At the end of every week, cadets got a rest day. No training, no work, no nothing. It was a precious day of respite in the otherwise grueling life within the walls.
On those days, Kaito often took the opportunity to run away to Trost District and spend the day lazing around and teasing Carla. This particular rest day was no different.
As he strolled into Trost, he couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him, knowing that he could spend some quality time with Carla.
He knew just where to find Carla. Their usual spot was under a sprawling oak tree, its branches offering a comforting shade. Kaito spotted her sitting on the grass, her back against the tree trunk, a contented smile on her face.
Kaito approached, his footsteps making a soft rustle against the fallen leaves. "Hello there"
Carla looked up, her eyes lighting up with warmth at the sight of him. "Kaito," she said, her voice holding a hint of playful exasperation. "You never miss a chance to escape, do you?"
Kaito chuckled, lowering himself to sit beside her. "Why would I, when I have such good company?" He flashed a teasing grin. "Besides, spending time with you is a better use of my rest days than napping all day."
Carla leaned against him, and they both gazed at the clear blue sky peeking through the leaves. "I can't argue with that," she admitted with a soft chuckle.
He couldn't resist pulling Carla into a warm hug, a spontaneous display of affection. He didn't care about the world when he was with her, and she brought out a different side of him.
Carla, though not immune to his charms, blushed slightly at the public display of affection. "You never fail to surprise me, Kaito," she whispered, a playful smile gracing her lips.
Kaito leaned in, their noses almost touching. "What's life without a few surprises?" he replied before planting a soft, lingering kiss on her lips, causing Carla to giggle with a hint of shyness.
They parted, both sporting mischievous grins. "You're impossible," Carla chuckled.
Kaito only winked, knowing that Carla secretly enjoyed the attention. "You know it."
As they strolled through the market square, Kaito continued his playful banter. "I heard the vendors had some fresh apples today. What do you say, my lady? Care for an apple?"
Carla raised an eyebrow. "An apple? That's your idea of a treat?"
Kaito laughed, a rich, melodious sound that attracted curious glances from passersby. "Of course not. How about I treat you to some of that delicious Trost District cake you adore so much?"
Carla's eyes sparkled with delight. "Now that's more like it!"
As they shared cake and small talk, Carla's curiosity got the better of her. "So, how have Eren and Mikasa been? Are they doing okay in their training?"
Kaito's expression softened as he thought of their fellow cadets. "They're both working hard, especially Eren. His determination is admirable. And Mikasa... she's as skilled and focused as ever. I'm sure they'll go far."
Carla nodded a proud glint in her eyes. "I'm glad they have friends like you to watch over them."
Kaito's smile was filled with warmth. "And I'm lucky to have you."
______
Today was the day the cadets eagerly anticipated – ODM gear practice. The training ground was buzzing with excitement as the cadets, clad in their ODM gear, lined up in formation, awaiting their instructor.
In front of them stood Shadis, who wore a stern expression as he assessed the cadets. He cleared his throat and began his explanation, "Omni Directional Maneuverability gear, or as we call it ODM gear in short, is one of our most effective weapons against Titans."
Kaito, standing among the cadets, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. He nudged Sasha, whispering, "Get ready for some ninja-level acrobatics, Sasha. This is going to be epic!"
Sasha grinned in response, her eyes filled with anticipation. The cadets were about to embark on a thrilling journey of mastering the ODM gear, an essential skill for any aspiring member of the Scout Regiment.
Shadis continued with his briefing, "Today, you'll learn the basics of maneuvering with your ODM gear. These devices are crucial for taking on Titans. They allow you to swing through the air with incredible speed and precision, giving you the upper hand in battle."
The cadets listened attentively, eager to get started with the training. Kaito was practically bouncing with excitement, his thoughts filled with images of soaring through the air like a true acrobatic ninja.
Shadis demonstrated how to put on and adjust the ODM gear properly. He emphasized the importance of safety and precision while operating the gear. "Remember," he warned, "improper use of the ODM gear can lead to accidents, so pay attention to every detail."
As the cadets started gearing up, Sasha couldn't help but mutter to Kaito, "Ninjas with rocket-powered grappling hooks. This is going to be wild!"
Kaito chuckled, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Indeed, Sasha. Time to unleash our inner Titans of the Skies!"
The cadets, their ODM gear strapped on, began their first tentative attempts at maneuvering. It wasn't long before the training ground was filled with laughter and shouts as cadets swung, spiraled, and occasionally crashed.
Kaito took to it like a fish to water, his playful demeanor shining as he performed daring flips and spins in the air. It was as if he was born to swing through the skies.
Sasha, on the other hand, had a bit of a rough start but soon got the hang of it. Her determination and enthusiasm drove her to keep trying until she could maneuver smoothly.
Shadis watched as the cadets practiced, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He knew that mastering the ODM gear was no small feat and required dedication. But he also understood the importance of enjoying the journey.
As the sun blazed overhead, the cadets continued their ODM gear practice, embracing the thrill of soaring through the air like nimble warriors, their spirits high, their laughter filling the training ground.
Instructor Shadis watched closely as each candidate armed themselves with the ODM gear and began to familiarize themselves with the equipment. Over the course of the past year and a half, he had conducted in-depth analyses of the top cadets in his charge.
Eren, a passionate and determined cadet, was the first to take action. His fiery spirit and unwavering resolve were evident as he eagerly strapped on the ODM gear. Shadis couldn't help but appreciate Eren's tenacity and fearlessness when it came to facing Titans.
Mikasa, on the other hand, displayed an extraordinary level of skill and precision. Shadis marveled at her exceptional combat abilities, which were honed to perfection. Her agility, strength, and unwavering focus made her one of the top performers in their batch, and she moved through the equipment adjustments with grace and ease.
Annie was next in line, and Shadis couldn't help but admire her calculated approach to the ODM gear. Her ability to strategize and her calm, collected demeanor were clear indicators of her formidable combat prowess. She handled the gear with the same cool composure she exhibited in every aspect of her training.
Shadis appreciated Armin's intellect and strategic thinking, which had proven invaluable to the group. While Armin might not have been the most physically imposing cadet, his quick wit and problem-solving skills more than compensated for it.
As Kaito stepped up to the equipment, Shadis couldn't help but have mixed feelings. He recognized Kaito's extraordinary reflexes and agility, which were assets in Titan combat. However, Kaito's playful nature and tendency to push boundaries had tested Shadis's patience on more than one occasion. Shadis hoped that Kaito would find the discipline and focus necessary for their ODM gear training,
As Instructor Shadis continued his focused analysis of the cadets, his musings were abruptly interrupted by a sudden commotion that echoed through the training grounds. It was a familiar disruption, and this time, Kaito was at the center of it.
Shadis let out an exasperated sigh as he observed the scene unfolding. Kaito was sprinting through the skies at an impressive speed, and Annie, with a murderous look in her eyes, was chasing closely behind him.
The cadets who were busy with their ODM gear training stopped to watch the spectacle.
With a heavy heart, Shadis realized he would need to intervene once more. He shook his head in exhaustion and began to make his way toward the chaotic chase, hoping to put an end to it before it escalated further. The antics of his spirited cadets were testing his patience.