[center][url=https://fontmeme.com/fonts/anjelika-rose-font/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200412/c6e06a0221db5f39803a710689855856.png[/img][/url] [h1]&[/h1] [url=https://fontmeme.com/fonts/lossboom-font/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200412/26c2821944a45d2abb93ffdf05de0a76.png[/img][/url][/center]
[hr]

[color=silver]Being tightly packed in a vast group of troops only served to add an element of heat to an uncomfortable scenario. Though it was autumn, the brilliant sun managed to wrap the wannabe soldiers in a suffocating blanket. Sweat was beginning to pool on foreheads, and dribble rapidly down backs. Sly shifting was common among the throng, as almost everyone wished to break formation, but no one wanted to be singled out for their weakness. 

Ezra was no outlier. 

At the very least, his readjustments were subtle. The occasional bend of the knee, and flex of his foot. He was vaguely disappointed in himself. Squirming already? He was sure he could do better...it was just difficult to prove. Slowly, his gaze moved to the right. In his periphery, he was able to catch sight of his sister. Much to his chagrin, she was readily holding her stance. As if she had sensed his stare, her eyes suddenly snapped toward him. 

Elsie offered her brother an inconspicuous, encouraging grin. Without waiting for him to return the smile, she looked away, scanning the empty space in front of her. She did her best not to focus on the sweat collecting in the dip of her back, or the way her bangs clung limply to her forehead. She found strength in knowing she had made it this far without cracking, but as the troop’s common enemy, Maurer, drew near, she was unsure if she’d manage to remain solid. 

Ezra and Elsie waited with bated breath as they were scrutinized. The overbearing presence before them only added to the aching heat. 

[color=D39104][b]"What happened here? Two halves of one useless whole? What in the hells was your mother doing - spitting out two half-baked brats because it was easier than making one decent one? I assume you are twins, that fucking simpleton face being so similar! At least you'll be a better snack for the Titans than one decent soldier."[/b][/color]

Being twins was their biggest shared downfall. There were many individual faults they had to face, but that would require them to see themselves as individuals. Of course, that didn’t mean Elsie registered this. The words simply stung, and while she fought to find some deeper meaning, she was stuck. Her mouth gaped slightly, though she hadn’t a clue what to say.

Maurer looked her dead in the eye, part of him knowing she wouldn’t have the gall. [color=D39104][b]”Have something to say, Cadet?”[/b][/color] His voice was gruff, expectant. Just as he had presumed, she clamped her mouth shut. Not missing a beat, he moved to stand in front of the more gangly blonde. [color=D39104][b]"And what about you? Or are you just as useless as that sackless lump of shit?”[/b][/color]

Ezra straightened, squinting but not daring to blink under the weight of Maurer’s inspection. [color=00ff00][b]”N-No, Sir!”[/b][/color] He managed, sucking in a breath as he waited. 

[color=D39104][b]”Ah, a piece of shit with some backbone.”[/b][/color] Maurer rolled his eyes before turning to address Elsie. [color=D39104][b]”You’ll be proving your worth alongside that other ‘Roger’. Three laps around the parade route once I fall formation. Understood?”[/b][/color]

Elsie nodded slightly, opening her mouth just enough to mumble a, [color=ff00ff][b]”Yes, Sir.[/b]”[/color] It didn’t matter much, though, as Maurer had already moved on to the next sad sap. 

Elsie clenched her jaw, not bothering to look over at her brother. She felt hurt, but figured there should be no hard feelings in the long run. She’d take her laps as punishment for not speaking up first, and the situation would be over. 

Ezra, on the other hand, felt quite pleased with himself. Though it had been at the expense of his sister, he hadn’t been chewed up and spat out as terribly as the others. 
[/color]