's faults without them knowing, it made him feel dirty. That would probably be one of the reasons he had issues making friends.


The ex-cadet listened, his calm expression never wavering, as they were addressed by Captain Feral. She had a sweet voice, and seemed apologetic enough for being late, not that he minded the fact in the first place. Of all the times where a soldier absolutely shouldn't cause a delay, this scenario certainly wasn't on the list. Although, he did vaguely notice that he had been standing in the exact same position for a horribly long time, causing an uncomfortable stiffness to settle into his muscles. He moved his arms into a firm salute, then let them hang at his sides, shifting the way his weight was being distributed onto his feet. The movement eased the feeling and he relaxed again, waiting for the woman standing before them to continue addressing them so he could learn what it was he was meant to be doing. He didn't like having nothing to occupy himself with, being completely without objective, to the point that even just being told to shift over a little to the left would have quenched the feeling. So Dariyn was left to ponder silently exactly what was going to be asked of him, and be asked of them as a squad.

 

[Lycan Queen]

Feral watched as only a select few moved to salute her arrival, causing her to mentally growl. Maggots should already know to salute on instinct, yet these had passed from the cadet level and were expected to work under her? Pathetic. She already was fed up with the newbies.


Still smiling sweetly she began pointing to each one who had not saluted to her. "If you don't mind, if I pointed to you could you please move over there?" She pointed to the area to her far right. "And if I didn't point to you could you please move to the opposite area?" She hated keeping up these appearances but the reactions were worth the hassle when she finally stopped. She was all but eager to get through this as soon as possible. She didn't want skill, she wanted manners, respect, and smarts where she didn't have any. She needed someone at the very least that she could trust not to get killed because they had the sense to get out of it. She just had to get through this...


She waited for them to follow her order, not showing her irritation.

 

[Kachi]

Dariyn blinked as the orders were assign. Granted, he had been anxious to receive even a very simple set of orders, but now that he'd been given word of what his was meant to do, it seemed strange. Why was she splitting the group apart? It simply seemed like an odd thing to do, as opposed to perhaps introductions or quick displays of skill, like a lot of the other squad leaders seemed to do upon receiving new members for their squadrons. Nonetheless, not a single complaint would be heard, and the dark-haired male stepped to it, moving over to the area which he had been told to move to. He joined the group of those who weren't pointed at, keeping his warm brown gaze steady on the Captain, awaiting further instruction and also perhaps some explanation as he politely and patiently clasped his hands together behind his back.


He wasn't exactly certain how things like this usually went. Did they take long? Were they complicated or simplistic? What was going to be asked of him? Maybe every squad head did things differently. He would have found interest in that being the case, since the way they treated their recruits would thus be a fair display of their personality, and if Dariyn wanted anything, it was to understand each and every one of his team mates, leader included. How else would he be able to work with them?

 

[Lycan Queen]

She waited until they were separated by a considerable distance so no mistakes would be made. Good, now she could finally narrow things down. They were about half an half now at least. "Alright, the group that I pointed to may now leave," she says calmly, still smiling. She immediately got protests and concerns voiced quite loudly. She didn't let it sway her though. "Your lack of respect means you're not fit to be bait for the Titans," she coos. "So why on earth would I keep trash at my side? Because you disgust me so, you'll be passed on to one of these lesser captains. I have no interest in your god forsaken carcasses." Each word was dripping with disgust but came out in the sickliest sweet of tones, which only seemed more frightening. Even the others who were above the greenhorns and were already officials under their own captains shuddered at her lack of empathy towards the soldiers before her.


"Are you still here? Beat it already. Or I may kill you myself."

 

[Kachi]

Dariyn watched the sudden change in the Captain's attitude with an unchanging look on his face, although perhaps a bit of confusion showed through as his brows furrowed. He understood now, this was her way of weeding out the people who weren't worthy. He knew well that some people simply weren't fit for the battle field, and he could understand that the higher-ups didn't want to waste their time with people like that. But what confused him was her odd tone. Saying something so grim in such a kind voice, was it meant to be intimidating? Looking briefly around at the others, they looked like their nerves had been put on edge by the woman's words, so perhaps that was the goal she was trying to achieve. But it didn't frighten him. It was just a little weird to his ears, like if someone angrily shouted at you saying that they loved you. The words and the tone couldn't coexist in his mind.


He brushed away his trivial, unimportant thoughts about the manner in which she was addressing the other new soldiers, and he continued to simply watch.

 

[Lycan Queen]

With the soldiers cut in half now, she gave an excited smirk. She dropped her arms to her sides and changed her posture completely. She was standoffish, as if any moves towards her would be immediately met with hostility. She stomped violently, her expression becoming the opposite of what it had been previously. "Alright you maggots! You're here because you have some semblance of professionalism that I want in my subordinates. But don't think for a single second that you've made it! You're not completely hopeless but you're still nothing but Titan shit at this point!" she shouts loudly. "Single file line! NOW! If I have to ask twice it won't be the Titans you'll have to worry about eating you alive! MOVE!" This was her next test. She refused to have anyone who pissed their pants serving under her. She would at least best Levi in that. The obvious terror she instilled was a bonus, but she didn't expect anyone to be fearless. She was just seeing which had balls, which had experience with Titans, and which were cowards who didn't know what they'd gotten themselves into.

 

[Kachi]

Now this made more sense to Dariyn. Shouting and cursing were two things that definitely went hand in hand. Blinking a few times in surprise, the young male hastily obeyed the order, shuffling into a haphazardly built line with the rest of the recruits. He still didn't appear very shaken. One thing he excelled at was hiding how he felt, or perhaps he was quite simply unfeeling. A better way to put it might be that he didn't understand his own emotions and had trouble displaying them. But even if that was or wasn't the case, he still didn't find this Captain to be very intimidating. He was used to being ordered around like this after a long few years in the Training Corps, after all. All the veterans running that corps seemed to be irritable and loud, so he adapted to it, and it didn't bother him very much. He shuffled into line within a matter of seconds and waited to see what happened next.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She glared with a small smirk on her lips, watching the lot scramble into a single file line. Some automatically stumbling and others puking from the sudden hostility. She approached the three who fit into these categories. "You! Out!" They stammered their 'yes ma'am' sand bolted like hell out of there, her group dwindling even more. One looked especially angry however, like he hated authority as was and her harsh rule pissed him off. "You got a problem fuck face?!" she snaps, her face inches from his even though she was several inches shorter.


The male gritted his teeth, as if debating to voice his opinion. She smirked sadistically, daring him to speak. Eventually he couldn't take it and lost his cool. "Y-you're not even giving anyone a chance!" he shouts. She deepens her smile, tilting her head so that the light hit it just right and the red tint to her eyes could be seen.


"Not giving anyone a chance huh? Fair enough." She pulls a dagger from her belt and tosses it to him as she backs up, making him catch it clumsily by the handle. "If you're so big and bad then give it your best shot! Prove me wrong and I'll personally make you my lieutenant!" she taunts. She was unarmed, holding her hands up in proof. He looked like the stupid type and that was just fine for her. Without thinking it through, the taller male charged her with blade pointed at her large chest, yelling to himself in encouragement. She laughed, stepping to the side at the last moment and ramming her knee into his stomach, sending him doubling over and dropping the knife. She whirled and dragged her leg behind his into the backs of his knees, bringing her elbow down on throat as he fell back. Blood and saliva shot from his mouth as he hit the ground violently. Even as he tried to catch his breath she didn't stop, her foot kicking him in the ribs and flipping him onto his side opposite her. She continued kicking and stomping on him with a smirk that mirrored her obvious enthusiasm to the man whimpering and coughing at her feet.


"Talk shit all you want, but if you can't back it up you may as well drop dead to save the Titans the trouble." She delivered one last violent kick to his face, leaving him bloody and beaten on the ground as she looked to the rest. "Any of you still want to get bold?" She loved how visibly terrified they were. "Any of you that still want to stay and serve under me can, but if you want out now is the time to leave." Two soldiers had come to retrieve the man she had beaten, others watching after him and shaking. Several stepped out of line and backed away, signaling they would leave. Which left her with three people.

 

[Kachi]

And the woman chose to terrify the cadets even further, continuing with the new routine of cursing at them, even going as far as to beat up one of the particularly brave men who were standing with them. He didn't know why anyone would bother putting up a fight. He had the feeling Captain Feral knew quite well what she was doing. She seemed like the type to know how to work her subordinates. She was probably just weeding out the unworthy, sending them to someone of a lower status. For someone of her rank, Dariyn could understand such an action, though he did feel quite bad for everyone she had sent running with their tails between their legs. Oh well, it would probably be better for them to be assigned to a gentler leader, regardless of how well their training would proceed because of it. Sure, they weren't cadets any more, but the training wasn't done. They still had plenty to learn about the Corps and how it functioned. Each member of each different branch would be undergoing different teachings. Looking around, and realizing that only three people were left standing with him, he wondered how well the group of them would work, assuming the rest of them had the guts to stay around.


Dariyn clearly hadn't been phased. He stood tall and still in a respectful position, and was mostly lacking expression, apart from the faint hint of sympathy lingering in his eyes. He had the chance to leave and serve under someone else, but for the time being, he was interested in the person standing before him, and wanted to see what would come of working with her.

 

[Lycan Queen]

The woman who's name fit her personality gave a huff as she placed a hand on her hip, her eyes glaring into the remaining few. Honestly she was surprised this many were still here, an unusual turn out compared to her usual picks. She didn't have a squad because she was picky about who she surrounded herself with, and here were three greenhorns that dared look her direction and not move. On in particular of the three seemed especially emotionless, and now that she thought about she had yet to see him make any sort of rational reaction to any of her usual methods. He didn't seem cold hearted, just indifferent. Her dark red gaze settled on him for an extended period of time, assessing him with a judgmental glare. To keep up appearances she did this with each of the three, one gulping and the other tensing in a very noticeable manner.


"Tch, pathetic," she spat. The remaining had obviously seen Titans at least once, but that only made them above lesser cadets. They still weren't special. The one brunette though had caught her eye. Something wasn't quite normal about him, and like with Titans, abnormals were often fun because you never knew what to expect. She gave it some though before picking up the dagger the other recruit had dropped during his assault, using her jacket to clean the blade of dirt.


Without warning she threw the weapon at the soldier in question, the blade only nicking his cheek and trimming a few hairs from his bangs before slowing and digging into the earth several yards behind him. Now how would he react was the question.

 

[Kachi]

It wasn't long before he found that she was staring at him, fixating him with her dark, assessing glare, and he returned the look with an air of scepticism, eyes narrowing slightly and jaw setting, wondering if he had perhaps done something wrong. He hoped he was doing everything as she wanted. He felt like he was doing a good job, he'd feel bad if he was doing something against her wishes without realizing. However, before long, her gaze shifted, moving along to the other two remaining, and he was content thinking that she had simply been eyeing him, sizing him up, even though the connotations one might be irked by along with that were still present. She didn't seem very pleased with the results of this observation, as evidenced by the grumpy comment that followed.


And then she was picking up a dagger, and suddenly, that dagger was being thrown directly at him. He promptly stiffened up, keeping his head still, not daring to shift for fear of getting more than just a nick on the cheek, refusing the urge to turn his head and watch the blade. He felt it glide past his face and as it passed, a few newly trimmed hairs fell to the ground and a single drop of blood dripped down his face. Brows furrowing, he looked up at Feral, head tilted. "I'm sorry, Captain, if I was meant to catch that," he spoke up, looking and sounding quite sincere with his apology. He hadn't been expecting such an event, but his natural reflexes and instincts at least allowed him to get away with only a minor scratch, one that was already sealing up.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She gave a wide smirk as she got the results she wanted. He didn't move a muscle, didn't flinch, didn't even turn to look at the blade once it had passed. A drop of blood trickled down his cheek and she found herself actually cramping from amusement. The two other recruits gaped at him, only intensifying when he gave her a sincere and nonchalant apology as if he had done something wrong. She couldn't help but chuckle, and the amusement only grew until she was genuinely laughing a bell sweet tone. The ones around her looked at her as if she were insane and she probably was in all honesty, she was more animal than human at heart after all. Not even Levi would've stood still for that throw, especially if she was the one throwing a knife at him. He looked to be a young adult, not much younger than her maybe but taller. This guy had a talent. She wasn't sure what yet other than simply not giving a damn, but it was there in the way he so simply wanted forgiveness for an expectation she never had.


"You. And you. Feel free to go find Captain Hange, tell her I sent you. You're not quite my types but you'll do just fine with that weirdo." The two exchanged glances and saluted before leaving quietly with confused looks. All that was left was her only remaining pick. "Name soldier. Now," she says with a smirk.

 

[Kachi]

She was...laughing? Now Dairyn really didn't understand what was happening. Did he do bad? Good? Looking around him once more, the other two ex-cadets were leaving the area. He watched them walk away for a few short moments, frowning in thought, and then he snapped back to attention when his name was requested. Well, she was speaking to him, and it looked as though he would be the sole soldier she didn't intend to dump in the arms of some other Captain. So he must have done alright then, right? Saluting as he responded to the Captain's question, he said in a simple tone, one that wasn't quiet but certainly wasn't loud either. "Dariyn Karmirhue, ma'am." He had noticed over the years that people tended to get confused about his name a lot. It was kind of long and awkward to spell. A lot of fellow trainees just called him 'that kid', or if they were friends, 'Dar'. He never minded any of the various nicknames he received, it was all the same to him. Someone could have called him 'Fuckface' and he wouldn't have batted an eye.


Remembering once again that he was alone, he wondered exactly how big Feral's squad was. Evidently, she was picky about who she worked with, so he doubted there would be very many other people in her squadron. He was interested then, pondering over what life was going to be like from then on out, primarily questioning the social aspects of his life in that particular moment.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She took in his monotonous reply in with a smirk, circling him as he stood at attention in a salute. She was taking her time now that she had taken an interest in someone for once, sizing him up and getting an idea of where his strengths lied. She gripped his forearm and gave a firm squeeze, getting an idea of his physique. She tapped the insides of his feet with her boot to test his general balance and sturdiness. Overall he wasn't extraordinary but he was a decent find. Not heavy and brawny but not feather light. He'd be fast and aerodynamic and still have the strength to make clean cuts on a Titan. She ran a finger over the place where she had cut him, collecting the blood and licking it from her finger as she did one more circle around him. "Graduation ranking?" she asks firmly, gripping his hair from below and turning his head in every direction as she examined him. She couldn't get over that constantly stoicism, it was mind boggling how one person could feel so little.

 

[Kachi]

Dairyn started to feel a little uncomfortable as she started to invade his personal space, prodding him and pulling on him and examining his build, trying to search out his strengths and weaknesses. But he didn't raise a fuss about it, only shifting a little, feeling the need to move to chase off the uncertainty floating around in his chest. He was asked a question while she was turning his head in every direction she could manage, and he watched her, almost feeling like a dog who was being forced to let a child climb all over him. He tried to recall what his graduation ranking had been. He couldn't exactly remember. He certainly hadn't been among the top five, but he thought he could remember being placed among the top ten. Then he remembered and he gently tried to move his head in her direction although she still had a firm grip on his dark locks. "I was eighth," he spoke, nodding. He could remember being praised for his wit and speed, although he was only placed in eighth because he didn't have exceptional battle prowess by any means.

 

[Lycan Queen]

Not the best but eighth was better than eighteenth. Top ten was good for any cadet and it was even more praise worthy when those chose to join the Scouts instead of the Military Police. She released his head and gave him a hard elbow to the side, not aggressively but just harder than a normal one. She wasn't one for restraint even when being 'gentle'.


"Not terrible. Age?" she continues. She retrieved her dagger once more and wiped it on her pants before shoving it into her belt. She needed to keep a better eye on those things. She only had the few and she often ended hurting someone if she left them lying around. She waved off the other soldiers that had been watching over the cadets and gave a bored yawn, starting to leave. She expected him to follow after her without saying a word to hint at it, though she probably should have. Obviously though he would need to to continue answering her questions and receive orders. She wondered how her rival would react to her finally getting a subordinate for her nonexistent squadron.

 

[Kachi]

"I'm twenty," Dariyn answered after regaining his balance, having stumbled a little when she elbowed him in the side. Already, one of his go-to words for describing her would have to be 'rough'. She didn't seem to bother restraining herself at all when it came to her physical gestures. He was a little worried for his health, he decided, hoping he would never end up doing something to tick her off or provoke her into hurting him. He did indeed begin to trail after her when she started walking away. Why wouldn't he have? he hadn't received any instructions telling him to do otherwise, so he figured she wasn't done speaking with him yet. Besides, he had no idea what he would do even if he didn't follow. He had no purpose. He didn't like not having anything to do. So he quietly followed along behind her, steps light and moving at a pace that matched Feral's.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She nodded. So he was five years younger. She'd guessed fairly well. They passed the training area where some newbies were being pitted against eachother. She was kind of tempted to throw him in with one or two but decided against it. He was eighth so he wasn't the best, and he probably didn't rank because of his hand to hand combat skills. So far he hadn't made a single protest against her and she liked that. A submissive underling was exactly what she wanted. Someone who would follow orders and not talk back while also holding their own and not complaining or showing weakness. She put an arm out in front of him as one cadet was thrown across their path, stopping him from walking into the human projectile. "Reasons for joining the Survey Corps?" This was probably the most important question in her opinion. Why any sane person would willingly sign up to take on an inhuman foe that lived only to devour the human race. "Be honest, because I'll know if you bullshit me." She gives him a dead serious glare as she starts forward again, an almost predatory interest behind her eyes.

 

[Kachi]

Dariyn turned his head to look at the training area as they passed, watching the soldiers spar with mild interest. His weaknesses most definitely lied in combat, so he had quite the intent to learn everything he could and surpass that weakness. He was worried he wouldn't be useful if he didn't, and being without use was one of the young man's biggest fears. He wanted to be kept busy, or he'd be susceptible to losing his sanity. It was simply a necessity for him. The thought made him feel uneasy, so he pushed it away. Besides, he had been asked another question. He thought about said question for a few long moments, as he wasn't entirely sure about his answer right off the bat. After taking a few seconds to mull over it, though, he came up with his answer. "When I learned about this Corps, and how it possesses such a strong spirit, such a strong will to keep fighting against such high odds, it inspired me. I wanted to help the people here achieve their goals in any way I could. The people here are admirable to lay down their lives for such a beautiful cause." Hoping that was satisfactory, he looked over at Feral, searching her face for some sign of approval.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She turned towards the Captain's quarters and yawned as he spoke, the noble intentions boring her to her disappointment. "Lame," she mumbles. She was hoping to get one of the brats Levi brought in, the ones that wanted to eliminate Titans from existence. Oh well, she'd have to put fire in the guy's soul.


"Well, the good news for you Fuckface is that you're officially the only one worth wasting my time on. You'll be pushed harder than any other person here because I don't settle for second best. If there's one thing you will do its be better than that asshat Levi's squad. Which by the way is a tall order because as of now you are my squad. Congrats Lieutenant." She walks into one of the tents they had set up here for the night and sits down at the desk she had claimed as hers, boot clad feet kicking up on the desk. "You do everything I say. If I say ram a stick up a Titan's ass you say how far? If I tell you to sacrifice yourself for the sake of the mission you do so. Under no circumstances are you to play hero. Only save the savable, otherwise they're dead as is. Now you will eventually die in this Regiment, whether you end up in the pit of a Titan or under my boot is your choice but I promise it will be either or. Knowing this do you accept the duty given to you? If not then get the fuck out."

 

[Kachi]

Dariyn was a little disappointed by the boredom she showed in response to his explanation, but he brushed it off soon after.


Following her into the tent, he stood at attention in front of the desk and listened to her talk. He was caught up when she called him Lieutenant. So was he actually the only member of her squad at the point? He wasn't sure if he wanted to be proud or worried. Probably worried. He suddenly felt like he had quite the amount of expectations to live up to, and she clarified that point with her strict speech. He was willing to accept the burden of responsibility though, he had prepared himself for it a long time ago. Firmly, he nodded. "Yes, I accept, ma'am. I'll follow your orders to the line, and I'll strive only for the best."


One thing he understood especially well was that he was inevitably going to die on the battlefield. It was unavoidable. But he never seemed bothered by the prospect of death. He lost his parents as a young age and just accepted it as a normal factor of life since then. It happened to everyone and it wasn't something to be scared of, it was something to stand up to, something to bare your teeth against until your last moments, in which you calmly accepted its embrace. That was life. But until that end, he had a goal, and that goal was to prove to Captain Feral that he was capable of serving her every whim.

 

[Lycan Queen]

She gave a small smirk at his response, twirling a strand of her long ebony curls around her finger as she eyed him once more. He was certainly obedient. She liked obedient men, easy to handle and loyal to the end. She actually laughs to herself. "I might grow to like you... Fuckface." She pulls a canteen from her desk and takes a swig, offering it to him with a particular look that said he was lucky she was in a good mood, otherwise she would never share with a subordinate. "So, as for being my Lieutenant, you answer to me before all others. You share nothing with anyone but me, not even higher ranking officers. The only exception is Commander Erwin for obvious reasons. Not only are you loyal to me, you're loyal to the Scouts and furthermore Erwin Smith. If it comes down to it you listen to him over me. Understand that. I hate to say it but Captian Levi is next under that ranking. He's lower than me, but if I'm not around he probably knows what he's doing." The resentment was apparent in her voice as she said that. She hated the guy yet had no choice but to respect him. They were practically equals and she couldn't deny that. Plus the Commander trusted him dearly.


"Anyway, any questions?"

 

[Kachi]

Well, it was a good thing he didn't mind weird nicknames. The Captain already seemed to have grown quite fond of calling him 'Fuckface'. Although now he would be prone to confusion if she ever used it to refer to anyone else insultingly, he didn't seem bothered at all by being called by such a vulgar name. When he was offered a canteen, he took it, handling it carefully. "Is it water?" he asked, tentative. He had learned that many soldiers like to walk around with alcohol hanging from their belts as opposed to water, and he didn't want to take the risk, since he didn't much like anything about booze. Before he could receive an answer, though, she began speaking again, so he just held onto it while he listened. What she said wasn't too interesting, he had already figured out the basic hierarchy for himself and he knew how to follow it. "I understand." He could detect the resentment she spitefully used in her tone and wondered what she had against Captain Levi. He seemed to be a strong, respectable person. But who was he to know about someone he had never met? Perhaps the two of them shared a history he would never learn. Removed from his idle pondering as he received an inquiry, he thought about what he might want to ask her. "Hm... Well, a rough idea of my schedule would be appreciated, and I'd also like to know of the whereabouts of my sleeping quarters."